Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

JOHN 20:3KJV
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John 20:3 (KJV)

What does John 20:3 mean?

John 20:3 describes how Peter and another disciple, after hearing news about Jesus’ tomb, immediately left and went together to the burial place. The verse simply tells us that both men set out for the tomb upon receiving the report.

This moment takes place early on the first day of the week, after Mary Magdalene has told the disciples that the stone has been removed from Jesus’ tomb. The "other disciple" is traditionally understood to be John, the author of this Gospel. The verse sets the scene for what they will discover at the tomb and shows their urgent response to the surprising news.

The Greek behind John 20:3

  • "ἐξῆλθεν" (exēlthen, "went forth"): This word carries the sense of leaving a place with purpose or urgency, highlighting how Peter and the other disciple quickly set out after hearing the news.
  • "ἕτερος" (heteros, "other"): The Greek word used here means "another of a different kind," which may subtly suggest a distinction between Peter and the other disciple, rather than just "another" in a general sense.
  • "μαθητής" (mathētēs, "disciple"): This word means "learner" or "follower," emphasizing that both men were close followers of Jesus, not just casual acquaintances.
  • "ἐλθὼν" (elthōn, "came"): This verb often implies arriving at a destination with intention, reinforcing their purposeful journey to the tomb.
  • "μνημεῖον" (mnēmeion, "sepulchre"): This word refers specifically to a tomb or burial place, grounding the story in the concrete reality of Jesus’ burial.

Why John 20:3 matters

  • John 20:3 highlights the immediate and personal reaction of Jesus’ closest followers to the news of the empty tomb, showing their concern and confusion.
  • The verse sets up the next part of the story, where Peter and the other disciple will witness the empty tomb for themselves, which is a key moment in the resurrection account.
  • By naming both Peter and the "other disciple," the verse draws attention to their roles as eyewitnesses, which is important for the credibility and testimony of the resurrection narrative.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“other” Greek G243 · used in 141 verses

  • Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
  • Mark 14:19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?
  • Acts 15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.