Devine Scripture

John 20:7

What does John 20:7 mean?

A plain-English look at John 20:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 20:7 means

Peter's deeper inspection inside the tomb revealed a crucial detail: the napkin (or face cloth) that had been on Jesus' head was not with the other linen cloths, but was neatly rolled up and placed by itself in a separate location. This particular arrangement of the burial cloths strongly suggests that the body was not hastily stolen, but rather left in an orderly fashion. Such evidence points not to desecration but to a supernatural departure, hinting at the miraculous nature of the event.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and the napkin, that was upon his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and the napkin, that was upon his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the cloth, which had been round his head, not with the linen bands but rolled up in a place by itself.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the napkin that was upon his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but apart, having been folded up, in one place;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the napkin that had been about his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but apart, wrapped up into one place.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and the handkerchief which was upon his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded up in a distinct place by itself.

Context

This verse offers a key detail from Peter's examination of the tomb. The state of the napkin is a significant piece of evidence that contrasts with Mary's initial assumption of theft, building on the previous observation of the general linen cloths. This specific detail will prove instrumental in guiding the "other disciple's" understanding in the following verse, pointing towards the reality of the resurrection rather than grave robbery.

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

v.7This passage

v.8Then entered in therefore the other disciple also, who came first to the tomb, and he saw, and believed.

Cross references

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

  • 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.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore John 20

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 20.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to John 20:7.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary