New Testament
John 20:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
After saying this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she didn't know it was Jesus.
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And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
What John 20:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Mary Magdalene, after speaking to two angels in the tomb, turns around and sees Jesus standing there. However, she does not recognize Him immediately. This moment highlights the emotional turmoil she is experiencing after Jesus' crucifixion and burial. Her grief and confusion may have clouded her vision, preventing her from seeing the truth right in front of her. This encounter emphasizes the theme of recognition and revelation, as Jesus later calls her by name, which helps her realize who He is. It also illustrates how sometimes we may overlook the presence of God in our lives due to our circumstances or emotional state. The moment serves as a reminder that Jesus is often present, even when we do not recognize Him, and that He can bring clarity and hope in our darkest times.
How to apply John 20:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to be open to recognizing Jesus in our lives, even when we are overwhelmed by our circumstances. It reminds us to seek clarity and understanding through prayer and reflection, especially during difficult times when we may feel lost or confused.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11–18)
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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 20:14 mean?
John 20:14 describes Mary Magdalene's encounter with Jesus after His resurrection. Despite seeing Him, she does not recognize Him, which reflects her emotional state of grief and confusion following His death.
What is the significance of Mary not recognizing Jesus in John 20:14?
Mary's inability to recognize Jesus highlights how grief can cloud our perception. It emphasizes the theme that sometimes we may overlook the presence of God in our lives due to our emotional struggles.
How does John 20:14 relate to the theme of hope?
In John 20:14, Mary's encounter with Jesus, despite her initial confusion, ultimately leads to a moment of hope and transformation. It reminds us that Jesus can bring clarity and hope, even when we are overwhelmed by grief.
What can we learn from John 20:14?
John 20:14 teaches us to be open to recognizing Jesus in our lives, especially during tough times. It encourages us to seek understanding and clarity through prayer, reminding us that Jesus is often present, even when we do not see Him.
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