John 20:13
What does John 20:13 mean?
A plain-English look at John 20:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 20:13 means
The angels questioned Mary, asking, "Woman, why weepest thou?" Mary responded, still focused on her original assumption: "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him." Her answer reveals her continued deep personal attachment to Jesus and her persistent belief that His body had been removed by human hands. She recognized their divine nature, yet remained fixed on her grief over the perceived loss, illustrating her need for a more direct, personal revelation of the resurrection.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949They said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? She said to them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I have no knowledge where they have put him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And they say to her, `Woman, why dost thou weep?' she saith to them, `Because they took away my Lord, and I have not known where they laid him;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752They say to her: Woman, why weepest thou? She saith to them: Because they have taken away my Lord: and I know not where they have laid him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they say to her, Woman, why dost thou weep? She says to them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
Context
This verse continues the interaction between Mary Magdalene and the angels, building on their sudden appearance in verse 12. Her response, still lamenting the missing body, highlights her sorrow and lack of understanding, even in the presence of heavenly beings. This dialogue directly precedes Jesus' appearance to her, emphasizing her state of mind just before the pivotal encounter.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 20:15
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou hast borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
- John 20:2
She runneth therefore, 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 tomb, and we know not where they have laid him.
- John 16:20
Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
- 1 Samuel 1:8
And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?
- Psalms 43:3
Oh send out thy light and thy truth; let them lead me: Let them bring me unto thy holy hill, And to thy tabernacles.
- John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
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