New Testament
John 20:17
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Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"
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Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
What John 20:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus speaks to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection. He instructs her not to cling to Him because He has not yet returned to His Father in heaven. Instead, He tells her to go and inform His disciples that He is ascending to God, who is both His Father and theirs. This moment emphasizes the transition from Jesus' earthly ministry to His divine role in heaven. It highlights the relationship believers have with God through Jesus, as He identifies God as both His Father and the Father of His followers. This statement reassures the disciples of their connection to God and the new reality of their faith after Jesus' resurrection.
How to apply John 20:17 to your life
This verse encourages believers to share the good news of Jesus' resurrection and the relationship they can have with God. It reminds us that our connection to God is through Jesus, and we are called to spread this message to others, just as Mary was instructed.
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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 20:17 mean?
In John 20:17, Jesus tells Mary Magdalene not to cling to Him because He has not yet ascended to His Father. This indicates a shift from His earthly presence to His divine role in heaven, emphasizing the relationship believers have with God through Him.
Why does Jesus tell Mary not to touch Him in John 20:17?
Jesus instructs Mary not to touch Him because He has not yet ascended to the Father, indicating that His resurrection marks a new phase in His relationship with humanity and His divine mission.
What does 'my God and your God' mean in John 20:17?
The phrase 'my God and your God' signifies that Jesus shares a divine relationship with God that extends to His followers. It emphasizes that believers have access to God as their Father through their faith in Jesus.
How does John 20:17 relate to the resurrection?
John 20:17 is significant to the resurrection as it captures the moment when Jesus reveals Himself to Mary after rising from the dead. It marks the beginning of a new relationship between Jesus, His followers, and God following His resurrection.
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