King James Version

What Does John 20:11 Mean?

John 20:11 in the King James Version says “But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,” — study this verse from John chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,”

John 20:11 · KJV

Context

9

For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

10

Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

11

But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

12

And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

13

And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping (Μαρία δὲ εἱστήκει πρὸς τῷ μνημείῳ ἔξω κλαίουσα, Maria de heistēkei pros tō mnēmeiō exō klaiousa)—the pluperfect 'stood' (εἱστήκει, heistēkei) suggests she had been standing there throughout the disciples' visit, a statue of grief. Weeping (κλαίουσα, klaiousa)—strong emotional weeping, not quiet tears. The present participle shows ongoing action: she kept weeping.

As she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre—repeating John's earlier action (v.5) but with different motive: not investigating evidence but mourning loss. Her persistence where others departed positions her for greater revelation. Love's tenacity exceeds curiosity's engagement—she cannot leave while her Lord's body remains missing. This devotion, not intellectual superiority, makes her the first resurrection witness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish mourning customs included loud lamentation, especially for honored dead. Mary's weeping wasn't merely emotional but culturally appropriate ritual expression. Women often performed mourning roles professionally. Her status as a former demoniac (Luke 8:2) whom Jesus healed may have intensified her devotion—she owed him everything. Culturally, her testimony would carry no legal weight, making Jesus's choice to appear to her first a radical reversal of social hierarchies.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does persistent, emotional devotion position Mary for revelation that theological investigation (Peter and John) did not produce?
  2. What does Jesus's choice to appear first to a woman—whose testimony was legally inadmissible—teach about God's values versus culture's?
  3. When has your refusal to leave a place of grief or confusion prepared you for unexpected encounter with Jesus?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Μαρία1 of 15

“Mary”

G3137

maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females

δὲ2 of 15

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἱστήκει3 of 15

“stood”

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

πρὸς4 of 15

“at”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸ5 of 15
G3588

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

μνημεῖον6 of 15

“the sepulchre”

G3419

a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)

ἔκλαιεν7 of 15

“she wept”

G2799

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

ἔξω8 of 15

“without”

G1854

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively

ὡς9 of 15

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

οὖν10 of 15

“and”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἔκλαιεν11 of 15

“she wept”

G2799

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

παρέκυψεν12 of 15

“she stooped down”

G3879

to bend beside, i.e., lean over (so as to peer within)

εἰς13 of 15

“and looked into”

G1519

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

τὸ14 of 15
G3588

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

μνημεῖον15 of 15

“the sepulchre”

G3419

a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)

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 20:11 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 20:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 20:5

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