Devine Scripture

John 20:14

What does John 20:14 mean?

A plain-English look at John 20:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 20:14 means

Immediately after her exchange with the angels, Mary turned around and saw Jesus standing there, yet she did not recognize Him. This initial failure to recognize Jesus, perhaps due to her tear-filled eyes, the morning light, or His resurrected form being subtly different, emphasizes the profound nature of the resurrection. It sets the scene for a gradual revelation, where her perception will be enlightened, moving from earthly sorrow to spiritual recognition.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and beholdeth Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and beholdeth Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And then looking round, she saw Jesus there, but had no idea that it was Jesus.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and these things having said, she turned backward, and seeth Jesus standing, and she had not known that it is Jesus.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

When she had thus said, she turned herself back and saw Jesus standing: and she knew not that it was Jesus.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Having said these things she turned backward and beholds Jesus standing [there], and knew not that it was Jesus.

Context

This verse marks a dramatic turning point, as Mary turns from the angels and directly encounters Jesus. Her failure to recognize Him immediately creates suspense, highlighting the mystery of the resurrection body and her overwhelming grief. This moment directly precedes Jesus' initial interaction with her, leading to her powerful realization.

v.13And 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.

v.14This passage

v.15Jesus 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.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 21:4

    But when day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach: yet the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

  • Mark 16:9

    Now when he was risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.

  • John 8:59

    They took up stones therefore to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.

  • Mark 16:12

    And after these things he was manifested in another form unto two of them, as they walked, on their way into the country.

  • Luke 4:30

    But he passing through the midst of them went his way.

  • Song of Solomon 3:3

    The watchmen that go about the city found me; To whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?

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