John 20:11

KJV

¶ But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, [and looked] into the sepulchre,

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Mary {G3137} stood {G2476} without {G1854} at {G4314} the sepulchre {G3419} weeping {G2799}: and {G3767} as {G5613} she wept {G2799}, she stooped down {G3879}, and looked into {G1519} the sepulchre {G3419},

Complete Jewish Bible

but Miryam stood outside crying. As she cried, she bent down, peered into the tomb,

Berean Standard Bible

But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent down to look into the tomb,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 20:11 presents a poignant scene immediately following the departure of Peter and John from the empty tomb, focusing intently on Mary Magdalene. Her persistent presence outside the sepulchre, marked by profound weeping and an act of stooping to peer inside, underscores her deep grief and unwavering devotion to Jesus, setting the stage for a pivotal encounter with the resurrected Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition point in John's resurrection narrative. Earlier in the chapter, Mary Magdalene is the first to discover the [empty tomb](/john/20-1 "John 20:1 - Mary Discovers the Empty Tomb") and reports it to Peter and John. They come, inspect the grave clothes, and depart, still not fully grasping the implications of the resurrection (cf. [John 20:3-10](/john/20-3-10 "John 20:3-10 - Peter and John at the Tomb")). Mary's decision to remain at the tomb after the male disciples leave highlights her unique emotional state and persistent devotion, isolating her for the singular revelation that follows. Her continued presence creates a dramatic tension, building anticipation for the personal encounter with Jesus that is about to unfold.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, mourning rituals were deeply ingrained, often involving loud lamentation and prolonged grieving. Mary's "weeping" aligns with these cultural expressions of profound sorrow, particularly in the face of death and perceived loss. The sepulchre itself, a rock-hewn tomb, would have been a place of finality. For a woman to remain alone at such a site, especially after others had left, speaks volumes about her extraordinary attachment and grief. Furthermore, the testimony of women was often not given the same weight as that of men in legal or public settings, making Mary's role as the first witness to the resurrected Christ a significant subversion of cultural norms, emphasizing divine choice over human convention.
* **Key Themes:** John 20:11 powerfully introduces several key themes. Mary's "weeping" and her refusal to leave the tomb underscore **Profound Grief and Devotion**, demonstrating a love for Jesus that transcends immediate understanding or the departure of others. Her act of "stooping down, and looked into the sepulchre" illustrates **Persistent Seeking**, a desperate longing to find answers or, at the very least, to be near where she believed Jesus' body lay. This echoes the broader biblical theme of [seeking God with all one's heart](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart"). Finally, Mary's sorrow and continued presence at the tomb create a dramatic tension, building **Anticipation of Revelation**. Her deep despair sets the stage for the astonishing joy of discovering the risen Lord, making the subsequent revelation in [John 20:14-16](/john/20-14-16 "John 20:14-16 - Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene") even more impactful.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stood (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** From G2476, meaning "to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)." Here, it denotes Mary's fixed position, her unwavering presence at the tomb despite the departure of Peter and John. It implies a resolute, almost stubborn, refusal to leave, rooted in her deep sorrow and devotion. Her standing "without" (outside) suggests a boundary, yet her proximity indicates an intense emotional tether to the place where she believed her Lord lay.
* **weeping (Greek, _klaíō'_):** From G2799, meaning "to sob, i.e. wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)." This word signifies a loud, audible, and unrestrained expression of grief. It is not merely silent tears but a profound lamentation, emphasizing the depth and intensity of Mary's sorrow. This public display of anguish highlights her emotional distress and the magnitude of her perceived loss.
* **stooped down (Greek, _parakýptō'_):** From G3879, meaning "to bend beside, i.e. lean over (so as to peer within)." This verb describes a physical action of bending or leaning forward to look intently into something. It conveys a sense of desperate curiosity, a final, hopeful, or perhaps even morbid, attempt to see what might be inside the sepulchre. It suggests a persistent, almost involuntary, search for answers or for the body of Jesus, even in the face of overwhelming despair.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping":** This opening clause immediately draws attention to Mary Magdalene's singular presence and profound emotional state. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) contrasts her actions with those of Peter and John, who had just left. Her posture of "standing without" (G1854, _éxō_) indicates she remained outside the immediate entrance, yet her proximity "at the sepulchre" (G3419, _mnēmeîon_) shows her attachment. The present participle "weeping" (G2799, _klaíō_) emphasizes the continuous, intense nature of her lamentation, signifying deep sorrow and perceived loss.
* **"and as she wept, she stooped down,":** This clause highlights the persistence of Mary's grief and her physical response to it. The repetition of "as she wept" underscores that her actions are driven by her sorrow. The act of "stooping down" (G3879, _parakýptō_) is a deliberate physical movement, suggesting an earnest, perhaps desperate, effort to gain a clearer view into the tomb. It implies a longing for answers or a final glimpse of what she believed was Jesus' body.
* **"[and looked] into the sepulchre":** This final phrase reveals the object of Mary's intense gaze. The verb "looked into" (G1519, _eis_) signifies a direct and focused penetration of her sight into the interior of the tomb. It completes the action initiated by her stooping, demonstrating her unwavering focus on the sepulchre, driven by her profound grief and desperate hope to find Jesus or at least understand what had happened to His body.

