New Testament
John 20:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him, "Rabboni!" — which means "Teacher."
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Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
What John 20:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus calls Mary by name, which signifies a personal and intimate relationship. When she recognizes Him, she responds with 'Rabboni,' a term of deep respect meaning 'Teacher.' This moment highlights the joy of recognition and the importance of personal connection with Jesus. Mary’s transformation from sorrow to joy illustrates the power of encountering the risen Christ. Her response shows her reverence and acknowledgment of Jesus' authority as a teacher and leader. This interaction emphasizes that Jesus knows us individually and calls us into a relationship with Him. It also marks a pivotal moment in the resurrection narrative, where Mary becomes the first to witness the risen Lord, symbolizing hope and new beginnings for all believers. This encounter encourages us to recognize Jesus in our lives and respond to His call with reverence and joy.
How to apply John 20:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to listen for Jesus' voice in our lives. Just as He called Mary by name, He knows each of us personally. We should respond to His call with joy and reverence, recognizing His role as our Teacher and guide in our spiritual journey.
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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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Related topics
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 20:16 mean?
In John 20:16, Jesus calls Mary by name, showing a personal connection. Her response, 'Rabboni,' indicates her recognition of Him as her Teacher, highlighting the joy of encountering the risen Christ.
What is the significance of Jesus calling Mary by name in John 20:16?
Jesus calling Mary by name signifies His personal relationship with her and emphasizes that He knows each of us individually. This moment illustrates the joy and transformation that comes from recognizing Him.
What does 'Rabboni' mean in John 20:16?
'Rabboni' is a term of deep respect that means 'Teacher.' Mary's use of this term reflects her acknowledgment of Jesus' authority and her reverence for Him.
How does John 20:16 relate to the theme of transformation?
In John 20:16, Mary's transformation from sorrow to joy upon recognizing Jesus illustrates the powerful impact of encountering the risen Christ. This moment signifies hope and new beginnings for believers.
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