John 20 7

John 20:7 kjv

And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

John 20:7 nkjv

and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself.

John 20:7 niv

as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus' head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen.

John 20:7 esv

and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself.

John 20:7 nlt

while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings.

John 20 verses

John 20 7 Meaning

John 20:7 describes the meticulous and unusual arrangement of Jesus' burial cloths in the empty tomb. Specifically, it highlights that the cloth which had covered Jesus’ head (the "soudarion") was not simply lying discarded with the other linen wrappings (the "othonia") but was neatly folded and placed in a separate location. This detail suggests a deliberate and orderly departure from the tomb rather than a hurried theft or struggle, providing compelling visual evidence for the resurrection to the observing disciples.

John 20 7 Context

John 20 begins on the "first day of the week," establishing the timeline for Jesus' resurrection. Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb and reports it to Peter and "the other disciple" (traditionally John). Peter and John then race to the tomb. Verse 7 specifically describes the state of the grave clothes as observed by John, preceding his belief in the resurrection (v. 8). This detailed observation is pivotal within John's narrative as it moves beyond simply confirming an empty tomb (which could still be attributed to theft) to providing evidence for a supernatural resurrection. Historically, Jewish burial practices involved wrapping the deceased in linen cloths and using a separate cloth for the head. The undisturbed, yet empty, grave clothes with the head cloth folded separately challenges any notion of grave robbery, as thieves would typically leave chaos. The meticulous description indirectly refutes the contemporary counter-narrative of a stolen body (cf. Matt 28:11-15), which was circulating among Jewish leaders.

John 20 7 Word analysis

• and the handkerchief: Greek: καὶ τὸ σουδάριον (kai to soudarion).
  • soudarion (σουδάριον): A Latin loanword (sudarium), referring to a sweat-cloth, face-cloth, or head-cloth. It was typically a smaller cloth used for wiping sweat from the face or wrapped around the head in burial, distinct from the larger body wrappings. Its particular state, separate and folded, is key to the verse's meaning.
• which had been around His head: Greek: ὅ ἦν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ (ho en epi tēs kephalēs autou).
  • This phrase clarifies the specific identity and original placement of the soudarion. It was the cloth directly associated with Jesus' head. This detail helps to distinguish it from the broader linen cloths used for the body.
• not lying with the linen cloths,: Greek: οὐ μετὰ τῶν ὀθονίων κείμενον (ou meta tōn othoniōn keimenon).
  • othonia (ὀθόνια): Plural for "linen cloths" or "burial wrappings." These were the long strips of linen used to encase the body. The negative ("not lying with") immediately sets up a significant contrast with the soudarion.
  • keimenon (κείμενον): Present participle of keimai, "to lie, be laid." Indicates a state of resting or being positioned. The emphasis here is on its separation from the other cloths.
• but folded together: Greek: ἀλλὰ χωρὶς ἐντετυλιγμένον (alla chōris entetyligmenon).
  • alla (ἀλλά): "But," introduces a strong contrast.
  • χωρὶς (chōris): "Apart, separately." Reinforces the distinct placement.
  • ἐντετυλιγμένον (entetyligmenon): Perfect passive participle of entylissō, meaning "to roll up, wrap up, fold up, envelop." The perfect tense emphasizes a completed action with lasting results. It signifies a deliberate and careful folding or rolling, not a haphazard or disheveled state.
• in a place by itself. Greek: εἰς ἕνα τόπον (eis hena topon).
  • eis hena topon: "Into one place," "in a specific/single place." This final phrase reinforces the orderly and intentional placement of the soudarion, further countering any suggestion of a hasty or chaotic scene.

Words-group analysis:

• "and the handkerchief, which had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths": This segment clearly distinguishes the soudarion from the general body othonia. Its original function for the head is stated, setting up the expectation that it might be found alongside the body wrappings, which it was not. This creates immediate intrigue for the observer.
• "but folded together in a place by itself": This is the crucial detail. The soudarion was not only separate but also folded together, suggesting an action of care and deliberateness. Placing it in a place by itself reinforces its singular and organized disposition, indicative of someone who purposefully arranged it before departing, rather than a frantic escape or theft. This specific, unchaotic arrangement stands as strong, silent testimony to the Resurrection.

John 20 7 Bonus section

• Lazarus Contrast: The precise detail in John 20:7 starkly contrasts with Lazarus's resurrection account in John 11:44, where Lazarus emerges from the tomb "bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth" (soudarion). Jesus commanded, "Loose him, and let him go." This highlights a fundamental difference: Lazarus was re-animated and still encased in his burial attire, needing help to be freed. Jesus, however, rose out of his grave clothes, leaving them behind, demonstrating a new kind of bodily resurrection that transcended physical limitations. He had no need to be unbound.
• Symbol of Order and Peace: The folded head cloth symbolizes Jesus' serene control over death. His resurrection was not a desperate escape but a triumphant and ordered victory, signifying the fulfillment of prophecy and the completion of His work. It speaks of divine dignity, even in death's immediate aftermath.
• Cultural Parallel (with caveats): While debated regarding its contemporaneity with Jesus' time, some scholars note later rabbinic tradition concerning a master and servant at a meal. An unfolded napkin indicated the master would return to the table, while a folded napkin signaled he was done. While likely anachronistic as direct cultural context, this anecdote, often referenced in sermons, provides an illustration of how a folded cloth could signify a deliberate end or a planned return for a meal later in a different context – perhaps echoing, in spirit, Christ's ultimate return for the feast of the Lamb (Rev 19:9). However, it is crucial to understand that there is no historical evidence this particular tradition was widely known or practiced in Judea during the time of Jesus and the disciples. It is more of an interpretive idea rather than direct evidence for what the original audience would have instantly recognized.

John 20 7 Commentary

John 20:7 offers a crucial visual clue, understood by the original eyewitnesses as profound evidence for Jesus' resurrection. The soudarion (head cloth) being found meticulously folded together and in a place by itself, distinct from the strewn othonia (linen cloths), argues against every alternative explanation for the empty tomb. A grave robber would be in haste, leaving a scene of disarray, not one of neatness. Even if thieves carefully removed the body, they would have no motivation to precisely fold a cloth. Similarly, for Jesus to have simply revived in the tomb would require him to disentangle from the cloths and then perform an unnecessary, calm act of folding. Instead, the precise order points to a divine, sovereign departure; Jesus' resurrected body was able to pass through the cloths, leaving them as an empty chrysalis, a testament to His victory over death, achieved in perfect composure and control. This detail became instrumental in John's immediate belief in the resurrection.