John 20:5

And he stooping down, [and looking in], saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

And {G2532} he stooping down {G3879}, and looking in, saw {G991} the linen clothes {G3608} lying {G2749}; yet {G3305} went he {G1525} not {G3756} in {G1525}.

Stooping down, he saw the linen burial-sheets lying there but did not go in.

He bent down and looked in at the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in.

and stooping and looking in, he seeth the linen cloths lying; yet entered he not in.

Commentary

John 20:5 describes the moment the disciple John, outrunning Peter, arrives at the empty tomb of Jesus. This verse is pivotal in the narrative of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, detailing the immediate aftermath of Mary Magdalene's discovery.

Context

Following Mary Magdalene's breathless report that the Lord's body was missing (John 20:2), Peter and John immediately raced to the tomb. John, often identified as "the disciple whom Jesus loved," arrived first. This verse captures his initial, cautious observation of the scene, setting the stage for Peter's arrival and their collective realization.

Key Themes

  • First Glimpse of the Empty Tomb: John is the first of the apostles to physically see the state of the tomb after Jesus' resurrection. His act of "stooping down, [and looking in]" highlights his eagerness to confirm Mary's startling news about the missing body.
  • Orderly Absence: The observation that he "saw the linen clothes lying" is crucial. This detail, expanded upon in John 20:7 with the folded napkin, suggests not a robbery or a hasty removal, but a deliberate, orderly departure. This subtly points to a supernatural event rather than human interference, as grave robbers would likely have taken or disarranged the valuable burial cloths.
  • Cautious Approach: The phrase "yet went he not in" underscores John's initial hesitation or reverence. He observes from the outside, perhaps processing the profound implications before fully entering. This contrasts with Peter's more impulsive entry in the very next verse (John 20:6).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "stooping down" is kýptō (κύπτω), meaning to bend forward or stoop, suggesting a low entrance or a careful posture to peer inside. The term for "looking in" is blépō (βλέπω), which denotes a simple act of seeing or perceiving. This is distinct from the more intense gaze (theōréō) that Peter employs in John 20:6, hinting at different levels of initial comprehension or response to the empty tomb.

Practical Application

John's initial reaction to the empty tomb teaches us about the journey of faith. Sometimes, understanding comes in stages – first observation, then deeper investigation, and finally, belief (John 20:8). This verse reminds us that the physical evidence of the empty tomb, particularly the undisturbed grave clothes, served as a powerful sign for the disciples, foundational to their belief in the resurrection of Christ and the hope it brings. It encourages us to carefully consider the evidence of God's work in our lives and in history.

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Cross-References

  • John 19:40 (5 votes)

    Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

  • John 20:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, [and looked] into the sepulchre,

  • John 11:44 (2 votes)

    And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.