Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

JOHN 20:6KJV
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John 20:6 (KJV)

What does John 20:6 mean?

John 20:6 describes Simon Peter arriving at Jesus’ tomb, going inside, and seeing the linen cloths that had wrapped Jesus’ body lying there. This verse shows Peter’s direct approach and his observation of the burial wrappings, which is an important detail in the resurrection account.

The scene takes place early on the first day of the week, after Mary Magdalene has told Peter and another disciple that Jesus’ tomb is empty. Peter enters the tomb after the other disciple, and the verse highlights that he notices the linen cloths lying there, undisturbed. This detail sets up the following verses, which describe the disciples’ reactions and understanding of what has happened.

The Greek behind John 20:6

  • The word for “seeth” is θεωρεῖ (theōrei), which often means to look at something carefully or to observe closely, not just a quick glance. This suggests Peter is paying close attention to what he sees in the tomb.
  • The word for “linen clothes” is ὀθόνια (othonia), meaning the strips of linen used for wrapping a body. The fact that these are lying there, rather than scattered or missing, is a detail that points to something unusual about Jesus’ absence.
  • The word for “lie” is κεῖμαι (keimai), which means to be set or placed. The linen cloths are not in disarray; they are lying in a way that suggests order, which would have been unexpected if the body had been stolen.

Why John 20:6 matters

  • The verse emphasizes Peter’s boldness in entering the tomb and his careful observation, which contrasts with the other disciple’s initial hesitation.
  • The detail about the linen cloths lying in place helps rule out grave robbery, since thieves would not have taken the time to unwrap the body and leave the cloths so neatly.
  • This verse sets up the growing realization among Jesus’ followers that something extraordinary has happened, preparing the reader for the unfolding understanding of the resurrection.

Where else these words appear

“clothes” Greek G3608 · 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 19:40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
  • John 20:5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

“lie” Greek G2749 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 23:53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.
  • John 21:9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

“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.

“seeth” Greek G2334 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
  • John 6:19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
  • Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.