A.T. Robertson Commentary John 20:17

A.T. Robertson Commentary

John 20:17

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
A.T. Robertson
A.T. Robertson

A.T. Robertson Commentary

John 20:17

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"Jesus saith to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God." — John 20:17 (ASV)

Touch me not (μη μου απτου). Present middle imperative in prohibition with genitive case, meaning "cease clinging to me" rather than "Do not touch me." Jesus allowed the women to take hold of his feet (εκρατησαν) and worship (προσεκυνησαν) as we read in Mt 28:9. The prohibition here reminds Mary that the previous personal fellowship by sight, sound, and touch no longer exists and that the final state of glory was not yet begun. Jesus checks Mary's impulsive eagerness.

For I am not yet ascended (ουπω γαρ αναβεβηκα). Perfect active indicative. Jesus is here at all only because he has not yet gone home. He had said (16:7) that it was good for them that he should go to the Father when the Holy Spirit will come through whom they will have fellowship with the Father and Christ.

My God (θεου μου). Jesus had said "My God" on the Cross . Note it also in Re 3:2. So Paul in Ro 15:6, etc., has "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."