John 20:17
What does John 20:17 mean?
A plain-English look at John 20:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 20:17 means
Jesus instructed Mary not to cling to Him, explaining, "for I am not yet ascended unto the Father." This indicates a new phase in His relationship with humanity and His heavenly role. Instead, He commissioned her to go to His "brethren" (His disciples) and declare His impending ascension, assuring them that His Father was now their Father, and His God their God. This message emphasizes His completed work and new covenant relationship, establishing a foundation for the believer's direct access to God through Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus said to her, Do not put your hand on me, for I have not gone up to the Father: but go to my brothers and say to them, I go up to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus saith to her, `Be not touching me, for I have not yet ascended unto my Father; and be going on to my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father, and to my God, and to your God.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus saith to her: Do not touch me: for I am not yet ascended to my Father. But go to my brethren and say to them: I ascend to my Father and to your Father, to my God and to your God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus says to her, Touch me not, for I have not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I ascend to my Father and your Father, and [to] myGod and yourGod.
Context
This verse directly follows Mary's recognition of Jesus and her worshipful response. Jesus' instruction to her, along with His commission, clarifies the nature of His resurrected body and impending ascension. This directive makes Mary the first evangelist of the resurrection, setting the stage for her report to the disciples and their subsequent encounters with the risen Christ.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 4:6
And because ye are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
- John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name:
- Revelation 21:7
He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
- Ezekiel 36:28
And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.
- Hebrews 11:16
But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city.
- Psalms 22:22
I will declare thy name unto my brethren: In the midst of the assembly will I praise thee.
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