John 20:1 - Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went early, while it was still dark, to the tomb, and saw the stone taken away from the tomb.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "John 20:1" mean?
This verse from John 20:1 is a pivotal moment in the New Testament, marking the beginning of the account of Jesus' resurrection. Let's break it down:
"Now on the first day of the week..." This refers to Sunday, the day after the Sabbath (Saturday). It establishes the timeframe of the event. It's important to note that the designation of Sunday as the "first day of the week" holds significance in Christian theology, as it becomes the day of worship.
"...Mary Magdalene went early, while it was still dark, to the tomb..." Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus who had previously been healed by him, is the first person mentioned as visiting the tomb. The fact that it was "early" and "still dark" suggests her eagerness and devotion. Perhaps she wanted to tend to Jesus' body, as burial rituals were important.
"...and saw the stone taken away from the tomb." This is the key observation. The large stone that had sealed the entrance to the tomb was no longer in place. This immediately suggests something unusual had occurred, as the stone was heavy and meant to prevent anyone from entering or tampering with the body. This sets the stage for the discovery of the empty tomb and the subsequent events.
In essence, this verse sets the scene for the resurrection narrative. It establishes:
The Timing: The event occurred on a Sunday morning.
The Witness: Mary Magdalene is the first witness.
The Initial Discovery: The stone's removal is the first indication that something extraordinary had happened.
The verse raises questions and creates suspense. Who moved the stone? What happened to Jesus' body? This drives the narrative forward and prompts the disciples' investigation and ultimate encounter with the resurrected Jesus.
John 20:1 - Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went early, while it was still dark, to the tomb, and saw the stone taken away from the tomb.
What does "John 20:1" mean?
This verse from John 20:1 is a pivotal moment in the New Testament, marking the beginning of the account of Jesus' resurrection. Let's break it down:
"Now on the first day of the week..." This refers to Sunday, the day after the Sabbath (Saturday). It establishes the timeframe of the event. It's important to note that the designation of Sunday as the "first day of the week" holds significance in Christian theology, as it becomes the day of worship.
"...Mary Magdalene went early, while it was still dark, to the tomb..." Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus who had previously been healed by him, is the first person mentioned as visiting the tomb. The fact that it was "early" and "still dark" suggests her eagerness and devotion. Perhaps she wanted to tend to Jesus' body, as burial rituals were important.
"...and saw the stone taken away from the tomb." This is the key observation. The large stone that had sealed the entrance to the tomb was no longer in place. This immediately suggests something unusual had occurred, as the stone was heavy and meant to prevent anyone from entering or tampering with the body. This sets the stage for the discovery of the empty tomb and the subsequent events.
In essence, this verse sets the scene for the resurrection narrative. It establishes:
The Timing: The event occurred on a Sunday morning.
The Witness: Mary Magdalene is the first witness.
The Initial Discovery: The stone's removal is the first indication that something extraordinary had happened.
The verse raises questions and creates suspense. Who moved the stone? What happened to Jesus' body? This drives the narrative forward and prompts the disciples' investigation and ultimate encounter with the resurrected Jesus.