John 19:25

John 19:25, in plain English

Standing near the cross are four women: Jesus' mother Mary, her sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. They stayed when others ran.

Why it's here

Most of the disciples fled, but these women stayed. Their courage in standing at the cross shows a faithfulness that outshines the men who promised to die for Jesus.

Who's speaking

John identifies the faithful women at the cross.

Where it sits in the story

Four women refuse to leave. While fear scattered the men, love held these women at the foot of the cross. Their faithfulness is one of the most beautiful details of the crucifixion.

The scholarly reading

John identifies four women standing near the cross: Jesus' mother, her sister, Mary wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

Language and setting

The presence of women at the cross contrasts with the absence of most male disciples. The identification of these witnesses is significant for establishing eyewitness testimony to the crucifixion. 'His mother's sister' may be Salome (Mark 15:40).

Voice

The narrator identifies the women at the cross.

Significance

While the male disciples have largely fled, four women stand faithfully at the cross. Their presence demonstrates a courage that exceeds that of the apostles and establishes them as primary witnesses to the crucifixion.

23When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided His garments into four parts, one for each soldier, with the tunic remaining. It was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.

24So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it. Instead, let us cast lots to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill the Scripture: “They divided My garments among them, and cast lots for My clothing.”

25Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene.

26When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.”

27Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home.

Read all of John 19 — Every thread of the biblical story converges here. This is the moment everything has been building toward since Genesis 3.