The Meaning of John 20:11 Explained

John 20:11

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

YLT: and Mary was standing near the tomb, weeping without; as she was weeping, then, she stooped down to the tomb, and beholdeth two messengers in white, sitting,

Darby: But Mary stood at the tomb weeping without. As therefore she wept, she stooped down into the tomb,

ASV: But Mary was standing without at the tomb weeping: so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb;

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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

What does John 20:11 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Apparently Mary Magdalene had returned to the empty tomb after she had informed Peter and John about it. Perhaps she returned with them. The other women had evidently left by then. John presented her as lingering there after Peter and John departed. She was still grieving over the death and now the missing body of Jesus. She had not yet realized what John did. She then peered into the tomb for the second time (cf. Mark 16:5).
"I recall Proverbs 8:17 -"I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me.... Another verse comes to mind- Psalm 30:5, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."" [1]

Context Summary

John 20:11-18 - The Joy Of The Resurrection
Mary wept with hopeless sorrow, with no thought that Jesus was risen, and anxious only to secure the body of her dear Master and Friend. It is because we know so little of the inner meaning of events which are happening around us, under the hand of God, that we weep so bitterly. What we suppose we have lost is really close at hand, and what we count disastrous is part of the process designed to irradiate our lives for evermore.
In her grief Mary mistook Jesus for the gardener, but who shall say that she was greatly mistaken? for surely Jesus is the Keeper of the Church, which may fitly be compared to a garden. At that moment He had come into it to lift up one drooping flower. She recognized the intonation of His voice, for speech is ever a telltale. In the resurrection we shall hear again tones that we have not heard since childhood. In John 20:17 women receive the highest authority for acting as evangelists. Let them tell out the glad news of a love that is stronger than death, and which passes through death undiminished and unchanged. Our beloved are waiting for us in the garden of Paradise. We shall hear and see them and be with them forever. [source]

Chapter Summary: John 20

1  Mary comes to the tomb;
3  so do Peter and John, ignorant of the resurrection
11  Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene,
19  and to his disciples
24  The incredulity and confession of Thomas
30  The Scripture is sufficient to salvation

Greek Commentary for John 20:11

Was standing [ιστηκει]
Past perfect of ιστημι — histēmi as imperfect as in John 19:25. At the tomb Προς — Pros (in front of) with locative while παρα — para (by the side of) with locative in John 19:25. Pathetic and common picture of a woman weeping by the tomb. See John 11:31. As she wept Imperfect, “as she was weeping.” She stooped and looked Aorist active indicative of παρακυπτω — parakuptō for which see John 20:5. Mary “peeped into” the tomb, but did not enter. [source]
Stood []
Imperfect, was standing, or continued standing, after the two apostles had gone away. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 20:11

