John 20:8

KJV

Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119}{G3767} went in {G1525} also {G2532} that other {G243} disciple {G3101}, which {G3588} came {G2064} first {G4413} to {G1519} the sepulchre {G3419}, and {G2532} he saw {G1492}, and {G2532} believed {G4100}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the other talmid, who had arrived at the tomb first, also went in; he saw, and he trusted.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in. And he saw and believed.

American Standard Version

Then entered in therefore the other disciple also, who came first to the tomb, and he saw, and believed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 20:8 marks a pivotal moment in the resurrection narrative, describing the immediate impact of the empty tomb on John, "the other disciple." It states, "Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed." This verse highlights the transition from bewilderment to profound faith, as John's observation of the undisturbed grave clothes provides compelling physical evidence that ignites his belief in Christ's triumph over death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Mary Magdalene's distressed report of the empty tomb to Simon Peter and John ([John 20:1-2](/john/20-1-2 "Mary Magdalene Discovers the Empty Tomb")). Upon hearing the news, Peter and John race to the sepulchre ([John 20:3-4](/john/20-3-4 "Peter and John Race to the Tomb")). John, being swifter, arrives first but respectfully waits outside, looking in and seeing the linen cloths lying there ([John 20:5](/john/20-5 "John Looks into the Tomb")). Peter then enters, observing the linen cloths and the separate, folded burial cloth for Jesus' head ([John 20:6-7](/john/20-6-7 "Peter's Observation of the Grave Clothes")). It is only after Peter's initial inspection that John enters, and his observation leads directly to a profound and immediate belief in the resurrection, setting the stage for subsequent appearances of the resurrected Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish burial customs involved wrapping the deceased tightly in linen cloths, often with aromatic spices, and a separate cloth (sudarium) for the head. The undisturbed state of these cloths, particularly the neatly folded head cloth, would have been highly significant. If the body had been stolen, grave robbers would likely have unwrapped the body and left the clothes in disarray, or taken them with the body. The orderly arrangement strongly suggested a supernatural departure, not a chaotic robbery. Tombs were typically rock-cut caves with a rolling stone door, and the discovery of the stone rolled away was itself a major indicator of an unusual event. The disciples, steeped in Jewish messianic expectations, would have struggled to reconcile a crucified Messiah with their hopes, making the resurrection an utterly paradigm-shifting event that required compelling evidence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in John's Gospel. It highlights the theme of **Eyewitness Testimony**, as John's personal observation of the tomb's contents directly leads to his belief, reinforcing the reliability of the apostolic witness to the resurrection. It also underscores the **Nature of Faith**, demonstrating that belief can arise from compelling evidence, even before a direct encounter with the risen Christ. This contrasts with later accounts where Jesus appears to the disciples to solidify their faith (e.g., [John 20:19-20](/john/20-19-20 "Jesus Appears to the Disciples")). Furthermore, John's immediate belief foreshadows the Gospel's overarching purpose: that readers "may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" ([John 20:31](/john/20-31 "Purpose of John's Gospel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb signifies more than a casual glance; it implies a seeing that leads to understanding, perception, or comprehension. John didn't merely observe the scene; he grasped its profound meaning, distinguishing it from Peter's initial "beholding" (theōreō) in [John 20:6](/john/20-6 "Peter's Observation").
* **believed (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** This term indicates a decisive act of faith, a personal acceptance of the truth. John's seeing led directly to a profound conviction about the resurrection, implying an entrustment of his spiritual well-being to this new reality.
* **sepulchre (Greek, _mnēmeîon'_):** Referring to the tomb or grave, this word emphasizes the place of death. The transformation of this place from a site of sorrow and finality to one of revelation and belief highlights the radical nature of the resurrection event.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre":** This clause emphasizes John's eventual entry into the tomb, following Peter. The detail that he "came first to the sepulchre" recalls [John 20:4](/john/20-4 "John Outruns Peter") and highlights his initial restraint, perhaps out of reverence or uncertainty, before Peter's bolder entry. His subsequent entry is therefore a deliberate act, setting the stage for his crucial observation.
* **"and he saw":** This is the pivotal moment. Unlike Peter's previous observation, John's "seeing" (eídō) implies a deeper level of perception. He not only registered the physical presence of the linen cloths and the folded head cloth but understood their implications—that the body was not stolen, but had passed through them, leaving them undisturbed. This seeing was transformative.
* **"and believed":** The direct consequence of his seeing. John's faith in the resurrection was ignited at this very moment, based on the compelling, silent testimony of the empty tomb and the orderly grave clothes. This is the first recorded instance of a disciple believing in the resurrection before seeing the risen Christ, marking a profound shift from despair to hope.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Juxtaposition** by contrasting John's initial hesitation to enter with his decisive action once inside, and more importantly, by contrasting his "seeing" with his "believing." This highlights the causal relationship between evidence and faith. The narrative uses **Foreshadowing** by presenting John's immediate belief, which anticipates the later, broader acceptance of the resurrection by the other disciples and the subsequent spread of the Gospel. The **Symbolism** of the empty tomb and the neatly arranged grave clothes is powerful; they are not just physical objects but silent witnesses to a supernatural event, pointing to Christ's victory over death and the orderly, non-chaotic nature of His departure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 20:8 stands as a foundational text for understanding the nature of faith grounded in evidence, particularly concerning the resurrection. It underscores that God provides sufficient, though not always overwhelming, evidence to prompt belief. John's immediate conviction, even without seeing the risen Lord, highlights a faith that perceives spiritual truth through physical signs. This event serves as an early testament to the resurrection's reality, which is the cornerstone of Christian theology, affirming Jesus' identity as the Son of God and His triumph over sin and death. It teaches that true belief is not blind, but responsive to divine revelation, whether through direct encounter or compelling testimony, ultimately leading to a profound trust in God's redemptive plan.

