King James Version

What Does John 20:18 Mean?

John 20:18 in the King James Version says “Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.” — study this verse from John chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 20:18 · KJV

Context

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.

19

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

20

And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

Read John 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord—Mary obeys Christ's commission immediately, becoming the first evangelist of resurrection. The Greek verb angelousa (ἀγγέλλουσα, "told/announced") shares roots with angelos (messenger/angel), highlighting her role as heaven's messenger bearing divine news. Her testimony contains two elements: personal encounter ("she had seen the Lord") and authoritative message ("he had spoken these things unto her").

John's emphasis on "the Lord" (ton kyrion, τὸν κύριον) rather than "Jesus" marks a theological shift. "Lord" acknowledges Jesus's divine authority, resurrection vindication, and exalted status—anticipating Thomas's climactic confession "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). Mary's testimony moves from grief-stricken searching (v.15) to confident proclamation. True witness combines personal experience ("I have seen") with faithfulness to Christ's words ("he had spoken these things"). The other Gospels record the disciples' skeptical response (Mark 16:11, Luke 24:11), but John focuses on Mary's faithfulness to deliver the message regardless of reception.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mary's role as first witness fulfills Jesus's earlier promise that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27). Early Christian preaching, as seen in Acts and Paul's letters, consistently emphasized resurrection appearances as foundational evidence (Acts 2:32, 3:15, 1 Corinthians 15:5-8). While Paul's list of witnesses in 1 Corinthians 15 omits women (likely due to cultural prejudices about testimony), the Gospel writers faithfully record women as first witnesses despite potential embarrassment to male-dominated culture.

The church fathers honored Mary Magdalene's unique role. Hippolytus (3rd century) called her "apostle to the apostles." Eastern Orthodox tradition celebrates her as "equal to the apostles." However, later Western tradition unfortunately conflated her with the sinful woman of Luke 7:36-50 and Mary of Bethany—a confusion not supported by Scripture and corrected in modern scholarship. The historical Mary was a devoted disciple whose testimony launched the apostolic proclamation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Mary's faithful witness despite potential skepticism model courage in sharing your testimony of Christ?
  2. What is the relationship between personal encounter with Christ and authoritative gospel proclamation?
  3. Why is Christ's resurrection the foundation of Christian faith, and how does this shape evangelistic priority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἔρχεται1 of 15

“came”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Μαρία2 of 15

“Mary”

G3137

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

ἡ3 of 15
G3588

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

Μαγδαληνὴ4 of 15

“Magdalene”

G3094

a female magdalene, i.e., inhabitant of magdala

ἀπαγγέλλουσα5 of 15

“and told”

G518

to announce

τοῖς6 of 15
G3588

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

μαθηταῖς7 of 15

“the disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

ὅτι8 of 15

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἑώρακεν9 of 15

“she had seen”

G3708

by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear

τὸν10 of 15
G3588

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

κύριον11 of 15

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

καὶ12 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

ταῦτα13 of 15

“these things”

G5023

these things

εἶπεν14 of 15

“that he had spoken”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῇ15 of 15

“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

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 20:18 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 20:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 24:10Matthew 28:10John 20:1Mark 16:10-13Luke 24:22-23

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