John 20:8
Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 17
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
οὖν
G3767
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλθὼν
came
G2064
ἐλθὼν
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
9 of 17
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μνημεῖον
the sepulchre
G3419
μνημεῖον
the sepulchre
Strong's:
G3419
Word #:
13 of 17
a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἶδεν
he saw
G1492
εἶδεν
he saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
15 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
Historical Context
John's Gospel, written last (AD 85-95), emphasizes the beloved disciple's special insight (13:23, 19:26-27, 21:7). This first-to-believe claim isn't self-promotion but establishes eyewitness authority for the Gospel's testimony. The emphasis on believing without seeing Jesus (cf. 20:29) makes John's faith based on indirect evidence a model for later readers who must also believe without resurrection appearances.
Questions for Reflection
- What made the arrangement of grave clothes more convincing than the empty tomb itself?
- Why does John emphasize that belief came before understanding Scripture (v.9)—can faith precede full comprehension?
- What 'indirect evidence' for resurrection (changed lives, empty tomb, transformed disciples) convinces you when you lack direct appearances?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then went in also that other disciple—John finally enters after Peter's pioneering boldness. Three progressive verbs describe the beloved disciple's journey to faith: βλέπει (blepei, v.5—saw/glanced), θεωρεῖ (theōrei, v.6—observed carefully), εἶδεν (eiden—perceived/understood). This third verb, from ὁράω (horaō), suggests more than physical sight.
And he saw, and believed (καὶ εἶδεν καὶ ἐπίστευσεν, kai eiden kai episteusen)—the simple coordination 'and...and' marks the pivot point of history: seeing leads to believing. John becomes the first to believe in resurrection based on evidence alone, before any appearance. What convinced him? The next verse clarifies: not Scripture (which they didn't yet understand), but the physical evidence—specifically the grave clothes' arrangement, which suggested the body had passed through them rather than being unwrapped.