John 20:4
So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
Original Language Analysis
ἔτρεχον
they ran
G5143
ἔτρεχον
they ran
Strong's:
G5143
Word #:
1 of 19
which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 19
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 #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τάχιον
G5032
τάχιον
Strong's:
G5032
Word #:
11 of 19
more swiftly, i.e., (in manner) more rapidly, or (in time) more speedily
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρου
Peter
G4074
Πέτρου
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
13 of 19
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἦλθεν
came
G2064
ἦλθεν
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
15 of 19
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
17 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
The distance and terrain would have made running difficult—Jerusalem's streets were narrow and uneven. That both disciples ran shows the urgency and shock of Mary's report. John's inclusion of himself 'outrunning' Peter is sometimes seen as pride, but more likely it's the eyewitness's unconscious recall of vivid details, written decades later when such personal memories had theological significance.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does John, writing 60 years later, remember who ran faster—and why include this detail?
- What does the contrast between arriving first (John) but entering first (Peter) teach about faith's different expressions?
- How do your natural temperament and personality shape your approach to evidence about Jesus?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They ran both together (ἔτρεχον δὲ οἱ δύο ὁμοῦ, etrechon de hoi dyo homou)—the imperfect tense paints the scene: they kept running together, initial solidarity before separation. The other disciple did outrun Peter (ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς προέδραμεν τάχιον τοῦ Πέτρου, ho allos mathētēs proedramen tachion tou Petrou)—John was likely younger, but this detail serves theology, not biography.
The one who later shows greater spiritual perception arrives first physically but hesitates; Peter who denied Christ charges in despite arriving second. This reversal pattern pervades John's Gospel: first/last, seeing/believing, arriving/entering. The race isn't about competition but about how different temperaments approach the same truth.