John 20:3
Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 13
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
4 of 13
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἤρχοντο
came
G2064
ἤρχοντο
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
10 of 13
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
The Garden Tomb location, if accurate, was only 10-15 minutes from the upper room area. Rock-cut tombs outside city walls were standard for wealthy burials (Joseph of Arimathea provided this tomb, 19:38-41). Running to a tomb would have drawn attention, but the early hour and recent Passover crowds may have provided cover.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does John include seemingly mundane details like 'they came to the sepulchre' in resurrection narrative?
- What does the immediate, unquestioning response of both disciples reveal about their relationship with Mary and her credibility?
- How does the pairing of different personality types (Peter and John) strengthen the witness to resurrection?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple—John pairs the two throughout his Gospel, contrasting Peter's impulsive boldness with the beloved disciple's reflective insight. The particle 'therefore' (οὖν, oun) shows this is response to Mary's report, not independent investigation.
The simple narrative—no theological commentary yet—builds dramatic tension. John's Gospel excels at showing before explaining (cf. 2:22, 12:16). Came to the sepulchre (ἤρχοντο εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, ērchonto eis to mnēmeion)—the imperfect tense suggests ongoing action: 'they were coming,' emphasizing the journey's suspense.