John 20:12

And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

And {G2532} seeth {G2334} two {G1417} angels {G32} in {G1722} white {G3022} sitting {G2516}, the one {G1520} at {G4314} the head {G2776}, and {G2532} the other {G1520} at {G4314} the feet {G4228}, where {G3699} the body {G4983} of Jesus {G2424} had lain {G2749}.

and saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Yeshua had been, one at the head and one at the feet.

and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and the other at the feet.

and she beholdeth two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

John 20:12 describes a pivotal moment in the resurrection narrative, as Mary Magdalene, peering into the empty tomb of Jesus, encounters two angels.

Context

This verse follows the frantic discovery by Mary Magdalene of the empty tomb, and the subsequent investigation by Peter and John, who confirmed the body was gone and the linen clothes were laid by themselves. While Peter and John departed, Mary remained, overcome with grief, as noted in John 20:11. Her sorrow leads her to look into the sepulchre once more, where she is met not by a missing body, but by a divine manifestation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Confirmation of the Empty Tomb: The presence of angels serves as a powerful, supernatural testimony that Jesus' body is truly gone, not stolen, but supernaturally removed. Their sitting posture, one at the head and one at the feet, evokes the mercy seat upon the Ark of the Covenant, suggesting a sacred, divine revelation.
  • Transition from Grief to Hope: Mary's weeping signifies deep sorrow over the perceived loss of Jesus' body. The appearance of the angels marks the beginning of her transition from despair to understanding and joy, setting the stage for her encounter with the resurrected Christ.
  • Angels as Messengers: The Greek word for "angel" (angelos) literally means "messenger." Here, they are performing their divine role, preparing Mary for the ultimate message of the resurrection. Other Gospel accounts also record angels at the tomb, such as in Luke 24:4 and Matthew 28:2, reinforcing their role in this momentous event.

Linguistic Insights

The description of the angels as being "in white" (Greek: en leukois) is significant. White garments in biblical contexts often symbolize purity, holiness, heavenly glory, or victory. This attire signifies their divine nature and the sacredness of the moment, indicating that this is no ordinary encounter but a glimpse into the supernatural realm confirming the extraordinary event of the resurrection.

Practical Application

John 20:12 reminds us that even in moments of profound grief and confusion, God's divine presence and confirmation can be revealed. Mary, though weeping, kept looking for Jesus, and it was in that persistent seeking that she encountered the divine. This verse offers comfort that God often sends signs or messengers (whether literal angels or divine confirmations) to guide us through our darkest times, leading us toward understanding and the ultimate truth of His plan, particularly the foundational truth of Christ's victory over death.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 24:3

    And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

  • Luke 24:7

    Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

  • Mark 16:5

    And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

  • Mark 16:6

    And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

  • Revelation 3:4

    Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

  • Daniel 7:9

    ¶ I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire.

  • Matthew 17:2

    And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back