John 20:3 Meaning and Explanation
“Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Peter and the beloved disciple set out at once to see the tomb for themselves.
The Context of John 20:3
Mary has just brought her urgent report. The disciples do not delay but immediately go to verify what she has said.
What Does John 20:3 Mean?
The word translated 'therefore' shows us the disciples' response: not disbelief, but action. Peter's impulsiveness drives him forward. The beloved disciple, John himself, comes with him. They move as a pair—the rock and the beloved, the bold and the tender—and they move together toward the sepulchre. They will see with their own eyes. They will bear witness not as hearers of Mary's word but as witnesses to the empty grave.
Their swift response shows us something vital about the disciples at this moment: they are not sitting in paralyzed fear. They are grieving, confused, afraid of the authorities, yet they rise and go. They move toward the problem, not away from it. In this simple act of moving toward the tomb, they are moving toward Christ, though they do not yet know it.
How to Apply John 20:3 Today
When we face questions about faith, there is wisdom in moving toward the truth rather than away from it, in seeking to see and understand for ourselves what God is doing.
Frequently Asked Questions About John 20:3
What does John 20:3 mean?
Peter and the beloved disciple set out at once to see the tomb for themselves.
What is the context of John 20:3?
Mary has just brought her urgent report. The disciples do not delay but immediately go to verify what she has said.
How can I apply John 20:3 today?
When we face questions about faith, there is wisdom in moving toward the truth rather than away from it, in seeking to see and understand for ourselves what God is doing.