John 20:5
And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρακύψας
he stooping down
G3879
παρακύψας
he stooping down
Strong's:
G3879
Word #:
2 of 9
to bend beside, i.e., lean over (so as to peer within)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Jewish tombs typically had a low entrance requiring stooping, opening into a larger chamber. The linen wrappings would have been expensive—Joseph of Arimathea's wealth provided proper burial. Ritual purity laws made entering tombs defiling (Numbers 19:14), though the resurrection morning's urgency may have overridden such concerns. John's hesitation could be reverence, caution, or awaiting Peter as the group's recognized leader.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between looking at evidence and entering into its implications?
- Why does seeing the grave clothes 'lying' matter—what would disorderly wrappings have suggested?
- When has reverent hesitation before mystery been wiser than rushing to conclusions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He stooping down, and looking in (παράκυψας, parakypsas)—the participle suggests careful, cautious examination, bending to peer through the low tomb entrance. John saw the linen clothes lying (βλέπει κείμενα τὰ ὀθόνια, blepei keimena ta othonia)—'linen clothes' (ὀθόνια, othonia) refers to the strips used in burial, distinct from the face cloth (σουδάριον, soudarion) mentioned in v.7.
Yet went he not in (οὐ μέντοι εἰσῆλθεν, ou mentoi eisēlthen)—John's hesitation contrasts with Peter's boldness (v.6) but shows reverence, not cowardice. The beloved disciple looks (βλέπει, blepei—physical sight) but reserves judgment until fuller evidence. This restraint before entering a tomb may also reflect purity concerns, though John doesn't specify this.