John 20:4
What does John 20:4 mean?
A plain-English look at John 20:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 20:4 means
Both disciples ran towards the tomb, symbolizing their eagerness and the urgency of the situation. The "other disciple" (John) outran Peter, arriving at the tomb first. This detail, though seemingly minor, emphasizes the eyewitness nature of John's account and perhaps subtly highlights his physical agility or intense anticipation. Their contrasting paces and arrival times at the tomb add a touch of realism to the narrative, distinguishing their individual responses to the unfolding mystery.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they ran both together: and the other disciple outran Peter, and came first to the tomb;
KJV
King James Version · 1611So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they ran both together: and the other disciple outran Peter, and came first to the tomb;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949They went running together, and the other disciple got in front of Peter and came first to the hole in the rock;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the two were running together, and the other disciple did run forward more quickly than Peter, and came first to the tomb,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they both ran together: and that other disciple did outrun Peter and came first to the sepulchre.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the two ran together, and the other disciple ran forward faster than Peter, and came first to the tomb,
Context
Building on the previous verse where Peter and John set out for the tomb, this verse details their journey. The narrative focus on John arriving first establishes his initial perspective at the tomb. This subtle competition in their race underscores the intense emotions and suspense leading up to the visual confirmation of the empty tomb and its contents.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Samuel 18:23
But come what may, said he, I will run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Plain, and outran the Cushite.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24
Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain.
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