John 20:13
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John 20:13
13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
Chapter Context
John 20 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of fellowship, faith, love. Written during the late first century CE (c. 90-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed late first-century challenges from both Judaism and emerging Gnostic thought.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
John 20:13
13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
Analysis
Woman, why weepest thou? (Γύναι, τί κλαίεις; Gynai, ti klaieis)—the angels' question (v.12 identifies them) isn't insensitive but designed to shift Mary's focus from grief to recognition. The same question Jesus will ask (v.15), showing divine coordination. Because they have taken away my Lord (ὅτι ἦραν τὸν κύριόν μου, hoti ēran ton kyrion mou)—her possessive 'my Lord' reveals intimate relationship, not mere discipleship.
And I know not where they have laid him (καὶ οὐκ οἶδα ποῦ ἔθηκαν αὐτόν, kai ouk oida pou ethēkan auton)—her focus remains on the body's location, still assuming theft. She addresses angels as casually as gardeners, grief eclipsing wonder. The repetition from v.2 shows her obsession: all she can think about is finding the body. This single-minded devotion, though misdirected in its assumption, prepares her to recognize the Shepherd's voice (10:3-4).
Historical Context
Angelic appearances at tombs (v.12) follow OT patterns (Genesis 18, Judges 13) where divine messengers guide interpretation of events. White garments signify heavenly origin. That Mary doesn't react with fear to angels shows grief's consuming power—or suggests she doesn't yet recognize them as angels, seeing only 'two men' (Luke 24:4). Her repeated concern about the body's location reflects burial customs requiring proper treatment of the dead.
Reflection
- Why does grief sometimes blind us to supernatural realities (angels) right in front of us?
- What does Mary's possessive 'my Lord' reveal about the nature of saving faith versus mere belief in facts?
- How does God use repeated questions ('Why weepest thou?') to prepare us for paradigm-shifting revelation?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master