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John 20:14

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 20:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and beholdeth Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and beholdeth Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
John 20:14 — American Standard Version

Context — John 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11But Mary was standing without at the tomb weeping: so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb;
12and she beholdeth two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
13And 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.
14When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and beholdeth Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
15Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou hast borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
16Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turneth herself, and saith unto him in Hebrew, Rabboni; which is to say, Teacher.
17Jesus saith to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God.
← John 20:13John 20:15 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when she had thus said, etc.] As soon as the words were out of her mouth, before she could have an answer from the angels: she turned herself back; perceiving, either by the looks and gesture of one of the angels, or by hearing a noise, that somebody was behind her: and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus; she saw a person, but did not know who he was, by reason of the form of his appearance, the difference of his clothes, and not expecting to see him alive; or through modesty, she might not look wistfully at him; and besides, her eyes were filled with tears, and swollen with weeping; so that she could not see clearly; and her eyes might be holden also, as the disciples…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Knew not that it was Jesus - She was not expecting to see him. It was yet also twilight, and she could not see distinctly. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“20:14-15 Jesus, whom Mary mistook for the gardener, repeated the angel’s question and added, Who are you looking for? Jesus’ question was to provoke Mary’s thinking: At this point Mary was looking for the body of Jesus, but she was about to meet the living Christ.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“and saw: Sol 3:3, Sol 3:4; Mat 28:9; Mar 16:9 and knew: Joh 8:59, Joh 21:4; Mar 16:12; Luk 4:30, Luk 24:16, Luk 24:31 John 20:15”
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Related study paths

Read John 20 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification