King James Version

What Does John 20:2 Mean?

John 20:2 in the King James Version says “Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have... — study this verse from John chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

John 20:2 · KJV


Context

1

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

2

Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

3

Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

4

So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
She runneth (τρέχει, trechei)—present tense conveys breathless urgency. Mary reports to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved—John's characteristic self-reference, written with humility decades later. The pairing echoes their partnership throughout the passion narrative (13:23-24, 18:15-16).

They have taken away the Lord (Ἦραν τὸν κύριον, Ēran ton kyrion)—even in panic, Mary uses the resurrection title 'Lord' (κύριον, kyrion), not 'teacher' or 'master.' Her assumption of body-theft shows that resurrection wasn't expected or invented—it shattered existing categories. We know not where they have laid him—the plural 'we' suggests other women were present (cf. the Synoptics), though John focuses on Mary's experience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish burial customs required anointing within three days. Mary's concern about the body's location reflects this urgency. Roman authorities sometimes removed crucifixion victims to prevent veneration. The disciples' scattered state after Gethsemane explains their separation—they weren't gathered as a group, requiring Mary to seek them out individually or in small clusters.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does initial evidence of resurrection (empty tomb) produce confusion rather than faith?
  2. What does Mary's immediate turn to the disciples reveal about the early Christian community's interdependence?
  3. How does her unexpected use of 'Lord' (κύριον) even while assuming theft hint at faith deeper than intellectual understanding?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
τρέχει1 of 31

she runneth

G5143

which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ

οὖν2 of 31

Then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

καὶ3 of 31

and

G2532

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

ἔρχεται4 of 31

cometh

G2064

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

πρὸς5 of 31

to

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,

Σίμωνα6 of 31

Simon

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

Πέτρον7 of 31

Peter

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

καὶ8 of 31

and

G2532

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

πρὸς9 of 31

to

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,

τὸν10 of 31
G3588

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

ἄλλον11 of 31

the other

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

μαθητὴν12 of 31

disciple

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

ὃν13 of 31

whom

G3739

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

ἐφίλει14 of 31

loved

G5368

to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e., have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling;

15 of 31
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς16 of 31

Jesus

G2424

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

καὶ17 of 31

and

G2532

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

λέγει18 of 31

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

αὐτόν19 of 31

him

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

Ἦραν20 of 31

They have taken away

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

τὸν21 of 31
G3588

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

κύριον22 of 31

the Lord

G2962

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

ἐκ23 of 31

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ24 of 31
G3588

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

μνημείου25 of 31

the sepulchre

G3419

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

καὶ26 of 31

and

G2532

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

οὐκ27 of 31

not

G3756

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

οἴδαμεν28 of 31

we know

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

ποῦ29 of 31

where

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

ἔθηκαν30 of 31

they have laid

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

αὐτόν31 of 31

him

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 20:2 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 20:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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