New Testament
John 20:12
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She saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had lain — one at the head and one at the feet.
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And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
What John 20:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Mary Magdalene arrives at the tomb of Jesus and sees two angels dressed in white. They are positioned where Jesus' body had been laid, one at the head and the other at the feet. This sight is significant as it confirms the miraculous event of Jesus' resurrection. The presence of angels symbolizes divine approval and the heavenly nature of what has occurred. Mary’s encounter with these angels highlights the transition from mourning to hope, as she is about to learn that Jesus has risen from the dead. The angels serve as messengers, indicating that the death of Jesus is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new chapter in God's plan for humanity. This moment is pivotal in the narrative of the resurrection, emphasizing the importance of faith and the reality of the resurrection in Christian belief.
How to apply John 20:12 to your life
This verse encourages believers to recognize the presence of God in moments of despair. Just as Mary encountered angels at the tomb, we can find hope and reassurance in our struggles. It reminds us to look for signs of divine intervention and to trust in the promise of new beginnings through faith.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11–18)
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Jesus
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 20:12 mean?
John 20:12 describes Mary Magdalene's encounter with two angels at Jesus' tomb. Their presence signifies the miraculous resurrection of Jesus and serves as a divine message of hope.
What is the significance of the angels in John 20:12?
The angels in John 20:12 symbolize divine approval and the transition from death to life. They indicate that Jesus' resurrection is a pivotal moment in God's plan for humanity.
Why are there two angels in John 20:12?
The two angels in John 20:12, one at the head and one at the feet, emphasize the significance of Jesus' resurrection and serve as witnesses to this miraculous event.
How does John 20:12 relate to hope?
John 20:12 relates to hope by showing Mary Magdalene's encounter with angels, which marks the shift from mourning to the joy of resurrection, reminding believers of new beginnings.
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