John 20:4
New International Version
Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

New Living Translation
They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

English Standard Version
Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

Berean Standard Bible
The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

Berean Literal Bible
Now the two were running together, and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first.

King James Bible
So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

New King James Version
So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first.

New American Standard Bible
The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead, faster than Peter, and came to the tomb first;

NASB 1995
The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first;

NASB 1977
And the two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter, and came to the tomb first;

Legacy Standard Bible
And the two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first;

Amplified Bible
And the two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and arrived at the tomb first.

Christian Standard Bible
The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first.

American Standard Version
And they ran both together: and the other disciple outran Peter, and came first to the tomb;

Contemporary English Version
They ran side by side, until the other disciple ran faster than Peter and got there first.

English Revised Version
And they ran both together: and the other disciple outran Peter, and came first to the tomb;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The two were running side by side, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and came to the tomb first.

Good News Translation
The two of them were running, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first.

International Standard Version
The two of them were running together, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and came to the tomb first.

Majority Standard Bible
The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

NET Bible
The two were running together, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first.

New Heart English Bible
They both ran together. The other disciple outran Peter, and came to the tomb first.

Webster's Bible Translation
So they ran both together: and the other disciple outran Peter, and came first to the sepulcher.

Weymouth New Testament
but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached it before he did.

World English Bible
They both ran together. The other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the two were running together, and the other disciple ran forward more quickly than Peter, and came first to the tomb,

Berean Literal Bible
Now the two were running together, and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first.

Young's Literal Translation
and the two were running together, and the other disciple did run forward more quickly than Peter, and came first to the tomb,

Smith's Literal Translation
And they two ran together: and the other disciple ran before, swifter than Peter, and came first to the tomb.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they both ran together, and that other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now they both ran together, but the other disciple ran more quickly, ahead of Peter, and so he arrived at the tomb first.

New American Bible
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first;

New Revised Standard Version
The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they were both running together; but that disciple outran Simon, and came first to the tomb.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they were both running together, but that disciple ran in front of Shimeon and he came first to the tomb.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And the two ran together; and the other disciple outran Peter, and came first to the tomb;

Godbey New Testament
And the two were running simultaneously: and the other disciple was running before more rapidly than Peter, and came first to the sepulcher.

Haweis New Testament
And they two ran together: and the other disciple ran before more swiftly than Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

Mace New Testament
they both set out together: but the other disciple out-ran Peter, and came first to the cave,

Weymouth New Testament
but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached it before he did.

Worrell New Testament
And the two were running together; and the other disciple outran Peter, and came first to the tomb;

Worsley New Testament
So they both ran together, but the other disciple out-ran Peter, and came first to the sepulchre:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Resurrection
3Then Peter and the other disciple set out for the tomb. 4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5He bent down and looked in at the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in.…

Cross References
Luke 24:12
Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. And after bending down and seeing only the linen cloths, he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

Mark 16:5-7
When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. / But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here! See the place where they put Him. / But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you.’”

Matthew 28:8
So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples.

John 13:23-24
One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side. / So Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus which one He was talking about.

John 19:26-27
When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” / Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home.

John 21:7
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it) and jumped into the sea.

John 21:20
Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. He was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper to ask, “Lord, who is going to betray You?”

1 Corinthians 15:4-5
that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, / and that He appeared to Cephas and then to the Twelve.

Acts 12:7-10
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. / “Get dressed and put on your sandals,” said the angel. Peter did so, and the angel told him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” / So Peter followed him out, but he was unaware that what the angel was doing was real. He thought he was only seeing a vision. ...

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.

Genesis 18:2
And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.

Genesis 19:1
Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown,

Exodus 12:11
This is how you are to eat it: You must be fully dressed for travel, with your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. You are to eat in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover.

1 Kings 19:3-4
And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, / while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”

2 Kings 4:29
So Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment, take my staff in your hand, and go! If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer him. Then lay my staff on the boy’s face.”


Treasury of Scripture

So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulcher.

outrun.

2 Samuel 18:23
But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.

Leviticus 13:30
Then the priest shall see the plague: and, behold, if it be in sight deeper than the skin; and there be in it a yellow thin hair; then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a dry scall, even a leprosy upon the head or beard.

1 Corinthians 9:24
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Jump to Previous
Ahead Disciple Faster First Forward Front Hole Outran Peter Quickly Ran Reached Rock Run Running Sepulcher Sepulchre Together Tomb
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Ahead Disciple Faster First Forward Front Hole Outran Peter Quickly Ran Reached Rock Run Running Sepulcher Sepulchre Together Tomb
John 20
1. Mary comes to the tomb;
3. so do Peter and John, ignorant of the resurrection.
11. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene,
19. and to his disciples.
24. The incredulity and confession of Thomas.
30. The Scripture is sufficient to salvation.














The two were running together
This phrase sets the scene of urgency and anticipation. The "two" refers to Peter and the "other disciple," traditionally understood to be John, the author of this Gospel. The Greek word for "running" (τρέχω, trechō) conveys a sense of haste and eagerness. This reflects the disciples' deep concern and desire to verify the news of the empty tomb. Historically, running was not a common mode of travel for adults in ancient times, indicating the extraordinary nature of the event. Theologically, this urgency can symbolize the Christian's pursuit of truth and the eagerness to witness the fulfillment of Jesus' resurrection.

but the other disciple outran Peter
The "other disciple" is often identified as John, who humbly refrains from naming himself directly. The Greek word for "outran" (προτρέχω, protrechō) suggests not just speed but a surpassing or excelling. This could imply John's youthful vigor compared to Peter, who was likely older. Spiritually, this may represent the different paces at which individuals come to faith or understanding. John's faster arrival could symbolize a more immediate recognition or acceptance of the resurrection, while Peter's slower pace might reflect a more contemplative or cautious approach.

and reached the tomb first
The phrase "reached the tomb first" highlights the culmination of the race. The Greek word for "reached" (ἔρχομαι, erchomai) is often used in the New Testament to denote coming or arriving, emphasizing the physical and spiritual journey to the truth of the resurrection. The "tomb" is central to the resurrection narrative, serving as the physical evidence of Jesus' victory over death. Historically, tombs were often carved out of rock and sealed with a stone, making the empty tomb a powerful testament to the miraculous event. Theologically, reaching the tomb first can symbolize the privilege and responsibility of being among the first witnesses to the resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith.

(4) So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter.--This is simply the result of the greater activity of John, who was probably younger than his companion. The thought that love outran doubt or fear, which has often been connected with the words, is not in harmony with the context, for "Peter therefore went forth" as soon as he heard Mary's words (John 20:3); and Peter it was who first entered into the sepulchre (John 20:6).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
The
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

two
δύο (dyo)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1417: Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.

were running
ἔτρεχον (etrechon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5143: Apparently a primary verb; which uses dremo drem'-o as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily.

together,
ὁμοῦ (homou)
Adverb
Strong's 3674: Together, at the same place and time. Genitive case of homos as adverb; at the same place or time.

[but]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

other
ἄλλος (allos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 243: Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different.

disciple
μαθητὴς (mathētēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

outran
προέδραμεν (proedramen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4390: To run before, outrun, run in advance. From pro and trecho; to run forward, i.e. Outstrip, precede.

Peter
Πέτρου (Petrou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4074: Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

reached
ἦλθεν (ēlthen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

tomb
μνημεῖον (mnēmeion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3419: A tomb, sepulcher, monument. From mneme; a remembrance, i.e. Cenotaph.

first.
πρῶτος (prōtos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4413: First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.


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