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

JOHN 20:11KJV
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John 20:11 (KJV)

What does John 20:11 mean?

John 20:11 describes Mary standing outside Jesus’ tomb, crying, and then bending down to look inside the tomb. The verse shows her grief and her desire to understand what has happened after finding the tomb empty.

Mary Magdalene is the focus here, alone at the tomb after Peter and another disciple have left. Her weeping shows deep sorrow and confusion, and her action of stooping to look inside suggests hope or longing for answers. This moment sets the stage for what she is about to witness next in the resurrection account.

The Greek behind John 20:11

  • "weeping" (κλαίουσα, klaiousa): This word carries the sense of loud, open weeping, not just quiet tears. It highlights the depth of Mary’s grief and emotional state at the tomb.
  • "stooped down" (παρέκυψεν, parekypsen): This word means to bend over or peer intently, suggesting Mary is searching carefully, not just glancing. It shows her determination to understand what has happened.
  • "sepulchre" (τάφος, taphos): This word refers specifically to a tomb or burial place, grounding the scene in a real, physical location.

Why John 20:11 matters

  • John 20:11 highlights Mary Magdalene’s devotion and emotional involvement, showing her as the first to remain at the tomb and seek answers.
  • The verse sets up the following encounter with angels and the risen Jesus, making Mary’s actions and feelings a turning point in the resurrection narrative.
  • This detail corrects the idea that all the disciples left the tomb together; it emphasizes Mary’s unique role and persistence in the story.

Where else these words appear

“down” Greek G3879 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
  • John 20:5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
  • James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

“weeping” Greek G2799 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Luke 8:52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
  • Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

“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.

“Mary” Greek G3137 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
  • Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
  • John 11:2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)