John 20:18
What does John 20:18 mean?
A plain-English look at John 20:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 20:18 means
Mary Magdalene, now transformed from weeping sorrow to joyful evangelist, went and faithfully reported to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord!" She also conveyed the specific message Jesus had given her about His ascension to the Father. Her testimony, though initially met with doubt by some, was the first human proclamation of the risen Christ and serves as a foundational witness, initiating the spread of the resurrection news to the other followers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Mary Magdalene cometh and telleth the disciples, I have seen the Lord; and that he had said these things unto her.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Mary Magdalene cometh and telleth the disciples, I have seen the Lord; and that he had said these things unto her.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Mary Magdalene went with the news to the disciples, and said she had seen the Lord and that he had said these things to her.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Mary the Magdalene cometh, telling to the disciples that she hath seen the Lord, and <FI>that<Fi> these things he said to her.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Mary Magdalen cometh and telleth the disciples: I have seen the Lord; and these things he said to me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Mary of Magdala comes bringing word to the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and [that] he had said these things to her.
Context
This verse completes Mary Magdalene's pivotal role as the first witness and messenger of the resurrection. Her immediate obedience to Jesus' command in verse 17 shows the power of her encounter. Her report to the disciples serves as the initial, human bridge between Jesus' resurrection and their eventual understanding, preparing for Jesus' direct appearance to them later that evening.
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.
v.18This passage
v.19When therefore it was evening, on that day, the firstdayof the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 24:22
Moreover certain women of our company amazed us, having been early at the tomb;
- Mark 16:10
She went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
- John 20:1
Now on the firstdayof the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, while it was yet dark, unto the tomb, and seeth the stone taken away from the tomb.
- Luke 24:10
Now they were Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James: and the other women with them told these things unto the apostles.
- Matthew 28:10
Then saith Jesus unto them, Fear not: go tell my brethren that they depart into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
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