New Testament
John 20:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you put him, and I will take him away."
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Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
What John 20:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus encounters Mary Magdalene after His resurrection. He asks her why she is crying and whom she is looking for. Mary, not recognizing Him, thinks He is the gardener and pleads for information about Jesus' body. This moment highlights her deep sorrow and confusion. Mary’s misunderstanding reflects the emotional turmoil of loss and the hope of finding her beloved teacher. Jesus’ gentle questioning invites her to express her grief, showing His compassion. The interaction emphasizes the theme of recognition; Mary does not see Jesus for who He truly is until later. This moment is pivotal as it sets the stage for her eventual realization of His resurrection, symbolizing the transition from despair to hope. It illustrates how personal encounters with Jesus can transform our understanding and emotions, leading to profound revelations about faith and life.
How to apply John 20:15 to your life
When faced with loss or confusion, we can turn to Jesus, who understands our pain. Like Mary, we may not always recognize His presence in our lives, but we should seek Him earnestly. He offers comfort and clarity in our darkest moments.
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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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Keep studying John 20:15
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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 20:15 mean?
In John 20:15, Jesus asks Mary Magdalene why she is crying and whom she is seeking. This interaction highlights her sorrow and confusion after His resurrection, as she does not recognize Him and thinks He is the gardener.
What does Jesus' question to Mary reveal?
Jesus' question, 'Why are you crying?' shows His compassion and invites Mary to express her grief. It reflects His understanding of human emotions and the importance of addressing sorrow.
What themes are present in John 20:15?
Key themes in John 20:15 include resurrection, grief, recognition, compassion, hope, and transformation. This verse illustrates the journey from despair to hope through personal encounters with Jesus.
How can we apply John 20:15 to our lives?
John 20:15 encourages us to seek Jesus during times of loss or confusion. Like Mary, we may not always recognize His presence, but He offers comfort and clarity in our darkest moments.
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