King James Version

What Does John 19:27 Mean?

John 19:27 in the King James Version says “Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. — study this verse from John chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

John 19:27 · KJV


Context

25

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. Cleophas: or, Clopas

26

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

27

Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

28

After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

29

Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus tells John, 'Behold thy mother!' John immediately accepts this commission: 'from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.' This exemplifies Christian responsibility—John didn't hesitate or delay but immediately cared for Mary. The phrase 'his own home' shows personal, intimate care, not distant provision. This creates a new family dynamic: spiritual relationships supersede biological ones in the kingdom. John's obedience models Christian duty to care for those entrusted to us.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Tradition holds that John cared for Mary in Ephesus until her death. The early church saw this as establishing principles for caring for widows and the vulnerable. John's Gospel uniquely records this detail, suggesting personal significance—he fulfilled this duty faithfully.

Reflection Questions

  1. What vulnerable people has God placed in your sphere of responsibility?
  2. How can the church better demonstrate this kind of practical, immediate care for others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
εἶτα1 of 20

Then

G1534

a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover

λέγει2 of 20

saith he

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

τῷ3 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθητὴς4 of 20

that disciple

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

Ἰδού,5 of 20

Behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

6 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μήτηρ7 of 20

mother

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

σου8 of 20

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ9 of 20

! And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπ'10 of 20

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἐκείνης11 of 20

that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

τῆς12 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὥρας13 of 20

hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἔλαβεν14 of 20

took

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

αὐτὴν15 of 20

her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

16 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθητὴς17 of 20

that disciple

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

εἰς18 of 20

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰ19 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἴδια20 of 20

his own

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 19:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 19:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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