John 20:16
What does John 20:16 mean?
A plain-English look at John 20:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 20:16 means
Jesus simply spoke her name: "Mary." This profound, personal address instantly broke through her grief and earthly misperception. Recognizing His voice, she turned to Him and responded in Aramaic, "Rabboni," meaning "Teacher." This immediate recognition, evoked by the familiar sound of His voice, marks the pivotal moment of her conversion from sorrow to joyful belief, signifying the personal and intimate nature of Jesus' relationship with His followers, even after His resurrection.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turneth herself, and saith unto him in Hebrew, Rabboni; which is to say, Teacher.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turneth herself, and saith unto him in Hebrew, Rabboni; which is to say, Teacher.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus said to her, Mary! Turning, she said to him in Hebrew, Rabboni! (which is to say, Master).
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus saith to her, `Mary!' having turned, she saith to him, `Rabbouni;' that is to say, `Teacher.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus saith to her: Mary. She turning, saith to him: Rabboni (which is to say, Master).
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus says to her, Mary. She, turning round, says to him in Hebrew, Rabboni, which means Teacher.
Context
This verse is the climax of Mary's encounter with Jesus, directly following her failure to recognize Him as the gardener. Jesus' speaking her name transforms her perception, leading to instant recognition and worship. This personal revelation establishes the first post-resurrection appearance and commission, bridging her sorrow with a new, joyful understanding of the risen Lord.
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.
v.16This passage
v.17Jesus saith to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 6:25
And when they found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
- Matthew 14:27
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
- 1 Samuel 3:6
And Jehovah called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.
- Song of Solomon 3:4
It was but a little that I passed from them, When I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, Until I had brought him into my mother’s house, And into the chamber of her that conceived me.
- Genesis 22:1
And it came to pass after these things, that God did prove Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham; and he said, Here am I.
- John 3:2
the same came unto him by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that thou doest, except God be with him.
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