Luke 24 12

Luke 24:12 kjv

Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

Luke 24:12 nkjv

But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.

Luke 24:12 niv

Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

Luke 24:12 esv

But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

Luke 24:12 nlt

However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.

Luke 24 verses

Luke 24 12 Meaning

Luke 24:12 describes Peter's visit to Jesus's empty tomb after hearing the women's report. Driven by wonder and a need to verify, he ran to the sepulchre. There, he stooped down and observed the linen cloths that had bound Jesus's body lying undisturbed by themselves. This sight, while providing clear physical evidence of an empty tomb, left him in a state of marvel, still grappling with the profound implications of what he had witnessed without yet fully comprehending the resurrection.

Luke 24 12 Context

Luke 24 describes the foundational event of Christianity: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The chapter begins with a group of women, early on the first day of the week, discovering Jesus's tomb empty. They are met by two angels who announce Jesus's resurrection. When they relay this extraordinary news to the apostles, including Peter, the report is initially met with skepticism and disbelief, regarded as an "idle tale" (Lk 24:11). Peter, however, prompted by curiosity or a deeper urge to confirm the women's astounding account, takes independent action. This verse then details his swift journey to the tomb and his subsequent perplexed observation, bridging the initial disbelief with the later resurrection appearances that bring full conviction. The historical context involves Jewish burial customs of wrapping bodies in linen cloths with spices, making the sight of the empty yet undisturbed cloths a puzzling contradiction to grave robbing, where such items would typically be removed or disarrayed.

Luke 24 12 Word analysis

• But Peter rose and ran: The Greek uses "αναστάς" (anastas), meaning "having stood up" or "having risen," and "ἔδραμεν" (edramen), meaning "he ran." This combination emphasizes a sudden, urgent, and swift departure, contrasting with the general skepticism of the other disciples. It highlights Peter's impulsive nature and a persistent desire to investigate the women's incredible claim. His action underscores a critical moment of personal inquiry.
• to the tomb;: The destination is significant, indicating Peter's focus on verifying the core of the women's message—the empty burial place. This action directly leads him to confront the physical evidence.
• and stooping down,: The Greek word is "παρακύψας" (parakupsas), meaning "to bend beside," "to stoop to look into," or "to peer in." This action suggests a deliberate, close examination. Peter did not just glance; he leaned in, showing careful observation. It implies caution mixed with an intense desire to see clearly, possibly due to the low entrance of Jewish tombs.
• he saw: The Greek "βλέπει" (blepei) signifies a perceptive seeing, observing, or taking note of. It is not a casual look but an act of noticing and perceiving details, highlighting Peter's careful assessment of the scene.
• the linen cloths: The Greek "τά ὀθόνια" (ta othonia) refers specifically to the linen bandages or wrappings used for burial. In Jewish burial practices, bodies were often tightly wrapped in long strips of linen, sometimes soaked in spices. Their presence in the tomb, but without the body, is the central puzzle.
• by themselves;: The Greek "μόνα" (mona) means "alone" or "by themselves." This is a crucial detail. It suggests that the cloths were lying flat and undisturbed, perhaps even retaining the body's impression, rather than being ripped off or unwound from a struggle or robbery. This implies a miraculous "passing through" or vanishing, rather than a physical theft where the grave clothes would be missing or in disarray. This subtle detail implicitly counters any idea of Jesus's body being stolen.
• and he went away wondering: The Greek "ἀπῆλθεν πρὸς ἑαυτὸν θαυμάζων" (apelthen pros heauton thaumazon) indicates that Peter departed marveling or amazed within himself. His wonder is a state of profound perplexity and astonishment. It's not yet belief in the resurrection, but a deep bewilderment at something inexplicable that defies natural explanation. This emotion is crucial in the progression towards faith.
• at what had happened.: This phrase encapsulates the sum total of the astonishing events—the empty tomb, the angel's message (which he initially doubted), and the inexplicable state of the linen cloths. Peter is left in a state of unresolved astonishment concerning these facts.

Words-group analysis

• "But Peter rose and ran to the tomb;": This phrase highlights Peter's individual and decisive action, driven by curiosity and a compelling need to personally verify the extraordinary report. His quick response differentiates him from the other disciples at that moment.
• "and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths by themselves;": This part of the verse presents the primary piece of physical evidence Peter observed. The action of "stooping down" signifies deliberate investigation, while the key detail "linen cloths by themselves" points to a non-violent, miraculous emptying of the grave. It directly challenges any notion of grave robbery.
• "and he went away wondering at what had happened.": This concluding phrase describes Peter's emotional and intellectual state. He doesn't immediately grasp the full theological truth of the resurrection, but the physical evidence has left him profoundly puzzled and astonished, initiating a path toward understanding that will be completed by an encounter with the Risen Lord.

Luke 24 12 Bonus section

While Luke 24:12 uniquely emphasizes Peter's lone visit and wondering, John 20:3-10 provides a parallel account where Peter and John run together to the tomb. John’s gospel adds a detail about the face cloth being "rolled up in a place by itself," further suggesting orderliness rather than disarray, thus reinforcing the supernatural nature of the departure. Luke's omission of John in this particular verse does not contradict John's account, but rather focuses Luke's narrative specifically on Peter's individual journey toward understanding the resurrection. The unique state of the grave clothes—lying undisturbed yet empty—is a subtle but powerful apologetic point against the notion of a stolen body. It implies a "dematerialization" or miraculous passing through the cloths, which for ancient readers would have been even more confounding and indicative of divine intervention. Peter's initial emotional state of "wondering" underscores that the path to faith in the resurrection often began not with immediate, unthinking acceptance, but with perplexity at extraordinary evidence that defied conventional explanation, paving the way for later belief confirmed by appearances of the Risen Lord.

Luke 24 12 Commentary

Luke 24:12 provides a vivid snapshot of Peter's initial response to the resurrection news. His rush to the tomb demonstrates an immediate, although still uncertain, interest in verifying the women's account. His careful examination of the empty linen cloths—described as being "by themselves"—is crucial. This detail acts as apologetic evidence; if the body had been stolen, the grave cloths would likely have been removed with the body, or at least in disarray. Their undisturbed presence, yet empty, implies a unique and supernatural departure, defying the logic of common grave robbery. Peter's "wondering" signifies a state of profound awe and perplexity, not yet full understanding or belief in the resurrection. He saw the undeniable physical reality of the empty tomb and the bizarre arrangement of the cloths, but the spiritual meaning remained elusive for a moment. This pre-belief state is a common human experience when confronted with the miraculous, moving from baffling evidence to a dawning conviction, which for Peter, would later culminate in his personal encounter with the risen Christ. This verse highlights the process of discovery, where tangible facts, though not immediately fully comprehensible, prompt inquiry and set the stage for faith.

• Practical Examples:
  • This passage shows that initial perplexity can lead to deeper investigation, which is a step toward understanding. Just as Peter went to see, we are encouraged to diligently seek truth when faced with inexplicable or challenging situations.
  • The disciples' initial disbelief, including Peter's "wondering" rather than immediate faith, humanizes their journey. It reminds us that faith is often a process, not a sudden leap, allowing for moments of questioning before full conviction.