King James Version

What Does John 20:5 Mean?

John 20:5 in the King James Version says “And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.” — study this verse from John chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 20:5 · KJV

Context

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,

7

And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself .

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He stooping down, and looking in (παράκυψας, parakypsas)—the participle suggests careful, cautious examination, bending to peer through the low tomb entrance. John saw the linen clothes lying (βλέπει κείμενα τὰ ὀθόνια, blepei keimena ta othonia)—'linen clothes' (ὀθόνια, othonia) refers to the strips used in burial, distinct from the face cloth (σουδάριον, soudarion) mentioned in v.7.

Yet went he not in (οὐ μέντοι εἰσῆλθεν, ou mentoi eisēlthen)—John's hesitation contrasts with Peter's boldness (v.6) but shows reverence, not cowardice. The beloved disciple looks (βλέπει, blepei—physical sight) but reserves judgment until fuller evidence. This restraint before entering a tomb may also reflect purity concerns, though John doesn't specify this.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish tombs typically had a low entrance requiring stooping, opening into a larger chamber. The linen wrappings would have been expensive—Joseph of Arimathea's wealth provided proper burial. Ritual purity laws made entering tombs defiling (Numbers 19:14), though the resurrection morning's urgency may have overridden such concerns. John's hesitation could be reverence, caution, or awaiting Peter as the group's recognized leader.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between looking at evidence and entering into its implications?
  2. Why does seeing the grave clothes 'lying' matter—what would disorderly wrappings have suggested?
  3. When has reverent hesitation before mystery been wiser than rushing to conclusions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
καὶ1 of 9

“And”

G2532

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

παρακύψας2 of 9

“he stooping down”

G3879

to bend beside, i.e., lean over (so as to peer within)

βλέπει3 of 9

“and looking in saw”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

κείμενα4 of 9

“lying”

G2749

to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively)

τὰ5 of 9
G3588

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

ὀθόνια6 of 9

“the linen clothes”

G3608

a linen bandage

οὐ7 of 9

“not”

G3756

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

μέντοι8 of 9

“yet”

G3305

indeed though, i.e., however

εἰσῆλθεν9 of 9

“in”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

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 20:5 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 20:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 19:40John 20:11John 11:44

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