John 20:18

Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and [that] he had spoken these things unto her.

Mary {G3137} Magdalene {G3094} came {G2064} and told {G518} the disciples {G3101} that {G3754} she had seen {G3708} the Lord {G2962}, and {G2532} that he had spoken {G2036} these things {G5023} unto her {G846}.

Miryam of Magdala went to the talmidim with the news that she had seen the Lord and that he had told her this.

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what He had said to her.

Mary Magdalene cometh and telleth the disciples, I have seen the Lord; and that he had said these things unto her.

Commentary

John 20:18 presents a pivotal moment in the resurrection narrative, detailing Mary Magdalene's immediate action after her encounter with the risen Christ. This verse marks the beginning of the spread of the most significant news in human history: Jesus is alive.

Context

This verse follows Mary Magdalene’s profound and personal encounter with the resurrected Jesus in the garden outside the tomb. Earlier, she had come to the tomb with other women, found it empty, and initially presumed Jesus’ body had been taken (John 20:1). Overwhelmed with grief, she lingered after Peter and John had left. Her sorrow turned to astonishment and joy as she first spoke with angels and then recognized Jesus Himself, who had initially appeared to her as the gardener. Just prior to this verse, Jesus had instructed her, "Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God" (John 20:17). Mary's response is immediate obedience and zealous proclamation.

Key Themes

  • Eyewitness Testimony: The verse emphasizes Mary's direct experience: "she had seen the Lord." This personal encounter forms the bedrock of her message, highlighting the importance of eyewitness accounts in the early Christian movement and for faith today.
  • The First Evangelist: Mary Magdalene is uniquely honored as the first person to witness the resurrection and the first to be commissioned by Jesus to share the news with His disciples. This elevates her status beyond traditional gender roles of the time and underscores God's use of unexpected messengers.
  • Proclaiming the Good News: Mary's immediate action to "told the disciples" demonstrates the inherent urgency and joy of the resurrection message. It foreshadows the broader call to spread the Gospel to all nations.
  • Overcoming Doubt: The disciples were in hiding and struggling with fear and disbelief concerning the reports of the empty tomb (Luke 24:11). Mary's testimony was a crucial step in dispelling their doubts and preparing them for their own encounters with the risen Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "seen" in "she had seen the Lord" is heōraka (ἑώρακα), which is a perfect tense form of the verb horao (ὁράω). This perfect tense signifies a completed action with continuing results. It emphasizes not just a momentary glance, but a profound, direct, and lasting encounter with the risen Jesus. Mary's testimony is therefore rooted in a powerful, undeniable personal revelation. The phrase "he had spoken these things unto her" further validates her message, indicating that her report was not merely her own observation but a direct communication from the Lord Himself, giving her a divine mandate.

Practical Application

John 20:18 serves as a powerful reminder that every believer, regardless of background or status, can be a witness to Christ's transformative power. Like Mary, we are called to share our personal experiences of Jesus and the truth of His resurrection. Our testimony, though perhaps met with initial skepticism, is vital for encouraging others and spreading the hope of the Gospel. It challenges us to move beyond our own fears and doubts to boldly declare what God has done in our lives and what He has revealed to us through His Word, understanding that the resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 24:10

    It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary [the mother] of James, and other [women that were] with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

  • Matthew 28:10

    Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

  • Mark 16:10

    [And] she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.

  • Mark 16:13

    And they went and told [it] unto the residue: neither believed they them.

  • John 20:1

    ¶ The first [day] of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

  • Luke 24:22

    Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;

  • Luke 24:23

    And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
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