Devine Scripture

John 20:5

What does John 20:5 mean?

A plain-English look at John 20:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 20:5 means

Upon reaching the tomb, the "other disciple" (John) stooped down and looked inside. He saw the linen cloths in which Jesus' body had been wrapped, lying there, but he did not enter the tomb. His initial hesitation, perhaps out of reverence or an inability to fully process the scene, creates suspense and allows for Peter's subsequent entrance. This visual confirmation of the undisturbed grave clothes, yet missing body, presents the first tangible evidence of an extraordinary event.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and stooping and looking in, he seeth the linen cloths lying; yet entered he not in.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and stooping and looking in, he seeth the linen cloths lying; yet entered he not in.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And looking in, he saw the linen bands on the earth; but he did not go in,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having stooped down, seeth the linen clothes lying, yet, indeed, he entered not.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he stooped down, he saw the linen cloths lying: but yet he went not in.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and stooping down he sees the linen cloths lying; he did not however go in.

Context

This verse follows John's arrival at the tomb, detailing his initial observation. His action of looking in but not entering contrasts with Peter's subsequent actions, setting up a deeper exploration of the tomb's interior. This moment is crucial as it provides the first visual confirmation of the tomb's state, directly leading to Peter's more thorough examination.

v.4And they ran both together: and the other disciple outran Peter, and came first to the tomb;

v.5This passage

v.6Simon Peter therefore also cometh, following him, and entered into the tomb; and he beholdeth the linen cloths lying,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 20:11

    But Mary was standing without at the tomb weeping: so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb;

  • John 19:40

    So they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.

  • John 11:44

    He that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes; and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

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