So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

JOHN 20:4KJV
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John 20:4 (KJV)

What does John 20:4 mean?

John 20:4 describes how both Peter and the "other disciple" (traditionally understood as John) ran together toward Jesus’ tomb, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first. This verse simply reports their actions as they hurried to see what had happened after hearing the tomb was empty.

The setting is early on the first day of the week after Jesus’ crucifixion. Mary Magdalene has just told Peter and the other disciple that the stone has been removed from Jesus’ tomb. Both men immediately run to see for themselves, showing their urgency and personal involvement in the unfolding events.

The Greek behind John 20:4

  • "outrun" (προτρέχω, protrechō; ταχύτερον, tachyteron): The Greek uses two words to convey that the other disciple not only ran ahead but did so "more quickly" than Peter. This emphasizes the eagerness or perhaps the youthfulness of the other disciple.
  • "sepulchre" (μνημεῖον, mnēmeion): This word specifically means a tomb or burial place, clarifying that they are running to the place where Jesus’ body had been laid.

Why John 20:4 matters

  • John 20:4 highlights the personal involvement and urgency of the disciples in responding to the news of the empty tomb, helping the reader sense the emotional intensity of the moment.
  • The detail that the "other disciple" outran Peter is often understood as a sign of eyewitness memory, adding a touch of realism and authenticity to the account.
  • This verse sets up the following verses, where the disciples’ reactions and discoveries at the tomb become central to the resurrection narrative.

Where else these words appear

“outrun” Greek G4390 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 19:4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

“together” Greek G3674 · used in 3 verses

  • John 4:36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
  • John 21:2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

“outrun” Greek G5032 · used in 5 verses

  • John 13:27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
  • 1 Timothy 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
  • Hebrews 13:19 But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

“ran” Greek G5143 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 27:48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
  • 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.
  • Galatians 2:2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.