Devine Scripture

John 20:9

What does John 20:9 mean?

A plain-English look at John 20:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 20:9 means

At this point, despite the compelling physical evidence in the empty tomb, Peter and John still did not fully grasp the scriptural prophecies concerning Jesus' resurrection. They hadn't yet connected the empty tomb with the Old Testament predictions and Jesus' own teachings about His rising from the dead on the third day. This verse highlights their initial bewilderment, emphasizing that their belief was initially based on observable facts rather than a complete theological understanding, which would unfold as the Holy Spirit enlightened them.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For at that time they had no knowledge that the Writings said that he would have to come again from the dead.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for not yet did they know the Writing, that it behoveth him out of the dead to rise again.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for they had not yet known the scripture, that he must rise from among [the] dead.

Context

This verse provides an important theological explanation for the disciples' initial lack of comprehensive understanding, even after John's belief in verse 8. It explains why, despite the evidence, they hadn't yet fully embraced the resurrection's full meaning. This explanatory pause sets the stage for the later unfolding of Jesus' appearances and His direct teaching, which will deepen their faith and understanding.

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

v.9This passage

v.10So the disciples went away again unto their own home.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 53:10

    Yet it pleased Jehovah to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of Jehovah shall prosper in his hand.

  • Matthew 16:21

    From that time began Jesus to show unto his disciples, that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.

  • Matthew 22:29

    But Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

  • Psalms 16:10

    For thou wilt not leave my soul to Sheol; Neither wilt thou suffer thy holy one to see corruption.

  • Psalms 22:22

    I will declare thy name unto my brethren: In the midst of the assembly will I praise thee.

  • John 2:22

    When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he spake this; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

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