Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

JOHN 20:18KJV
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John 20:18 (KJV)

What does John 20:18 mean?

John 20:18 describes Mary Magdalene going to the disciples and telling them that she had seen Jesus alive and that he had spoken to her after his resurrection. This verse shows Mary as the first to witness the risen Jesus and the first to share this news with his followers.

Mary Magdalene is the main person in this verse, and she is reporting to the group of Jesus’ disciples. The setting is just after Jesus’ resurrection, and Mary has just encountered him outside the tomb. Her message includes both what she saw (Jesus himself) and what he said to her, making her a key witness in the story of the resurrection.

The Greek behind John 20:18

  • The word μαθηταῖς (mathētais, "disciples") refers to the group of Jesus’ close followers, not just the twelve apostles, but those who were learning from him.
  • The word εἶδον (eidon, "seen") is often used in the sense of seeing with one’s own eyes, emphasizing that Mary’s experience was direct and personal.
  • The word κύριον (kurion, "Lord") is used here as a title for Jesus, showing both respect and recognition of his authority, especially significant after his resurrection.
  • The word εἴρηκεν (eirēken, "spoken") points to the importance of Jesus’ words to Mary, not just his appearance, highlighting that the message she brings is both about seeing him and hearing from him.

Why John 20:18 matters

  • John 20:18 clears up any idea that the resurrection was first discovered by the male disciples; it highlights Mary Magdalene’s unique role as the first witness and messenger.
  • The verse emphasizes both seeing and hearing—Mary’s testimony is not just about a vision but about a real encounter with the risen Jesus who spoke to her.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage by showing how the resurrection message began to spread among Jesus’ followers, starting with Mary’s faithful report.

Where else these words appear

“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,

“told” Greek G518 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 8:20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
  • Acts 12:14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

“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.)

“seen” Greek G3708 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • John 4:45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?