King James Version

What Does John 20:8 Mean?

John 20:8 in the King James Version says “Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. — study this verse from John chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

John 20:8 · KJV


Context

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 .

8

Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

9

For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

10

Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then went in also that other disciple—John finally enters after Peter's pioneering boldness. Three progressive verbs describe the beloved disciple's journey to faith: βλέπει (blepei, v.5—saw/glanced), θεωρεῖ (theōrei, v.6—observed carefully), εἶδεν (eiden—perceived/understood). This third verb, from ὁράω (horaō), suggests more than physical sight.

And he saw, and believed (καὶ εἶδεν καὶ ἐπίστευσεν, kai eiden kai episteusen)—the simple coordination 'and...and' marks the pivot point of history: seeing leads to believing. John becomes the first to believe in resurrection based on evidence alone, before any appearance. What convinced him? The next verse clarifies: not Scripture (which they didn't yet understand), but the physical evidence—specifically the grave clothes' arrangement, which suggested the body had passed through them rather than being unwrapped.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John's Gospel, written last (AD 85-95), emphasizes the beloved disciple's special insight (13:23, 19:26-27, 21:7). This first-to-believe claim isn't self-promotion but establishes eyewitness authority for the Gospel's testimony. The emphasis on believing without seeing Jesus (cf. 20:29) makes John's faith based on indirect evidence a model for later readers who must also believe without resurrection appearances.

Reflection Questions

  1. What made the arrangement of grave clothes more convincing than the empty tomb itself?
  2. Why does John emphasize that belief came before understanding Scripture (v.9)—can faith precede full comprehension?
  3. What 'indirect evidence' for resurrection (changed lives, empty tomb, transformed disciples) convinces you when you lack direct appearances?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
τότε1 of 17

Then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

οὖν2 of 17
G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

εἰσῆλθεν3 of 17

went in

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

καὶ4 of 17

also

G2532

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

τὸ5 of 17

which

G3588

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

ἄλλος6 of 17

that other

G243

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

μαθητὴς7 of 17

disciple

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

τὸ8 of 17

which

G3588

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

ἐλθὼν9 of 17

came

G2064

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

πρῶτος10 of 17

first

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

εἰς11 of 17

to

G1519

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

τὸ12 of 17

which

G3588

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

μνημεῖον13 of 17

the sepulchre

G3419

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

καὶ14 of 17

also

G2532

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

εἶδεν15 of 17

he saw

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

καὶ16 of 17

also

G2532

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

ἐπίστευσεν·17 of 17

believed

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch


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 20:8 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 20:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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