Mark 16:9 First [πρωτον]
Definite statement that Jesus appeared Only instance of παρα — para with the casting out of demons, εκ — ek being usual (Mark 1:25, Mark 1:26; Mark 5:8; Mark 7:26, Mark 7:29; Mark 9:25). Εκβεβληκει — Ekbeblēkei is past perfect indicative without augment. This description of Mary Magdalene is like that in Luke 8:2 and seems strange in Mark at this point, described as a new character here, though mentioned by Mark three times just before (Mark 15:40, Mark 15:47; Mark 16:1). The appearance to Mary Magdalene is given in full by John 20:11-18. [source]
Mark 16:9 appeared [επανη]
Only instance of παρα — para with the casting out of demons, εκ — ek being usual (Mark 1:25, Mark 1:26; Mark 5:8; Mark 7:26, Mark 7:29; Mark 9:25). Εκβεβληκει — Ekbeblēkei is past perfect indicative without augment. This description of Mary Magdalene is like that in Luke 8:2 and seems strange in Mark at this point, described as a new character here, though mentioned by Mark three times just before (Mark 15:40, Mark 15:47; Mark 16:1). The appearance to Mary Magdalene is given in full by John 20:11-18. [source]
Mark 16:9 From whom [παρ ης]
Only instance of παρα — para with the casting out of demons, εκ — ek being usual (Mark 1:25, Mark 1:26; Mark 5:8; Mark 7:26, Mark 7:29; Mark 9:25). Εκβεβληκει — Ekbeblēkei is past perfect indicative without augment. This description of Mary Magdalene is like that in Luke 8:2 and seems strange in Mark at this point, described as a new character here, though mentioned by Mark three times just before (Mark 15:40, Mark 15:47; Mark 16:1). The appearance to Mary Magdalene is given in full by John 20:11-18. [source]
Luke 24:12 Stooping and looking in [παρακυπσας]
First aorist active participle of παρακυπτω — parakuptō to stoop besides and peer into. Old verb used also in John 20:5, John 20:11; James 1:25; 1 Peter 1:12.By themselves (μονα — mona). Without the body.To his home Literally, “to himself.” [source]
John 20:5 Stooping and looking in [παρακυπσας]
Originally to stoop and look, but in the lxx (Gen 26:8; Judges 5:28; 1Kings 6:4, etc.) and the papyri rather just to peep in and so Field (Ot. Norv.) urges here. See also John 20:11; Luke 24:12 (the verse bracketed by Westcott and Hort). For οτονια — othonia (linen cloth) see John 19:40. Lying Present middle participle of κειμαι — keimai predicative accusative. John notices this fact at once. If the body had been removed, these clothes would have gone also. John‘s timid nature made him pause (yet, μεντοι — mentoi however). [source]
John 16:20 Ye shall weep and lament [κλαυσετε και τρηνησετε]
Future active of κλαιω — klaiō and τρηνεω — thrēneō both old words (for κλαιω — klaiō see John 11:31, for τρηνεω — thrēneō see Matthew 11:17), both words used of the loud lamentations so common in the east. Shall rejoice Second future passive of χαιρω — chairō in violent contrast. Picture the women on the way to the Cross (Luke 23:27, εκοπτοντο και ετρηνουν — ekoptonto kai ethrēnoun two descriptive imperfects) and Mary Magdalene by the tomb (John 20:11, κλαιουσα — klaiousa). Ye shall be sorrowful First future passive of λυπεω — lupeō word for inward grief. See the change from sorrow to joy in John 20:14-16 when “they disbelieved for joy” (Luke 24:41). So violent was the reaction on the sudden appearance of Jesus. [source]
Acts 1:14 With the women [συν γυναιχιν]
Associative instrumental case plural of γυνη — gunē after συν — sun As one would expect when praying was the chief work on hand. More women certainly included than in Luke 8:2; Mark 15:40.; Matthew 27:55.; Luke 23:49; Mark 15:47; Matthew 27:61; Luke 23:55.; Mark 16:1; Matthew 28:1; Luke 24:1.; John 20:1, John 20:11-18; Matthew 28:9. There were probably other women also whose testimony was no longer scouted as it had been at first. Codex Bezae adds here “and children.” [source]
Acts 1:14 Continued [ησαν προσκαρτερουντες]
Periphrastic imperfect active of προσκαρτερεω — proskartereō old verb from προς — pros (perfective use) and καρτερεω — kartereō from καρτερος — karteros strong, steadfast, like the English “carry on.” Already in Mark 3:9 which see and several times in Acts and Paul‘s Epistles. They “stuck to” the praying Associative instrumental case plural of γυνη — gunē after συν — sun As one would expect when praying was the chief work on hand. More women certainly included than in Luke 8:2; Mark 15:40.; Matthew 27:55.; Luke 23:49; Mark 15:47; Matthew 27:61; Luke 23:55.; Mark 16:1; Matthew 28:1; Luke 24:1.; John 20:1, John 20:11-18; Matthew 28:9. There were probably other women also whose testimony was no longer scouted as it had been at first. Codex Bezae adds here “and children.” And Mary the mother of Jesus A delicate touch by Luke that shows Mary with her crown of glory at last. She had come out of the shadow of death with the song in her heart and with the realization of the angel‘s promise and the prophecy of Simeon. It was a blessed time for Mary. With his brethren (συν τοις αδελποις αυτου — sun tois adelphois autou). With his brothers, it should be translated. They had once disbelieved in him (John 7:5). Jesus had appeared to James (1 Corinthians 15:7) and now it is a happy family of believers including the mother and brothers (half-brothers, literally) of Jesus. They continue in prayer for the power from on high. [source]
James 1:25 He that looketh into [ο παρακυπσας]
First aorist active articular participle of παρακυπτω — parakuptō old verb, to stoop and look into (John 20:5, John 20:11), to gaze carefully by the side of, to peer into or to peep into (1 Peter 1:12). Here the notion of beside (παρα — para) or of stooping (κυπτω — kuptō) is not strong. Sometimes, as Hort shows, the word means only a cursory glance, but the contrast with James 1:24 seems to preclude that here. [source]
1 Peter 1:12 To look into [παρακύψαι]
A very graphic word, meaning to stoop sideways ( παρά )Used by Aristophanes to picture the attitude of a bad harp-player. Here it portrays one stooping and stretching the neck to gaze on some wonderful sight. It occurs in James 1:25, describing him who looks into the perfect law of liberty as into a mirror; and in Luke 24:12; John 20:5, John 20:11, of Peter and John and Mary stooping and looking into the empty tomb. Possibly the memory of this incident unconsciously suggested the word to Peter. The phrase illustrates Peter's habitual emphasis upon the testimony of sight (see Introduction). Bengel acutely notes the hint in παρά , beside, that the angels contemplate the work of salvation from without, as spectators and not as participants. Compare Hebrews 2:16; Ephesians 3:10. [source]
1 Peter 1:12 It was revealed [απεκαλυπτη]
First aorist passive indicative of αποκαλυπτω — apokaluptō old verb, to reveal, to unveil. Here is revelation about the revelation already received, revelation after research.Did they minister (διηκονουν — diēkonoun). Imperfect active of διακονεω — diakoneō old verb, to minister, “were they ministering.”Have been announced Second aorist passive indicative of δια των — anaggellō̄ ̄to report, to bring back tidings (John 4:25).Through them (δια — dia tōn). Intermediate agent (των ευαγγελισαμενων — dia), “the gospelizers” (ευαγγελιζω — tōn euaggelisamenōn articular first aorist middle participle of πνευματι αγιωι — euaggelizō to preach the gospel).By the Holy Ghost Instrumental case of the personal agent, “by the Holy Spirit” (without article).Sent forth from heaven (αποστελλω — apostalenti). Second aorist passive participle of πνευματι αγιωι — apostellō in instrumental case agreeing with επιτυμουσιν — pneumati hagiōi (the Spirit of Christ of 1 Peter 1:11).Desire Eagerly desire (present active indicative of παρακυπσαι — epithumeō to long for).To look into (παρακυπτω — parakupsai). First aorist active infinitive of parakuptō old compound to peer into as in Luke 24:12; John 20:5, John 20:11; James 1:25, which see. For the interest of angels in the Incarnation see Luke 2:13. [source]
1 Peter 1:12 Have been announced [ανηγγελη]
Second aorist passive indicative of δια των — anaggellō̄ ̄to report, to bring back tidings (John 4:25).Through them (δια — dia tōn). Intermediate agent (των ευαγγελισαμενων — dia), “the gospelizers” (ευαγγελιζω — tōn euaggelisamenōn articular first aorist middle participle of πνευματι αγιωι — euaggelizō to preach the gospel).By the Holy Ghost Instrumental case of the personal agent, “by the Holy Spirit” (without article).Sent forth from heaven (αποστελλω — apostalenti). Second aorist passive participle of πνευματι αγιωι — apostellō in instrumental case agreeing with επιτυμουσιν — pneumati hagiōi (the Spirit of Christ of 1 Peter 1:11).Desire Eagerly desire (present active indicative of παρακυπσαι — epithumeō to long for).To look into (παρακυπτω — parakupsai). First aorist active infinitive of parakuptō old compound to peer into as in Luke 24:12; John 20:5, John 20:11; James 1:25, which see. For the interest of angels in the Incarnation see Luke 2:13. [source]
1 Peter 1:12 By the Holy Ghost [αποσταλεντι]
Instrumental case of the personal agent, “by the Holy Spirit” (without article).Sent forth from heaven (αποστελλω — apostalenti). Second aorist passive participle of πνευματι αγιωι — apostellō in instrumental case agreeing with επιτυμουσιν — pneumati hagiōi (the Spirit of Christ of 1 Peter 1:11).Desire Eagerly desire (present active indicative of παρακυπσαι — epithumeō to long for).To look into (παρακυπτω — parakupsai). First aorist active infinitive of parakuptō old compound to peer into as in Luke 24:12; John 20:5, John 20:11; James 1:25, which see. For the interest of angels in the Incarnation see Luke 2:13. [source]
1 Peter 1:12 Desire [επιτυμεω]
Eagerly desire (present active indicative of παρακυπσαι — epithumeō to long for).To look into (παρακυπτω — parakupsai). First aorist active infinitive of parakuptō old compound to peer into as in Luke 24:12; John 20:5, John 20:11; James 1:25, which see. For the interest of angels in the Incarnation see Luke 2:13. [source]
1 Peter 1:12 To look into [παρακυπτω]
First aorist active infinitive of parakuptō old compound to peer into as in Luke 24:12; John 20:5, John 20:11; James 1:25, which see. For the interest of angels in the Incarnation see Luke 2:13. [source]

