John 20:19
What does John 20:19 mean?
A plain-English look at John 20:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 20:19 means
On the evening of that first Easter Sunday, the disciples were gathered behind locked doors, consumed by fear of the Jewish authorities. Suddenly, Jesus miraculously appeared among them, despite the locked room, and immediately offered them His peace, saying, "Peace be unto you." This unexpected appearance and His calming greeting underscore His supernatural power over physical barriers and His desire to reassure His frightened followers, establishing His presence not as a ghost, but as the risen Lord bringing comfort.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000When 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901When 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949At evening on that day, the first day of the week, when, for fear of the Jews, the doors were shut where the disciples were, Jesus came among them and said to them, May peace be with you!
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862It being, therefore, evening, on that day, the first of the sabbaths, and the doors having been shut where the disciples were assembled, through fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and saith to them, `Peace to you;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now when it was late the same day, the first of the week, and the doors were shut, where the disciples were gathered together, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst and said to them: Peace be to you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890When therefore it was evening on that day, which was the first [day] of the week, and the doors shut where the disciples were, through fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and says to them, Peace [be] to you.
Context
This verse shifts the scene from Mary's testimony to the disciples in their hiding place. It sets the stage for Jesus' first appearance to the gathered disciples, emphasizing their fear and the miraculous nature of His entry. This appearance initiates a crucial interaction where Jesus will confirm His resurrection and commission His followers for their future ministry.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 15:5
and that he appeared to Cephas; then to the twelve;
- Matthew 10:13
And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
- Revelation 1:4
John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from him who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits that are before his throne;
- John 20:21
Jesus therefore said to them again, Peace be unto you: as the Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
- John 14:19
Yet a little while, and the world beholdeth me no more; but ye behold me: because I live, ye shall live also.
- Nehemiah 6:10
And I went unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.
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