* [John 20:29](/john/20-29 "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed")
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-8](/1_corinthians/15-3-8 "The Resurrection of Christ")
* [Romans 10:17](/romans/10-17 "Faith Comes by Hearing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John's experience in the tomb offers a powerful model for our own journey of faith. We, like John, are called to move beyond mere observation or intellectual assent to a profound, personal belief in the reality of Jesus' resurrection and its implications for our lives. While we do not stand at the empty tomb, we have the historical accounts of the Gospels, the transformed lives of countless believers throughout history, and the indwelling Spirit as compelling evidence. This verse encourages us to actively examine the "evidence" God has provided—His Word, His creation, His work in our lives—and allow it to deepen our conviction. It reminds us that authentic faith is not a passive acceptance but an active response, leading to a life transformed by the power of the risen Christ. Our belief in the resurrection is not merely a historical acknowledgment but the foundation for our hope, purpose, and spiritual vitality, empowering us to live in the newness of life that Christ's victory makes possible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "evidence" in your life or in the world has led you to a deeper understanding or belief in God?**
* **How does John's immediate belief challenge or affirm your own journey of faith?**
* **In what ways can the historical reality of the resurrection impact your daily life and perspective?**

### FAQ
**Why did John believe before seeing Jesus, while others seemed to doubt?**

Answer: John's Gospel often portrays "the beloved disciple" as having a unique spiritual perceptiveness and intimacy with Jesus. While Peter focused on the physical evidence of the grave clothes, John's "seeing" (eídō) implied a deeper comprehension, an immediate understanding of the implications of the empty tomb and the orderly grave clothes—that Jesus had risen, not been stolen. This immediate belief, even before a direct encounter with the risen Christ, highlights his spiritual readiness and perhaps a greater openness to the supernatural truth of the resurrection. Other disciples, like Thomas, required direct physical proof ([John 20:24-29](/john/20-24-29 "Jesus Appears to Thomas")), but John's faith was ignited by the silent testimony of the tomb itself.

**What was the significance of the "linen clothes" and "napkin" being found in a particular way?**

Answer: The text in [John 20:6-7](/john/20-6-7 "Peter's Observation of the Grave Clothes") details that the linen cloths were lying there, and the napkin (sudarium), which had been on Jesus' head, was "not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself." This orderly arrangement was crucial evidence against the idea of a grave robbery. Thieves would typically strip the body and leave the cloths in disarray or take them with the body. The neatly folded head cloth, in particular, suggested a deliberate, unhurried departure, implying that Jesus had simply passed through the grave clothes. This detail served as a powerful, silent witness to the supernatural nature of the resurrection, providing the compelling evidence that led to John's belief.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John's belief upon seeing the empty tomb, though not yet a direct encounter with the risen Christ, is profoundly Christ-centered. His "seeing and believing" at the sepulchre is the first tangible proof of Jesus' victory over death, confirming His claims to divinity and His power over sin and the grave. This event sets the stage for the New Covenant, where Christ's resurrection becomes the guarantee of our own future resurrection and new life ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "Christ is the Firstfruits of the Resurrection")). John's immediate faith points to the profound truth that Jesus is indeed "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), and that through His triumph, believers are offered new life and eternal hope. His belief in the empty tomb is a foundational moment, demonstrating that the historical reality of Christ's resurrection is the bedrock upon which all Christian faith and salvation are built, making Him the central figure of God's redemptive plan to justify the ungodly ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Jesus Was Raised for Our Justification")).

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 20:25

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

John 20:4

So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

John 1:50

Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.

John 20:29

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed [are] they that have not seen, and [yet] have believed.