Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus calling Mary by her name, not the more distant "Woman," cuts through her grief by recalling their personal relationship, highlighting how deeply God knows and speaks to us individually in our sorrow. Her immediate response, "Rabboni," meaning "my Teacher" or "my Master," reveals that even in her overwhelming joy at seeing Him risen, her understanding of His full glory was still developing.
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).
English Standard Version (ESV)
Mary Magdalene has been weeping by the empty tomb, convinced Jesus' body has been stolen. Jesus then appears to her, first by calling her name in a way that instantly makes her recognize him. In her overwhelming joy and recognition, she exclaims "Rabboni!" ("Teacher!"), clinging to the familiar relationship she had before his crucifixion.
After Jesus asks 'Woman, why are you weeping?', why does calling her 'Mary' instantly change everything?
Jesus' first words to Mary aren't a grand proclamation of his resurrection. They're personal. He calls her by name. Think about the power in that!
Personal Recognition
When Jesus says 'Mary,' it's not just identifying her. It's knowing her. He sees her grief, her confusion, her deep love for him. This isn't a casual greeting; it's intimate recognition. It’s like he’s saying, 'I see you, Mary.'
Rekindling Relationship
In a moment of utter loss and despair, hearing her name spoken by the One she thought was gone forever is a lifeline. It breaks through her sorrow and begins to restore their relationship. It’s a reminder of who she is to him and who he is to her.
Mary's response, 'Rabboni,' is more than just 'Teacher.' What does this rich title reveal about her heart and Jesus’ role?
Mary’s ecstatic cry, 'Rabboni!' (which John explains means 'Teacher'), is packed with meaning beyond a simple label.
The Highest Honor
'Rabboni' was the highest form of address for a Jewish teacher, signifying 'my great master.' It conveyed deep respect, reverence, and personal devotion. It was a title reserved for those of exceptional standing.
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More Than Knowledge
For Mary, Jesus wasn't just someone with knowledge; he was her Master, the one who had transformed her life. Her use of 'Rabboni' expresses her overwhelming joy and her acknowledgment of his supreme authority and love in her life. It’s a recognition of his divine role and her complete submission to him.
An Earnest Beginning
While 'Rabboni' is a profound title, John notes that Mary's understanding was still developing. Her heart was overflowing with love and recognition, but her full comprehension of Jesus’ resurrected state was yet to come. She sought to embrace the Master she knew, not yet fully grasping the new reality of His glorified presence.
Understand the original words
rhabbouni · Greek Noun
A title of respect, meaning 'my master' or 'great one,' used by disciples to address a teacher. It conveys a high level of honor and recognized authority.
The direct address 'Mary' and her response 'Rabboni' highlight Jesus' personal connection with those who loved Him, even amidst the profound shock and spiritual transformation of His resurrection.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus' public ministry, teaching, miracles, and eventual crucifixion in Jerusalem.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Resurrection
The central event of Christianity: Jesus is resurrected from the dead.
c. AD 30-33
Post-Resurrection Appearances
Jesus appears to his followers over a period of 40 days, including multiple encounters with Mary Magdalene.
c. AD 33
The Ascension of Jesus
Jesus ascends into heaven, commissioning his disciples.
c. AD 40s-60s
Writing of the Gospels
The Gospels, including John's, are written to record Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection for a wider audience.
This passage also highlights a personal and intimate address, where the speaker calls out to their beloved, similar to how Jesus calls Mary by her name.
1 Samuel 3:10This verse shows a young Samuel recognizing God's voice calling him by name, leading him to acknowledge God's authority, mirroring Mary's recognition of Jesus and her address of 'Rabboni'.
Isaiah 43:1God reassures His people by name, emphasizing His personal knowledge and ownership, which resonates with Jesus's specific, personal call to Mary.
John 10:3Jesus speaks of the gatekeeper opening the door for the Good Shepherd, who 'calls his own sheep by name and leads them out,' directly paralleling Jesus's intimate knowledge and personal call to Mary.
Mark 10:51This passage features the same Aramaic word 'Rabboni' used by the blind man Bartimaeus when Jesus asks him what he wants, showing a similar cry of recognition and plea to Jesus as a revered teacher.
barnesJohn 20:16: "Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master."
Jesus saith unto her, Mary - This was spoken, doubtless, in a tone of voice that at once recalled him to her recollection. Rabboni - This is a Hebrew word denoting, literally, my great master. If was one of the titles given to Jewish teachers. This title was given under three forms: (a) Rab, or master - the lowest degree of honor. (b) Rabbi, my master - a title of higher dignity.…
vincentJohn 20:16: "Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master."
Saith unto Him, RabboniInsert, as Rev., after Him, in Hebrew.
Jesus calling Mary by her name, not the more distant "Woman," cuts through her grief by recalling their personal relationship, highlighting how deeply God knows and speaks to us individually in our sorrow. Her immediate response, "Rabboni," meaning "my Teacher" or "my Master," reveals that even in her overwhelming joy at seeing Him risen, her understanding of His full glory was still developing.
Mary Magdalene has been weeping by the empty tomb, convinced Jesus' body has been stolen. Jesus then appears to her, first by calling her name in a way that instantly makes her recognize him. In her overwhelming joy and recognition, she exclaims "Rabboni!" ("Teacher!"), clinging to the familiar relationship she had before his crucifixion.
Mary Magdalene has been weeping by the empty tomb, convinced Jesus' body has been stolen. Jesus then appears to her, first by calling her name in a way that instantly makes her recognize him. In her overwhelming joy and recognition, she exclaims "Rabboni!" ("Teacher!"), clinging to the familiar relationship she had before his crucifixion.
"Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher)." — Jesus calling Mary by her name, not the more distant "Woman," cuts through her grief by recalling their personal relationship, highlighting how deeply God knows and speaks to us individually in our s…
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Last reviewed October 2026