John 20:13

Lore & Background

The King James Version of this text reads: '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.' The role of the angels presented in the Gospel of John during the resurrection narrative is far less developed than in the synoptic gospels, with John placing much of the weight on the subsequent encounter between Mary and the risen Jesus.

Reader's Guide

The word 'woman' in this verse is a translation of the Greek word γυναι (gunai). This term was the polite way to address an adult female, and is in no way lacking in reverence despite how the word might sound to modern ears. In John 2:4, for instance, Jesus uses this same word to address his mother. John Chrysostom comments that the angels first address Mary 'compassionately', 'to prevent her from being overpowered by a spectacle of such extraordinary brightness'. He adds that 'Why weepest thou' is less a question, more an invitation: 'Weep not'. The contrast between Mary's bewilderment in this episode and the dramatic change that takes place immediately thereafter is also reflected in the iconography of the corresponding scenes. The depiction of Mary's confusion in her encounter with the angels is often attributed to Matthew 28:13, where the guards at the tomb are paid to say that the body had been stolen. The somewhat bleak iconography of this scene is then often contrasted with the brilliant lights that shine from a resurrected Jesus after he has been recognized.

Did You Know?

• The angels' question 'Why weepest thou?' is interpreted by John Chrysostom as an invitation to stop weeping.
• The Greek word γυναι (gunai) used in this verse was a polite term for an adult female.
• The role of angels in John's resurrection narrative is less developed than in the synoptic gospels.
• The iconography of Mary's confusion here is often linked to Matthew 28:13, where guards are paid to claim the body was stolen.