When Jesus calls Mary by her name, it's not just a casual greeting; it's a personal recognition that cuts through her grief and disbelief, immediately drawing her back to their shared past. Her response, "Rabboni," a deeply honorific term for "My Great Master," reveals that while her joy is immense, her understanding of Jesus' resurrected state is still rooted in their earthly relationship, not yet fully grasping his divine glory.
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Mary Magdalene is weeping by the empty tomb, mistaking the risen Jesus for the gardener. Jesus then calls her by name, revealing Himself to her in a deeply personal way. In her overwhelming joy and recognition, she exclaims "Rabboni," a Hebrew term of profound respect for a teacher, acknowledging Him as her Master.
Imagine being so lost in grief that you can't even recognize the one you're searching for. That was Mary Magdalene. What was it about Jesus' voice that broke through her sorrow?
Mary was weeping, searching for Jesus' body. The resurrected Christ appears, but she doesn't recognize him at first. She mistakes him for the gardener.
Then, Jesus speaks her name: 'Mary.'
This wasn't just any utterance. It was his voice, spoken with the intimate familiarity that only someone who knew her deeply could possess. It was the sound of their shared past, of His unwavering attention to her.
Mary's response, 'Rabboni!', is more than just a word. It's a declaration bursting with emotion and theological weight. What does this specific title reveal about her understanding of Jesus in this moment?
Mary's exclamation, 'Rabboni!' (meaning 'My Great Master' or 'My Teacher') is incredibly significant. It signifies a profound shift in her understanding.
Ask a follow-up
In the midst of her overwhelming emotions, Mary Magdalene was given a divine commission. Why was she chosen to be the very first witness to the resurrection?
Mary Magdalene wasn't just a follower; she was one of Jesus’ most devoted disciples. Her deep love and persistent search positioned her for an unparalleled encounter.
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.
haptou · Greek Verb
To hold onto, grasp, or cling to something. In this context, it suggests a desire to hold onto the physical presence of Jesus as He existed before His glorification.
anabainō · Greek Verb
To go up or move to a higher place; used in the New Testament to describe Jesus' return to the presence of God the Father in heaven after His resurrection.
Mary's immediate recognition of Jesus by name, and her calling him 'Rabboni' (My Teacher), highlights her deep personal connection and recognizes his authority, even as her understanding of his resurrected state is still developing.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem, marking the climax of his earthly ministry. His body is then laid in a tomb.
c. AD 30, Sunday morning
Empty Tomb Discovered
Mary Magdalene and other women visit Jesus' tomb early on the third day after his crucifixion and find it empty.
c. AD 30, Sunday morning— this verse
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
As Mary Magdalene weeps outside the empty tomb, Jesus appears to her, initially unrecognized. He calls her by name, and she recognizes him.
c. AD 30, Sunday
Jesus Appears to Disciples
Jesus appears to his disciples, including Thomas, over the following days, proving his resurrection and offering peace.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Post-Resurrection Ministry
Jesus spends forty days with his followers, teaching them about the kingdom of God and preparing them for his ascension.
c. AD 33
Jesus' Ascension
Jesus ascends into heaven from the Mount of Olives, commissioning his disciples to spread the Gospel to all nations.
This passage mirrors the intimacy of Jesus calling Mary by name, speaking 'to her' in a way that reveals His personal knowledge and care amidst her sorrow, much like a lover addressing their beloved.
1 Samuel 16:7Just as God looks at the heart, Jesus' simple utterance of 'Mary' bypasses her tears and confusion, penetrating to her very identity and drawing her to recognize Him personally.
Isaiah 43:1This verse speaks of God creating and calling by name, highlighting the profound significance of Jesus calling Mary by her name, signifying His intimate knowledge and ownership of her.
John 10:3Jesus' tender calling of Mary by name echoes His parable where the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out, emphasizing His personal relationship and authority over those who belong to Him.
Mark 10:51This passage records Jesus' response to the blind man Bartimaeus calling him 'Rabboni,' showing a similar acknowledgment of Jesus' authoritative teaching and mastery, though Mary's exclamation here is one of overjoyed recognition of His resurrection.
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.
When Jesus calls Mary by her name, it's not just a casual greeting; it's a personal recognition that cuts through her grief and disbelief, immediately drawing her back to their shared past. Her response, "Rabboni," a deeply honorific term for "My Great Master," reveals that while her joy is immense, her understanding of Jesus' resurrected state is still rooted in their earthly relationship, not yet fully grasping his divine glory.
Mary Magdalene is weeping by the empty tomb, mistaking the risen Jesus for the gardener. Jesus then calls her by name, revealing Himself to her in a deeply personal way. In her overwhelming joy and recognition, she exclaims "Rabboni," a Hebrew term of profound respect for a teacher, acknowledging Him as her Master.
Mary Magdalene is weeping by the empty tomb, mistaking the risen Jesus for the gardener. Jesus then calls her by name, revealing Himself to her in a deeply personal way. In her overwhelming joy and recognition, she exclaims "Rabboni," a Hebrew term of profound respect for a teacher, acknowledging Him as her Master.
"Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending t…" — When Jesus calls Mary by her name, it's not just a casual greeting; it's a personal recognition that cuts through her grief and disbelief, immediately drawing her back to their shared past. Her respo…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
