Text: John 20:17
There is nothing in this article that should be news to biblical scholars or even to moderately well-trained preachers. But it might be very useful information to ordinary church members, whom we assume to be the most common readers of this publication.
Even among those who should know better, we sometimes hear John 20:17 presented in an inaccurate way. The way some teach this passage misses the point John is making and also implies that John is contradicting Matthew. The problem is an inadequate translation of the command μή μου ἅπτου.
According to Matthew, the women “took hold of the feet of Jesus” (Mt 28:9). So clearly one or more of them did touch him, likely already had taken hold of him before he spoke those words. If his statement was “do not cling to me” everything makes sense. If one insists on the translation “do not touch me” there seems to be a tension between Matthew and John. The way we sometimes hear the passage taught, the tension becomes an outright contradiction; and a beautiful truth is overlooked as well.
The Greek word at issue (ἅπτω) has a range of possible meanings. Most of those meanings indicate something that takes some time – not a passing touch, but something longer than that.
Ezekiel had used this word of certain parts of the Temple not touching one another (Ezek 41:6). This “touching” obviously would not be a fleeting touch but an ongoing touching. The word is used of kindling a fire, not a momentary action in those days (Luke 22:55; Acts 28:2). It is used of handling some forbidden items, such as unclean food (Col 2:21). In fact, in that text, ἅπτω (“handling”) is placed in contrast with merely touching (θιγγάνω). ἅπτω is used of having intimate relations (1 Cor 7:1). It is used in the sense of harming someone (1 Jn 5:18). Even where ἅπτω is perhaps well translated “touch” (Mk 10:13; Lk 8:46) it is usually touching with the purpose of conveying or receiving a blessing. It is rarely, if ever, used in reference to a fleeting inadvertent touch.
The present imperative form is used in John 20:17. Many grammarians take this to indicate an ongoing action rather than a fleeting, momentary action.
- C.K. Barrett says regarding John 20:17, “The present imperative within a prohibition signifies the breaking off of an action already in progress…” (470).
- F.F. Bruce (389) and Leon Morris (840) agree.
- Alfred Plummer says, “The translation ‘touch me not’ is inadequate and gives a false impression … rather it means to ‘hold on to’ and to ‘cling to’” (341).
Thus, most recent translations indicate an ongoing clinging rather than a momentary touch.
ESV “Do not cling to me.”
NASV “Stop clinging to Me.”
God’s Word Translation “Don’t hold on to me.”
New American Bible , “Stop holding on to me.”
NIV “Do not hold on to me.”
NKJV “Do not cling to Me.”
RSV and the NRSV “Do not hold me.”
The point
Decades ago, we heard it taught that Jesus did not want Mary to touch him because he still had some uncleanness on him from the tomb. More recently it has been claimed that Jesus gave Mary this command for no other purpose but to test her obedience. Both ideas miss the real point.
It would have been great to walk with Jesus when he was on the earth in a physical body. But that physical body had a disadvantage. It could only be in one place at a time. If Mary insisted on clinging to him, he could not go on to speak to the others he intended to bless with his presence. Once he had ascended to the Father, he would be able to be with all disciples in all places at all times.
There was nothing dangerous about touching him. In fact, Mary was almost certainly doing so as he spoke. Ten verses later he would invite Thomas to touch him (using different words, not the word spoken to Mary). But while he remained in the earthly body, they could not hold on to him lest they deprive others of his presence.
But now, we may all cling to him at all times and in all places. He is with us in Africa. He is with you in Canada (or wherever you are).
Do not monopolise the time of your church elders or of your evangelist. They are in earthly bodies. If you take up their time needlessly you could be depriving others of their help. But with the Lord it is different. Talk to him long. Talk to him often. You will not be depriving anyone.