#### Literary Devices
John 20:11 is rich in literary devices that amplify its emotional and theological impact. The most prominent is **Pathos**, as the verse evokes deep sympathy for Mary Magdalene's overwhelming grief. Her persistent "weeping" and her solitary vigil at the tomb powerfully convey her sorrow and devotion, drawing the reader into her emotional experience. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**; Mary's persistent seeking and profound sorrow create a dramatic tension that anticipates the imminent, astonishing revelation of the resurrected Christ. Her desperate peering into the empty tomb sets the stage for the ultimate discovery of life where she expected only death. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "wept" (G2799, _klaíō_) emphasizes the continuous and consuming nature of her grief, highlighting her unwavering emotional state and the depth of her love for Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mary Magdalene's unwavering devotion and profound grief at the sepulchre in John 20:11 serve as a powerful theological statement about the nature of true discipleship and the human experience of loss. Her persistent presence, even in the face of despair and confusion, illustrates that genuine love for Christ compels us to remain near Him, even when circumstances are bleak and understanding is elusive. This scene highlights God's compassionate response to human sorrow, demonstrating that He often meets us in our deepest moments of vulnerability and seeking. Mary's experience foreshadows the truth that perseverance in faith, driven by love, ultimately leads to divine revelation and breakthrough, even when the path is shrouded in tears.

* [Psalm 30:5](/psalm/30-5 "Weeping May Endure for a Night")
* [Matthew 5:4](/matthew/5-4 "Blessed Are Those Who Mourn")
* [Luke 24:1-11](/luke/24-1-11 "The Women at the Tomb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mary Magdalene's story in John 20:11 offers profound lessons for our own spiritual journeys. Her deep, unrestrained weeping reminds us that it is permissible, even necessary, to grieve fully and honestly in the face of loss, disappointment, or unanswered questions. Her refusal to leave the sepulchre, even after the male disciples had departed, speaks to the power of persistent devotion. When our faith is tested, when circumstances seem bleak, or when God's presence feels distant, Mary's example encourages us to remain, to keep seeking, and to hold onto hope, even if it's just a desperate peek into the emptiness. It teaches us that God often reveals Himself not to those who quickly move on, but to those who, like Mary, linger in their longing, demonstrating a love that refuses to give up. Our tears, our lingering questions, and our persistent seeking are not signs of weakness but often the very pathways through which God chooses to meet us with His most profound revelations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing a "sepulchre moment"—a place of perceived loss, emptiness, or unanswered questions?**
* **How does Mary's persistent weeping challenge or affirm your own expressions of grief and sorrow in your faith journey?**
* **What does Mary's act of "stooping down" to look into the tomb teach you about perseverance in seeking God, even when you feel despair?**
* **How can Mary's example inspire you to remain devoted to Christ, even when others around you may move on or lose hope?**

### FAQ
**Why did Mary Magdalene remain at the tomb when Peter and John left?**

Answer: Mary Magdalene remained at the tomb primarily due to her profound grief and unwavering devotion to Jesus. Unlike Peter and John, who, after seeing the grave clothes, departed perhaps to process the implications or return to their homes (cf. [John 20:10](/john/20-10 "John 20:10 - Disciples Depart")), Mary's love for Jesus compelled her to stay. Her sorrow over what she believed was the loss of His body was so intense that she could not bring herself to leave the place where she last expected to find Him. This persistent presence, even in despair, highlights her deep emotional attachment and her desperate longing to either find Jesus or understand what had happened to Him.

**What is the significance of Mary "stooping down" to look into the sepulchre?**

Answer: Mary's act of "stooping down" (Greek: _parakýptō_) is highly significant. It indicates a deliberate, intense physical action of bending over to peer intently into the tomb. This wasn't a casual glance but a desperate, perhaps final, attempt to see something, anything, that might explain the empty tomb or reveal the whereabouts of Jesus' body. It signifies her persistent seeking and her refusal to accept the emptiness without a thorough, personal investigation. This physical posture reflects her internal state of longing and her unwavering hope, however faint, that she might yet find what she was looking for, setting the stage for her miraculous encounter with the risen Lord in [John 20:14](/john/20-14 "John 20:14 - Jesus Appears to Mary").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 20:11, though seemingly a scene of profound human sorrow, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate triumph of life over death, embodied in the resurrected Jesus. Mary's weeping at the empty tomb, a symbol of human despair in the face of mortality, is precisely where the Risen Lord chooses to reveal Himself first. Her grief, rooted in the perceived loss of her Savior, is met not with continued absence, but with the very presence of the One who conquered death (cf. [John 20:14-16](/john/20-14-16 "John 20:14-16 - Jesus Reveals Himself to Mary")). Christ's resurrection transforms the tomb from a place of finality and tears into the birthplace of eternal hope and joy. Mary's experience foreshadows the promise that those who mourn in Christ will be comforted (cf. [Matthew 5:4](/matthew/5-4 "Matthew 5:4 - Blessed Are Those Who Mourn")) and that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (cf. [Psalm 30:5](/psalm/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - Weeping May Endure for a Night")). Her encounter underscores that Jesus, the "resurrection and the life" (cf. [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life")), meets us in our deepest sorrow to turn our lament into dancing (cf. [Psalm 30:11](/psalm/30-11 "Psalm 30:11 - You Have Turned My Mourning into Dancing")), fulfilling the very purpose of His atoning work and demonstrating His power to redeem even the most desolate human experiences.

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 20:5

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