New Testament
John 20:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They both ran together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.
Compare translations
So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
What John 20:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a moment of urgency and competition between two of Jesus' disciples, Peter and the unnamed disciple, often thought to be John. They both hear the news of Jesus' resurrection and immediately run to the tomb. The unnamed disciple, who is likely younger and faster, reaches the tomb first. This moment highlights not only their eagerness to see the empty tomb but also the human nature of rivalry and the desire to be first in witnessing this miraculous event. The act of running symbolizes their hope and anticipation, as they are racing to confirm the incredible news they have just received. This verse sets the stage for the discovery of the resurrection, a pivotal moment in Christian faith, emphasizing the importance of witnessing and believing in the resurrection of Jesus.
How to apply John 20:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to respond eagerly to the news of Jesus and His resurrection. Just as the disciples ran to the tomb, we should actively seek to deepen our faith and understanding of Christ. Our enthusiasm for spiritual matters can inspire others to explore their own faith journeys.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Empty Tomb (John 20:1–10)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about John 20:4
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying John 20:4
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 20:4 mean about the disciples' race to the tomb?
John 20:4 illustrates the urgency and eagerness of the disciples, particularly the unnamed disciple, often believed to be John, who outruns Peter to the tomb. This race symbolizes their excitement and hope upon hearing the news of Jesus' resurrection. It highlights the human desire to witness significant events firsthand and reflects their deep faith and commitment to understanding the resurrection.
Why is the unnamed disciple considered to be John in John 20:4?
The unnamed disciple in John 20:4 is traditionally thought to be John, the author of the Gospel. This assumption is based on the way John refers to himself throughout the Gospel, often as 'the disciple whom Jesus loved.' The context of the narrative and the close relationship John had with Jesus further support this identification, making it a common interpretation among scholars and theologians.
What can we learn about competition from John 20:4?
John 20:4 showcases a natural human tendency towards competition, even among close friends and followers of Jesus. While the race to the tomb highlights rivalry, it also serves as a reminder that healthy competition can motivate us to pursue our spiritual goals with enthusiasm. It encourages believers to strive for a deeper relationship with Christ, inspiring others in their faith journeys.
How does John 20:4 relate to the theme of faith?
In John 20:4, the act of running to the tomb reflects the disciples' faith and eagerness to confirm the resurrection of Jesus. Their immediate response to the news demonstrates a profound belief in His promises. This verse encourages believers today to actively seek and strengthen their faith, reminding us that witnessing the truth of Christ's resurrection is foundational to our spiritual journey.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.