John 19:26
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
John 19:26 · King James Version
Meaning
When Jesus saw his mother Mary and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby at the foot of the cross, he entrusted Mary to the care of the disciple. This moment is significant as it demonstrates Jesus' love and concern for his mother even amid his own suffering. By calling Mary "Woman" instead of "Mother", Jesus is not disrespecting her but rather addressing her with a term of respect that highlights her role in God's plan of salvation. Additionally, by entrusting Mary to the care of the disciple whom he loved, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of the Christian community and the need for believers to care for one another as members of God's family. This act of entrusting Mary to the disciple also symbolizes Mary's role as the mother of all believers, pointing to her intercessory role in the life of the Church. Overall, this verse reveals Jesus' compassion, love, and care for his mother and for all humanity, emphasizing the importance of familial and communal bonds in the Christian faith.
Theological Overview
When Jesus, hanging on the cross, looked down and saw his mother Mary standing next to the beloved disciple John, he addressed Mary as "Woman" instead of "Mother." This might seem disrespectful to modern readers, but in the cultural context of the time, it was a common term of respect and affection. By using this term, Jesus was not dismissing Mary's role as his mother but acknowledging her as a representative of all believers. In this moment, he was entrusting the care of Mary to the disciple whom he loved, symbolizing the formation of a new family unit among believers. This act also demonstrates Jesus's deep compassion and concern for his mother's well-being, even in the midst of his own suffering. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights Jesus's sacrificial love, his concern for relationships within the community of believers, and the universal nature of his redemption for all who follow him.
John 19:26 in other translations
American Standard Version
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
World English Bible
Therefore when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son!”
Douay-Rheims
When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he saith to his mother: Woman, behold thy son.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when Iesus sawe his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loued, he said vnto his mother, Woman, beholde thy sonne.