King James Version

What Does John 20:14 Mean?

John 20:14 in the King James Version says “And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.” — study this verse from John chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.”

John 20:14 · KJV

Context

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.

14

And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

15

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

16

Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
She turned herself back (ἐστράφη εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω, estraphē eis ta opisō)—perhaps hearing movement behind her, or prompted by the angels' gaze past her. The passive voice may suggest divine orchestration of this pivot point. And saw Jesus standing (θεωρεῖ τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἑστῶτα, theōrei ton Iēsoun hestōta)—she observes him standing there (perfect participle suggests he'd been there), yet knew not that it was Jesus (οὐκ ᾔδει ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστιν, ouk ēdei hoti Iēsous estin).

Why didn't she recognize him? Tear-blurred vision, dim morning light, and supernatural prevention (Luke 24:16 suggests Jesus sometimes controlled recognition) all contribute. But primarily: she's looking for a corpse, not seeking a risen Lord. Our expectations shape perception—she literally cannot see what she believes impossible. The next verses show recognition comes through relationship (hearing her name, v.16), not just visual evidence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The verb 'turned back' may indicate she turned from looking into the tomb (where angels sat) to look outside, toward the garden. Garden tombs often had chambers with benches where bodies were prepared before final burial. Jesus standing in the garden fulfills the imagery of Song of Solomon (the seeking bride) and Genesis 3 (the Last Adam in the garden where the first Adam fell). That Mary mistakes him for the gardener (v.15) has theological irony—he is the true Gardener of new creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do your expectations about what Jesus should be doing prevent you from recognizing his actual presence?
  2. Why does resurrection recognition require more than physical sight—what kind of 'seeing' does it demand?
  3. What does Mary's failure to recognize Jesus teach about the resurrection body's continuity and discontinuity with his pre-resurrection body?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

ταῦτα2 of 19

“thus”

G5023

these things

εἰποῦσα3 of 19

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἐστράφη4 of 19

“she turned”

G4762

to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively)

εἰς5 of 19

“herself”

G1519

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

τὰ6 of 19
G3588

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

ὀπίσω7 of 19

“back”

G3694

to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)

καὶ8 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

θεωρεῖ9 of 19

“saw”

G2334

to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))

τὸν10 of 19
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς11 of 19

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἑστῶτα12 of 19

“standing”

G2476

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

καὶ13 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

οὐκ14 of 19

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ᾔδει15 of 19

“knew”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι16 of 19

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὁ17 of 19
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς18 of 19

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐστιν19 of 19

“it was”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

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 20:14 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 20:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 24:16John 21:4Matthew 28:9Mark 16:9Song of Solomon 3:3-4John 8:59

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