John 20:6

KJV

Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} cometh {G2064} Simon {G4613} Peter {G4074} following {G190} him {G846}, and {G2532} went {G1525} into {G1519} the sepulchre {G3419}, and {G2532} seeth {G2334} the linen clothes {G3608} lie {G2749},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, following him, Shim‘on Kefa arrived, entered the tomb and saw the burial-sheets lying there,

Berean Standard Bible

Simon Peter arrived just after him. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there.

American Standard Version

Simon Peter therefore also cometh, following him, and entered into the tomb; and he beholdeth the linen cloths lying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 20:6 captures the dramatic moment when Simon Peter, having raced to the tomb with the Beloved Disciple, arrives and characteristically enters the sepulchre without hesitation. His immediate observation inside the tomb is of the linen burial cloths, which he finds lying in a state that suggests not a theft or hurried removal, but a miraculous departure of the body, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of the resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial part of the resurrection narrative in [John's Gospel](/john/20 "John 20 - The Resurrection Account"). It immediately follows Mary Magdalene's distraught report of the empty tomb to Peter and "the other disciple" [John 20:1-2](/john/20-1-2 "John 20:1-2 - Mary Magdalene's Discovery"). The two disciples then race to the tomb, with the younger disciple arriving first but only stooping to look in [John 20:3-5](/john/20-3-5 "John 20:3-5 - The Disciples Race to the Tomb"). Peter's arrival and bold entry in [John 20:6](/john/20-6 "John 20:6 - Peter Enters the Tomb") directly contrasts with the other disciple's initial hesitation, highlighting Peter's impulsive nature. This observation of the linen clothes then leads directly to the Beloved Disciple's entry and subsequent belief [John 20:7-8](/john/20-7-8 "John 20:7-8 - The Napkin and Belief"), forming a progression of eyewitness testimony.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jewish burial customs of the first century involved washing and anointing the body, then wrapping it tightly in strips of linen cloth, often with aromatic spices, before placing it in a tomb. The body would typically be laid on a stone slab or shelf within the sepulchre. The "linen clothes" (Gk. _othonia_) mentioned here refer to these specific strips or bandages, not a single shroud. The tomb itself would be a cave or rock-cut chamber, often sealed with a large stone. The expectation of the disciples, even after Jesus' predictions, was not of a physical resurrection from the dead in this manner, but rather the traditional Jewish belief in a general resurrection at the end of time. Thus, the empty tomb and the state of the grave clothes presented a profound and unexpected challenge to their understanding.

* **Key Themes:** [John 20:6](/john/20-6 "John 20:6 - Peter Enters the Tomb") significantly contributes to several key themes within the broader narrative. First, it underscores the theme of **eyewitness testimony** as foundational to belief in the resurrection. Peter's direct observation of the tomb's interior and the grave clothes provides crucial physical evidence. Second, it highlights **Peter's unique role and personality** within the apostolic band; his characteristic zeal and impulsiveness are on full display, leading him to be the first to fully enter and inspect the empty tomb. Third, the verse emphasizes the **empty tomb as a primary piece of evidence** for the resurrection, particularly through the specific detail of the undisturbed grave clothes. This detail, further elaborated in [John 20:7](/john/20-7 "John 20:7 - The Napkin Apart"), serves to refute any notion of a body theft and points towards a supernatural event.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **went (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** from εἰς and ἔρχομαι; to enter (literally or figuratively):--X arise, come (in, into), enter in(-to), go in (through). Peter's decisive action of "entering" the tomb signifies his direct, unhesitating investigation, contrasting with John's earlier hesitation. This verb emphasizes the physical act of penetration into the sacred space of the tomb.
* **seeth (Greek, _theōréō'_):** from a derivative of θεάομαι (perhaps by addition of ὁράω); to be a spectator of, i.e. discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge)):--behold, consider, look on, perceive, see. This word implies a careful, discerning observation, not just a casual glance. Peter is actively taking in the scene, processing the details of what he beholds, which will contribute to his eventual understanding.
* **lie (Greek, _keîmai'_):** middle voice of a primary verb; to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively):--be (appointed, laid up, made, set), lay, lie. This verb describes the state of the linen clothes. They were not scattered, ripped, or unwrapped in disarray, but rather "lying" in a particular, undisturbed manner, as if the body had simply passed through them or dematerialized from within them. This detail is crucial for the subsequent interpretation of the empty tomb.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then cometh Simon Peter following him,"**: This clause establishes the sequence of events, with Peter arriving after the Beloved Disciple, who had outrun him. The phrase "following him" underscores Peter's characteristic role as a leader, even when momentarily behind, and sets up his immediate, decisive action.
* **"and went into the sepulchre,"**: This highlights Peter's bold and direct nature. Unlike the other disciple who only stooped to look in, Peter immediately enters the tomb, driven by an urgent need to verify the situation firsthand. This act signifies his readiness to confront the unknown and seek direct evidence.
* **"and seeth the linen clothes lie,"**: This is the pivotal observation. Peter's discerning gaze (using _theōréō_) falls upon the burial cloths. The crucial detail is their state: they "lie" (using _keîmai_), implying an orderly, undisturbed arrangement. This observation is the first piece of concrete, physical evidence that will challenge the disciples' initial assumption of theft and begin to point towards a miraculous event.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Foreshadowing** and **Subtle Symbolism**. Peter's immediate entry and discerning observation of the linen clothes foreshadow the dawning realization of the resurrection, which will fully break upon the Beloved Disciple in the following verses. The **Symbolism** lies in the state of the linen clothes themselves. Their orderly, undisturbed arrangement, despite the absence of the body, functions as a powerful, silent witness. It's a **forensic detail** that speaks volumes, subtly but powerfully indicating that the body was not stolen or removed by human hands, which would have left the cloths in disarray. Instead, they lie as if the body simply passed through them, a testament to a supernatural event that defies conventional explanation and points to Christ's glorious transformation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 20:6 serves as a foundational moment in the unfolding narrative of the resurrection, emphasizing the necessity of physical evidence and eyewitness testimony in establishing the truth of Christ's triumph over death. Peter's direct observation of the empty tomb and the undisturbed grave clothes provides tangible proof that begins to shift the disciples' understanding from confusion and despair to dawning conviction. This physical evidence, while not immediately leading to full belief for Peter in this verse, is a critical step in the process of faith, demonstrating that the resurrection is not merely a spiritual concept but a historical event with verifiable signs. It underscores God's provision of concrete, albeit mysterious, indicators to confirm His mighty acts.

