John 20:15
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
John 20:15 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of John, Jesus is speaking to Mary Magdalene after his resurrection. He asks her why she is weeping and whom she is seeking. Mary, in her grief, mistakes Jesus for the gardener, showing the depth of her sorrow and confusion at finding the tomb empty. Her response reveals her desperate desire to locate Jesus' body and care for it properly. The significance of this interaction lies in the profound transformation Mary undergoes from mourning to joy when Jesus reveals himself to her. Her encounter with the risen Christ signifies the power of redemption and the possibility of new life even in the midst of despair. This moment captures the essence of Easter and the hope it brings to all believers, as Jesus conquers death and offers salvation to those who seek him.
Theological Overview
When looking at the theological interpretation of this verse, one can see the compassionate and caring nature of Jesus. In this particular instance, Mary Magdalene is distraught, thinking someone has taken away the body of Jesus. However, Jesus, in his resurrected form, appears to her and gently asks, "Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?" This shows Jesus' deep understanding of human emotions and his desire to comfort and reassure his followers. Additionally, Mary's mistaking Jesus for the gardener can be symbolic of how Jesus cares for and nurtures his people, just as a gardener tends to his garden. The interaction between Jesus and Mary in this verse highlights the personal and intimate relationship that Jesus has with his followers, as well as his ability to bring comfort and hope in times of distress.
John 20:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou hast borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
World English Bible
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”
Douay-Rheims
Jesus saith to her: Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou? She, thinking that it was the gardener, saith to him: Sir, if thou hast taken him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him: and I will take him away.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Iesus saith vnto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She supposing that he had bene the gardener, said vnto him, Sir, if thou hast borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.