New Testament
John 20:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.
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The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
What John 20:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In John 20:1, we see Mary Magdalene visiting Jesus' tomb early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark outside. This moment is significant as it marks the beginning of the discovery of the resurrection. Mary’s journey to the tomb reflects her devotion and love for Jesus, as she seeks to honor Him even after His death. Upon arriving, she notices that the large stone sealing the tomb has been rolled away, which is a shocking and puzzling sight. This event sets the stage for the revelation of Jesus' resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith. The darkness of the early morning symbolizes the despair and confusion following Jesus' crucifixion, while the empty tomb represents hope and new beginnings. Mary’s encounter with the empty tomb is a pivotal moment that leads to the announcement of the resurrection, emphasizing the transformative power of faith and the promise of eternal life.
How to apply John 20:1 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek Jesus earnestly, even in our darkest moments. Just as Mary Magdalene showed her devotion by going to the tomb, we too should pursue a relationship with Christ, trusting that He brings hope and new life into our circumstances.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Empty Tomb (John 20:1–10)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 20:1 say about Mary Magdalene's visit to the tomb?
John 20:1 describes Mary Magdalene visiting Jesus' tomb early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark. She discovers that the stone sealing the tomb has been rolled away, which is a significant moment that leads to the revelation of Jesus' resurrection. This visit highlights her devotion and the beginning of the resurrection narrative.
Why is the darkness mentioned in John 20:1 important?
The darkness in John 20:1 symbolizes the despair and confusion following Jesus' crucifixion. It reflects the emotional state of Mary Magdalene and the other disciples, who were grappling with the loss of Jesus. The transition from darkness to the discovery of the empty tomb signifies hope and new beginnings, marking the moment of resurrection and the promise of eternal life.
What can we learn from Mary Magdalene's actions in John 20:1?
Mary Magdalene's actions in John 20:1 teach us about devotion and perseverance in seeking Jesus. Despite the darkness and uncertainty, she goes to the tomb to honor Him. This encourages us to pursue a relationship with Christ earnestly, especially during difficult times, trusting that He can bring hope and transformation into our lives.
How does John 20:1 relate to the theme of resurrection?
John 20:1 is pivotal in the resurrection narrative as it marks the moment when Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb. This event sets the stage for the announcement of Jesus' resurrection, which is central to Christian faith. The empty tomb symbolizes victory over death and the promise of new life, reinforcing the transformative power of faith.
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