* [John 20:7-8](/john/20-7-8 "John 20:7-8 - The Napkin and Belief") - This passage immediately follows, detailing the separate napkin and the Beloved Disciple's subsequent belief upon seeing the same evidence.
* [Luke 24:12](/luke/24-12 "Luke 24:12 - Peter's Visit to the Tomb") - Luke's Gospel provides a parallel account of Peter's visit to the tomb, where he also observes the linen clothes by themselves.
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel of Christ's Death and Resurrection") - Paul articulates the core of the gospel message, which includes Christ's death, burial, and resurrection "according to the Scriptures," affirming the historical reality of these events.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in John 20:6 invites us to consider our own approach to truth and belief, especially in matters of faith. Peter's urgent pursuit and direct investigation of the empty tomb exemplify a commendable zeal for truth. He doesn't settle for hearsay but enters to see for himself. This challenges us to move beyond superficial understanding or inherited faith, encouraging a deeper, personal engagement with the foundational truths of Christianity. The orderly state of the grave clothes, a subtle yet profound detail, prompts us to look for God's hand in unexpected places and to consider how He provides evidence, even in the midst of mystery. For us today, the historical reality of the resurrection, attested by the empty tomb and the unique state of the grave clothes, remains a cornerstone of our hope. It calls us to examine the evidence, to wrestle with its implications, and to allow its power to transform our lives, moving us from doubt to a robust, evidence-informed faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Peter's impulsiveness and desire for direct observation challenge or affirm your own approach to seeking truth in your faith journey?**
* **What significance do you find in the specific detail of the "linen clothes lie" and what does it communicate about the nature of Christ's resurrection?**
* **In what ways do you seek tangible evidence or personal verification in your spiritual life, and how does this verse encourage or redirect that pursuit?**

### FAQ

**Why did Peter enter the tomb when the other disciple (John) did not immediately?**
Answer: Peter's immediate entry into the sepulchre, while the Beloved Disciple only stooped and looked in [John 20:5](/john/20-5 "John 20:5 - The Other Disciple Looks In"), is highly consistent with Peter's character as portrayed throughout the Gospels. He was often impulsive, bold, and quick to act. From walking on water [Matthew 14:28-29](/matthew/14-28-29 "Matthew 14:28-29 - Peter Walks on Water") to drawing his sword in Gethsemane [John 18:10](/john/18-10 "John 18:10 - Peter Cuts Off Ear"), Peter frequently demonstrated a "ready-fire-aim" approach. In this critical moment, his zeal and perhaps a desperate hope to understand what had happened propelled him to be the first to fully enter and investigate the empty tomb.

**What is the significance of the "linen clothes lie" in John 20:6?**
Answer: The detail that Peter "seeth the linen clothes lie" is profoundly significant as a piece of forensic evidence against the theory that Jesus' body was stolen. If the body had been stolen, the grave clothes would likely have been hastily unwrapped, discarded, or taken with the body. However, the Greek word _keîmai_ (lie) suggests they were not in disarray but were "lying" in an orderly fashion, as if the body had simply passed through or dematerialized from within them. This impression is reinforced by [John 20:7](/john/20-7 "John 20:7 - The Napkin Apart"), which notes the napkin (head covering) was "wrapped together in a place by itself." This undisturbed, yet empty, state of the grave clothes strongly suggests a supernatural event, not a human act of theft or removal, providing compelling testimony to the reality of the resurrection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The empty tomb, as observed by Peter in [John 20:6](/john/20-6 "John 20:6 - Peter Enters the Tomb"), stands as the ultimate testament to Christ's victory over death and sin. While the Old Testament foreshadowed a conquering Messiah, it was the resurrection that fully revealed the extent of His triumph. The "linen clothes lie" not as evidence of absence, but as a powerful sign of a new, glorified presence. Christ's emergence from the tomb, leaving behind the grave clothes, symbolizes His complete conquest of the powers of death and the grave [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death"). He did not merely escape death; He abolished it, rising with a new, immortal body [Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Death No Longer Has Dominion"). This empty tomb is the cornerstone of Christian hope, signifying that just as Christ was raised, so too will believers be raised to new life [1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection"). The undisturbed grave clothes become a silent witness to the divine power that stripped principalities and powers bare, triumphing over them in the cross and resurrection [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"). Thus, Peter's observation in John 20:6 is not just about an empty tomb, but about the profound, world-altering reality of a living, reigning Savior.

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 21:15

¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

John 21:17

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Luke 22:31

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat:

Luke 22:32

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

John 18:25

And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also [one] of his disciples? He denied [it], and said, I am not.

John 18:27

Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.

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.