John 19:26

KJV

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

KJV (with Strong's)

When Jesus {G2424} therefore {G3767} saw {G1492} his mother {G3384}, and {G2532} the disciple {G3101} standing by {G3936}, whom {G3739} he loved {G25}, he saith {G3004} unto his {G846} mother {G3384}, Woman {G1135}, behold {G2400} thy {G4675} son {G5207}!

Complete Jewish Bible

When Yeshua saw his mother and the talmid whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Mother, this is your son.”

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.”

American Standard Version

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold, thy son!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 19:26 captures a profoundly tender and significant moment at the foot of the cross, where Jesus, in His final hours, demonstrates unwavering love and compassionate foresight. Despite His immense physical and spiritual agony, He ensures the future care of His earthly mother, Mary, by entrusting her to the "disciple whom he loved," traditionally identified as John. This act underscores Jesus' perfect humanity, His deep personal relationships, and His establishment of a new spiritual family even as He fulfills His divine mission of atonement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the intensely dramatic narrative of Jesus' crucifixion, following His condemnation by Pilate and preceding His declaration of "It is finished" and His death. The Gospel of John meticulously details the events leading up to the cross, emphasizing Jesus' sovereignty even in suffering. Immediately before this scene, Jesus has been mocked by soldiers and had lots cast for His garments, highlighting the indignity He endured. The presence of Mary and the beloved disciple at the cross, contrasted with the absence of most other disciples, underscores the intimate and personal nature of this particular exchange, setting it apart from the broader public spectacle of the crucifixion. It serves as a poignant interlude, revealing Jesus' heart amidst the cosmic drama of salvation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, filial piety was a paramount virtue, enshrined in the Fifth Commandment to honor one's parents ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "The Fifth Commandment")). A son was responsible for the care of his widowed mother, especially if she had no other male children or close relatives capable of providing for her. While Jesus had half-brothers (e.g., [Mark 6:3](/mark/6-3 "Jesus' Brothers and Sisters")), their faith in Him was not yet fully established ([John 7:5](/john/7-5 "Jesus' Brothers Did Not Believe Him")), making John, a trusted disciple, a more suitable guardian in this spiritual context. The presence of women at the crucifixion, though dangerous, was not uncommon, reflecting the deep devotion of Jesus' female followers. Addressing His mother as "Woman" (Greek: _gynai_) was a formal, respectful, and sometimes solemn address in that culture, not a sign of disrespect, used by Jesus elsewhere, such as at [the wedding in Cana](/john/2-4 "Jesus' First Miracle at Cana").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of John and broader biblical theology. It highlights **Jesus' Perfect Humanity and Filial Devotion**, demonstrating His obedience to earthly responsibilities even in His divine mission. It introduces the theme of **The Formation of a New Spiritual Family**, where bonds of faith transcend biological kinship, foreshadowing the Church as a community of mutual care. The unique designation of "the disciple whom he loved" emphasizes **Intimate Discipleship and Eyewitness Testimony**, a recurring motif in John's Gospel that validates the authenticity of its account. Furthermore, the scene exemplifies **Selfless Love Amidst Suffering**, showcasing Jesus' unwavering compassion and concern for others, even in His darkest hour, a love that echoes His earlier teachings on laying down one's life for friends ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "Jesus' Teaching on Love and Sacrifice")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō_):** This verb, meaning "to see" literally or figuratively, and by implication "to know," suggests more than a casual glance. Jesus' act of seeing His mother and the disciple implies a conscious, intentional perception of their presence and their shared sorrow. Despite His physical torment, His mind and heart are fully engaged, demonstrating His awareness and compassionate understanding of their plight.
* **loved (Greek, _agapáō_):** This is the highest form of love in Greek, often translated as unconditional, self-sacrificing love. The phrase "the disciple whom he loved" (ὁ μαθητὴς ὃν ἠγάπα) uses this term, emphasizing the deep, personal, and enduring nature of Jesus' affection for John. This love is not merely emotional but volitional, demonstrated by Jesus' act of entrusting His mother to John's care, a profound act of trust and provision rooted in this deep bond.
* **Woman (Greek, _gynḗ_):** While it might sound abrupt to modern ears, in ancient Greek and Semitic contexts, "Woman" was a respectful, formal, or even solemn address. Jesus uses it to His mother here and at Cana, signifying a shift in their relationship from a purely familial one to one that also encompasses His divine mission. It subtly elevates the moment beyond mere family concern to a theological statement, as Mary is addressed not just as "mother" but as a representative figure, perhaps of the new spiritual family or the faithful remnant.
* **behold (Greek, _idoú_):** This imperative verb, meaning "lo!" or "see!", is an exclamation used to draw attention to something significant. Here, Jesus uses it to direct Mary's attention to John and John's attention to Mary, emphasizing the profound importance of the new relationship He is establishing between them. It is a command to perceive, to understand, and to accept the new reality He is creating.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved":** This clause sets the scene, highlighting Jesus' awareness and the presence of two key figures at the foot of the cross. The conjunction "therefore" (οὖν) connects this act to the preceding events of the crucifixion, implying that even in His suffering, Jesus remains purposeful and attentive. His gaze is intentional, singling out Mary and the beloved disciple from the crowd, underscoring their unique significance in this moment of profound personal and theological import.
* **"he saith unto his mother":** This simple phrase indicates Jesus' direct communication, emphasizing His conscious decision to speak and His focus on His mother. Despite the pain and the public spectacle, His words are directed intimately and personally to her, demonstrating His unwavering concern for her well-being.
* **"Woman, behold thy son!":** This is Jesus' first command, directed to Mary. The address "Woman" carries a solemn weight, perhaps signifying her role not just as His mother but as a representative of humanity or the Church. The command "behold" draws her attention to John, designating him as her new "son" in a spiritual and practical sense. This statement is not merely a practical arrangement but a profound theological declaration, establishing a new familial bond rooted in faith and mutual care, transcending biological ties.

