The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

JOHN 20:1KJV
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John 20:1 (KJV)

What does John 20:1 mean?

John 20:1 describes Mary Magdalene coming to Jesus’ tomb early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, and seeing that the stone had been removed from the entrance. This verse sets the scene for the discovery that Jesus’ body is no longer in the tomb, marking the beginning of the resurrection narrative.

The verse is written from the perspective of the Gospel writer John, recounting what happened after the Sabbath. Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus, arrives at the tomb before sunrise and notices that the heavy stone covering the tomb’s entrance has been moved. This moment is significant because it introduces the events that will lead to the realization that Jesus has risen from the dead.

The Greek behind John 20:1

  • "first" (μία, mia): This word means “one” or “first” and is used here to refer to the first day of the week, which is Sunday in the Jewish calendar.
  • "week" (σαββάτων, sabbatōn): In Greek, this word literally means “Sabbaths,” but it is often used to mean “week.” The phrase points to the day after the Sabbath, which is significant for early Christians.
  • "early" (πρωῒ, prōi): This word means “early in the morning,” emphasizing that Mary came before sunrise, showing her devotion and urgency.
  • "dark" (σκοτίας, skotias): This word means “darkness,” highlighting that it was still night or just before dawn, adding to the sense of mystery and anticipation in the scene.

Why John 20:1 matters

  • John 20:1 clarifies that the discovery of the empty tomb happened before daylight, which helps explain why Mary and the others were initially confused and did not immediately understand what had happened.
  • The verse underscores Mary Magdalene’s commitment, as she comes to the tomb despite the darkness and uncertainty, setting her apart as a key witness in the resurrection account.
  • By mentioning the stone being taken away, John 20:1 connects to earlier Gospel details about Jesus’ burial and prepares the reader for the unfolding events that confirm the resurrection.

Where else these words appear

“early” Greek G4404 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
  • Mark 11:20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
  • Mark 16:2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

“Magdalene” Greek G3094 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 27:56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
  • Mark 15:40 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
  • Luke 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

“dark” Greek G4653 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
  • John 6:17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
  • 1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

“sepulchre” Greek G3419 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 8:28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
  • Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
  • John 11:17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.