What do the individual words in John 20:11 mean?

Mary however stood at the tomb outside weeping As therefore she was weeping she stooped down into the tomb
Μαρία δὲ εἱστήκει πρὸς τῷ μνημείῳ ἔξω κλαίουσα ὡς οὖν ἔκλαιεν παρέκυψεν εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον

Μαρία  Mary 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: Μαρία 
Sense: Mary the mother of Jesus.
δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
εἱστήκει  stood 
Parse: Verb, Pluperfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἵστημι  
Sense: to cause or make to stand, to place, put, set.
πρὸς  at 
Parse: Preposition
Root: πρός  
Sense: to the advantage of.
μνημείῳ  tomb 
Parse: Noun, Dative Neuter Singular
Root: μνημεῖον  
Sense: any visible object for preserving or recalling the memory of any person or thing.
ἔξω  outside 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἔξω  
Sense: without, out of doors.
κλαίουσα  weeping 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: κλαίω  
Sense: to mourn, weep, lament.
ἔκλαιεν  she  was  weeping 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: κλαίω  
Sense: to mourn, weep, lament.
παρέκυψεν  she  stooped  down 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: παρακύπτω  
Sense: to stoop to a thing in order to look at it.
εἰς  into 
Parse: Preposition
Root: εἰς  
Sense: into, unto, to, towards, for, among.
μνημεῖον  tomb 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: μνημεῖον  
Sense: any visible object for preserving or recalling the memory of any person or thing.

What are the major concepts related to John 20:11?

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