King James Version

What Does John 20:4 Mean?

John 20:4 in the King James Version says “So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.” — study this verse from John chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 20:4 · KJV

Context

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.

5

And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

6

Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They ran both together (ἔτρεχον δὲ οἱ δύο ὁμοῦ, etrechon de hoi dyo homou)—the imperfect tense paints the scene: they kept running together, initial solidarity before separation. The other disciple did outrun Peter (ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς προέδραμεν τάχιον τοῦ Πέτρου, ho allos mathētēs proedramen tachion tou Petrou)—John was likely younger, but this detail serves theology, not biography.

The one who later shows greater spiritual perception arrives first physically but hesitates; Peter who denied Christ charges in despite arriving second. This reversal pattern pervades John's Gospel: first/last, seeing/believing, arriving/entering. The race isn't about competition but about how different temperaments approach the same truth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The distance and terrain would have made running difficult—Jerusalem's streets were narrow and uneven. That both disciples ran shows the urgency and shock of Mary's report. John's inclusion of himself 'outrunning' Peter is sometimes seen as pride, but more likely it's the eyewitness's unconscious recall of vivid details, written decades later when such personal memories had theological significance.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does John, writing 60 years later, remember who ran faster—and why include this detail?
  2. What does the contrast between arriving first (John) but entering first (Peter) teach about faith's different expressions?
  3. How do your natural temperament and personality shape your approach to evidence about Jesus?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἔτρεχον1 of 19

“they ran”

G5143

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

δὲ2 of 19

“So”

G1161

but, and, etc

οἱ3 of 19
G3588

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

δύο4 of 19

“both”

G1417

"two"

ὁμοῦ·5 of 19

“together”

G3674

akin to g0260) as adverb; at the same place or time

καὶ6 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

ὁ7 of 19
G3588

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

ἄλλος8 of 19

“the other”

G243

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

μαθητὴς9 of 19

“disciple”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

προέδραμεν10 of 19

“did outrun”

G4390

to run forward, i.e., outstrip, precede

τάχιον11 of 19
G5032

more swiftly, i.e., (in manner) more rapidly, or (in time) more speedily

τοῦ12 of 19
G3588

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

Πέτρου13 of 19

“Peter”

G4074

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

καὶ14 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

ἦλθεν15 of 19

“came”

G2064

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

πρῶτος16 of 19

“first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

εἰς17 of 19

“to”

G1519

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

τὸ18 of 19
G3588

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

μνημεῖον19 of 19

“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 20:4 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 20:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 18:232 Corinthians 8:121 Corinthians 9:24

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