FocusWitness to the burial cloths
Connection to the wholeMary's report brings Peter and the other disciple to the tomb, where what they see begins the chapter's movement toward resurrection faith.
interpretation John 20:1
KJVThe first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
Read it in context
The empty tomb examined
Start reading at John 20:1 (John 20:1 to John 20:10).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Mary's report brings Peter and the other disciple to the tomb, where what they see begins the chapter's movement toward resurrection faith.
- 20:1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
- 20:2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the LORD out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
- 20:3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.
- 20:4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
- 20:5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
- 20:6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
- 20:7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
- 20:8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
- 20:9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.
- 20:10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 20:1–20:31): Mary Magdalene, Peter, the beloved disciple, the gathered disciples, and later Thomas receive evidence of Jesus' resurrection and encounter Him. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The empty tomb examined. Read John 20:1 through John 20:10 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Mary's report brings Peter and the other disciple to the tomb, where what they see begins the chapter's movement toward resurrection faith. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The empty tomb examined (John 20:1 to John 20:10). Start reading at John 20:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 20:1, John 20:10, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Other accounts of this event
The discovery of the empty tomb
Parallel accounts
The accounts differ in the people and details they emphasize. This link identifies the shared event without constructing a combined chronology.
Related passages
- first John 20:19,26 Acts 20:7 1 Cor 16:2 Rev 1:10
- cometh Matt 28:1-10 Mark 16:1-2,9
- the stone Matt 27:60,64-66 Mark 15:46
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 20
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
Jesus appears to Mary
John 20:11–18FocusRecognition and announcement
Connection to the wholeJesus makes Himself known to Mary and sends her to the disciples with His message.
interpretation Jesus and the gathered disciples
John 20:19–29FocusPeace, sending, and belief
Connection to the wholeThe appearances address fear and Thomas' demand to see, joining the risen Lord's presence with commission and a blessing on those who believe without seeing.
interpretation The purpose of the written signs
John 20:30–31FocusLife through His name
Connection to the wholeThe stated purpose explains why the signs have been selected and directs the reader toward believing Jesus' identity and receiving life through His name.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.