John 19:27
Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
Original Language Analysis
εἶτα
Then
G1534
εἶτα
Then
Strong's:
G1534
Word #:
1 of 20
a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover
λέγει
saith he
G3004
λέγει
saith he
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μήτηρ
mother
G3384
μήτηρ
mother
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
7 of 20
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
καὶ
! And
G2532
καὶ
! And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπ'
from
G575
ἀπ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
10 of 20
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἐκείνης
that
G1565
ἐκείνης
that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
11 of 20
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὴν
her
G846
αὐτὴν
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
18 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
John 16:32Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.John 1:11He came unto his own, and his own received him not.Genesis 45:8So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
Historical Context
Tradition holds that John cared for Mary in Ephesus until her death. The early church saw this as establishing principles for caring for widows and the vulnerable. John's Gospel uniquely records this detail, suggesting personal significance—he fulfilled this duty faithfully.
Questions for Reflection
- What vulnerable people has God placed in your sphere of responsibility?
- How can the church better demonstrate this kind of practical, immediate care for others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus tells John, 'Behold thy mother!' John immediately accepts this commission: 'from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.' This exemplifies Christian responsibility—John didn't hesitate or delay but immediately cared for Mary. The phrase 'his own home' shows personal, intimate care, not distant provision. This creates a new family dynamic: spiritual relationships supersede biological ones in the kingdom. John's obedience models Christian duty to care for those entrusted to us.