New Testament
John 20:5
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He bent down and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn't go in.
Compare translations
And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
What John 20:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a moment of curiosity and hesitation. The disciple, likely John, approaches the tomb where Jesus was laid. He bends down to look inside and notices the linen wrappings that had covered Jesus' body. However, he does not enter the tomb. This action signifies a mix of reverence and uncertainty. The sight of the empty tomb and the discarded wrappings is significant, as it hints at the resurrection of Jesus. The linen wrappings, which were used in burial, are a powerful symbol of the transformation that has taken place. The disciple's decision not to enter the tomb may reflect a moment of contemplation about the events that have unfolded. This moment sets the stage for the realization of the resurrection, which is central to Christian faith. It emphasizes the importance of witnessing and understanding the evidence of Jesus' resurrection, which is foundational to the belief in eternal life.
How to apply John 20:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to approach moments of uncertainty with curiosity and reverence. Just as the disciple paused to observe, we should take time to reflect on our faith and the evidence of God's work in our lives. It reminds us that understanding often requires contemplation before action.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Empty Tomb (John 20:1–10)
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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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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 20:5 mean?
John 20:5 describes a moment when a disciple, likely John, looks into the empty tomb of Jesus and sees the linen wrappings. His action of bending down but not entering signifies a mix of curiosity and reverence, highlighting the significance of the resurrection.
What is the significance of the linen wrappings in John 20:5?
The linen wrappings in John 20:5 symbolize the burial of Jesus and the transformation that has occurred with His resurrection. Their presence in the empty tomb serves as evidence of the miraculous event that has taken place.
Why did the disciple not enter the tomb in John 20:5?
The disciple did not enter the tomb in John 20:5 likely due to a sense of reverence and uncertainty about what he was witnessing. This hesitation reflects a moment of contemplation before fully grasping the significance of the resurrection.
What themes are present in John 20:5?
John 20:5 presents themes of curiosity, hesitation, and the resurrection. It emphasizes the importance of witnessing the evidence of Jesus' resurrection and the transformation it represents.
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