John 20:2

Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

Then {G3767} she runneth {G5143}, and {G2532} cometh {G2064} to {G4314} Simon {G4613} Peter {G4074}, and {G2532} to {G4314} the other {G243} disciple {G3101}, whom {G3739} Jesus {G2424} loved {G5368}, and {G2532} saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, They have taken away {G142} the Lord {G2962} out of {G1537} the sepulchre {G3419}, and {G2532} we know {G1492} not {G3756} where {G4226} they have laid {G5087} him {G846}.

So she came running to Shim‘on Kefa and the other talmid, the one Yeshua loved, and said to them, “They’ve taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him!”

So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,” she said, “and we do not know where they have put Him!”

She runneth therefore, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we know not where they have laid him.

Commentary

John 20:2 captures the immediate, bewildered reaction of Mary Magdalene upon discovering the empty tomb of Jesus on resurrection morning. This verse marks a pivotal moment, as she becomes the first messenger of this world-altering event, albeit with an incomplete understanding.

Context

Following the crucifixion and hurried burial of Jesus before the Sabbath (John 19:42), Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb early on the first day of the week. As described in John 20:1, she found the large stone rolled away. Her immediate conclusion, before any angelic appearances or direct revelation of the resurrection, was that the body had been removed or stolen. Her urgent rush to inform Peter and John reflects the deep distress and confusion she felt, believing the Lord's body was missing.

Key Themes

  • Initial Misunderstanding: Mary's statement, "They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him," reveals her initial assumption of theft or relocation, not resurrection. This highlights the human struggle to grasp the miraculous and divine plan.
  • First Report of the Empty Tomb: Mary Magdalene plays a crucial role as the first witness to the empty tomb, carrying this astounding news to the leading apostles. This sets in motion the subsequent investigations by Peter and John (John 20:3).
  • Prominence of Peter and John: The choice of Simon Peter and "the other disciple, whom Jesus loved" (traditionally identified as John himself) as the recipients of this news underscores their leadership and close relationship with Jesus. This highlights their importance in the early church's understanding and proclamation of the resurrection.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "runneth" (trechei) implies a sense of urgency and speed, conveying Mary's distraught and hurried state as she sought out the disciples. The phrase "whom Jesus loved" (hon ēgapa ho Iēsous) is a unique and tender descriptor used only by John for himself in his Gospel, emphasizing his special bond with Christ and serving as a humble way to refer to himself without using his name.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that even profound truths can initially be met with misunderstanding or confusion. Mary's distress quickly turned to joy as she later encountered the risen Christ (John 20:14). It teaches us the importance of seeking out spiritual leaders and fellow believers when we are confused or distressed, and the value of sharing significant spiritual experiences, even when our full understanding has not yet arrived. The empty tomb, initially a source of alarm, quickly became the foundational proof of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of believers.

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Cross-References

  • John 13:23 (6 votes)

    Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

  • John 20:13 (4 votes)

    And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

  • John 21:7 (3 votes)

    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.

  • John 19:26 (3 votes)

    When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

  • John 21:24 (3 votes)

    This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

  • John 21:20 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

  • John 20:9 (1 votes)

    For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.