#### Literary Devices
John 19:26 is rich with **Symbolism** and **Irony**. The presence of Mary at the cross symbolizes the suffering of humanity and the faithful remnant who remain with Christ even in His darkest hour. John, the beloved disciple, symbolizes the ideal disciple—one who remains faithful, is intimately known by Jesus, and is entrusted with significant spiritual responsibility. There is also profound **Irony** in Jesus' words: though He is dying, seemingly powerless, He is actively establishing new relationships and providing for His loved ones, demonstrating His sovereign authority even in His ultimate vulnerability. His command, "behold thy son," is an act of creation, forming a new spiritual family at the very moment His earthly life is ending. The scene also employs **Pathos**, evoking deep emotion through the suffering of Mary and the tender, selfless act of Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This poignant scene at the cross is deeply significant, revealing Jesus' perfect humanity and His divine foresight. It underscores His unwavering commitment to the Fifth Commandment, demonstrating filial piety even in His final agony. More profoundly, it illustrates the formation of a new spiritual family, where the bonds of faith in Christ create a community of mutual care that transcends biological kinship. Jesus, in His death, is not merely suffering for sin but actively building His Church, entrusting His closest relationships to one another, thereby modeling the self-sacrificial love and communal responsibility that should characterize His followers. This act foreshadows the Church as a body where believers, united in Christ, bear one another's burdens and extend compassionate support.

* [Luke 2:35](/luke/2-35 "Simeon's Prophecy to Mary") - Simeon's prophecy to Mary, "a sword will pierce through your own soul also," finds its poignant fulfillment at the cross as she witnesses her Son's suffering.
* [Mark 3:35](/mark/3-35 "Jesus Defines His True Family") - Jesus declares that "whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother," illustrating the spiritual redefinition of family that this act at the cross embodies.
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Unity in Christ") - Paul's declaration that "there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus," reflects the radical inclusivity and new community formed through faith, prefigured by Jesus entrusting Mary to John.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 19:26 offers a profound model for Christian living, calling us to embody Christ's selfless love and compassionate responsibility in our relationships. Firstly, it challenges us to examine our own commitment to family, particularly our parents and elders. Despite His immense suffering and divine mission, Jesus did not neglect His earthly duties, reminding us that honoring our parents remains a vital aspect of our faith. Secondly, this passage beautifully illustrates the nature of the Christian community. We are called into a new spiritual family where mutual care, support, and love are paramount. Just as Jesus entrusted Mary to John, we are to embrace fellow believers as brothers and sisters, sharing in their joys and sorrows, and providing practical and spiritual support, especially to those in need or distress. This act encourages us to look beyond our immediate circles and extend Christ's love to all within the family of God, building genuine, burden-bearing relationships that reflect the heart of our Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' act of entrusting His mother to John challenge my understanding of responsibility and care for family, both biological and spiritual?**
* **In what practical ways can I extend Christ-like compassion and support to members of my spiritual family (the Church), especially those who are vulnerable or in need?**
* **How does Jesus' selfless love at the cross, prioritizing others even in His ultimate suffering, inspire me to put the needs of others before my own?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus address His mother as "Woman" instead of "Mother"?**

Answer: In modern English, "Woman" might sound harsh or disrespectful, but in ancient Greek (gynḗ) and the cultural context of the Near East, it was a common, formal, and often respectful term of address. Jesus used it on other significant occasions, such as at [the wedding in Cana](/john/2-4 "Jesus' First Miracle at Cana"). Here, at the cross, its use carries a solemn and even theological weight. It may signify a shift in their relationship from a purely familial one to one that also encompasses His divine mission and Mary's role as a representative figure—perhaps of humanity, or the new spiritual family being formed. It elevates the moment beyond a simple family transaction to a profound declaration of a new spiritual reality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 19:26, while a deeply human moment, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's broader redemptive work and the establishment of His new covenant community. Jesus, as the perfect Son, perfectly honors His mother, demonstrating the fulfillment of the law's demands for filial piety. However, His command to Mary and John transcends mere earthly provision; it is a foundational act in the creation of a new spiritual family, the Church. Through His death, Jesus breaks down barriers, uniting all who believe into one body, where spiritual kinship supersedes biological ties ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Unity in Christ")). This scene prefigures the Church's role as a community of mutual love and care, where believers are called to bear one another's burdens ([Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Bear One Another's Burdens")) and live as members of God's household ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Jesus, in His final act of earthly provision, models the self-sacrificial love that defines His new covenant, a love that empowers believers to live out the new commandment to love one another as He has loved them ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "The New Commandment")). Thus, even in His agony, Christ is actively building His kingdom, establishing the relational framework of His eternal family.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 21:24

This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

John 20:2

Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

John 2:4

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

John 13:23

Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

John 21:7

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt [his] fisher's coat [unto him], (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

John 21:20

¶ Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?