Bible Strands
John 20:4
The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — John records the moment Peter and the unnamed disciple race to the empty tomb after Mary Magdalene reports the stone removed. The narrative captures their arrival at the burial site before the resurrection is confirmed.
The words — ἔτρεχον (etrechon) means "were running," while ἄλλος (allos) identifies the unnamed follower as "the other" disciple. These terms emphasize simultaneous movement and distinct identity rather than rank.
The thread — The race motif echoes the swift pursuit in 2 Samuel 18:23 and the competitive imagery of 1 Corinthians 9:24. Both passages use running to illustrate urgency and singular focus.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that proximity to Jesus does not guarantee priority in arrival or understanding. Readers must examine whether their own pursuit matches the urgency of the event.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
Cross-references
- 2 Samuel 18:23 “No matter what, I want to run!” he replied. “Then run!” Joab told him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.
- 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
- Leviticus 13:30 the priest shall examine the infection, and if it appears to be deeper than the skin and the hair in it is yellow and thin, the priest must pronounce him unclean; it is a scaly outbreak, an infectious disease of the head or chin.