King James Version

What Does John 20:16 Mean?

John 20:16 in the King James Version says “Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.” — study this verse from John chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 20:16 · KJV

Context

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.

17

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

18

Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus saith unto her, Mary. One word shatters Mary's darkness: her own name, spoken in the familiar voice of her Teacher. The power lies not in the word itself but in the Speaker—the Good Shepherd who "calleth his own sheep by name" (John 10:3). Recognition comes through personal address; Jesus doesn't explain the resurrection or offer evidence, but simply speaks her name with resurrection authority.

She turned herself—the Greek strapheisa (στραφεῖσα) indicates decisive turning, perhaps suggesting she had turned away in her grief, or that she now turns fully to face Him with new understanding. Her response—Rabboni (Ῥαββουνί, rabbouni)—represents the Aramaic intensive form of "rabbi," meaning "my great master" or "my dear teacher." This deeply personal address (note the possessive) expresses both reverence and intimate relationship. John translates for Greek readers: "which is to say, Master" (didaskalos, διδάσκαλος)—the same title used throughout Jesus's earthly ministry. Mary's Christology will grow, but this moment captures pure recognition: death hasn't ended their relationship; her Teacher lives.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The preservation of the Aramaic word "Rabboni" in John's Greek Gospel demonstrates the eyewitness nature of his account—he remembers Mary's exact words in her native language. Aramaic was the common language of first-century Judea, while Greek served as the lingua franca of the Roman Empire. Jesus and His disciples typically spoke Aramaic in daily conversation, though Jesus likely knew Hebrew (for synagogue Scripture reading) and possibly Greek.

The rabbi-disciple relationship in Second Temple Judaism involved deep personal attachment. Disciples didn't merely learn content but imitated their rabbi's entire way of life. Mary's use of "Rabboni" reflects this relationship and her recognition that Jesus's death hasn't severed their bond. Her immediate recognition upon hearing her name spoken in familiar tones parallels ancient near Eastern shepherding practices where sheep recognized their shepherd's voice among many.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that Jesus knows and calls you by name, and how should this shape your relationship with Him?
  2. How does Mary's immediate recognition of Jesus's voice challenge or encourage your ability to discern Christ's leading?
  3. Why does personal encounter with the risen Christ matter more than mere intellectual assent to resurrection doctrine?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
λέγεται1 of 13

“herself and saith”

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

αὐτῷ2 of 13

“unto 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

ὃ3 of 13
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 13

“Jesus”

G2424

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

Μαρία5 of 13

“Mary”

G3137

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

στραφεῖσα6 of 13

“turned”

G4762

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

ἐκείνη7 of 13

“She”

G1565

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

λέγεται8 of 13

“herself and saith”

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

αὐτῷ9 of 13

“unto 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

Ῥαββουνί10 of 13

“Rabboni”

G4462

corresponding to g4461

ὃ11 of 13

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

λέγεται12 of 13

“herself and saith”

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

Διδάσκαλε13 of 13

“Master”

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

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 20:16 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 20:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 10:3John 1:38John 1:49John 11:281 Samuel 3:10Exodus 33:17

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