John 19:26

26 Therefore when Jesus had seen his mother, and the disciple standing, whom he loved, he saith to his mother, Woman, lo! thy son.

John 19:26 Meaning and Commentary

John 19:26

When Jesus therefore saw his mother
Standing near him, within the reach of his voice, as well as sight, he took notice of her, and showed a concern for her temporal, as well as for her eternal good:

and the disciple standing by;
either by his cross, his mother, or both:

whom he loved:
meaning John, the writer of this Gospel, who for modesty's sake often describes himself in this manner; he being distinguished by Christ from the rest, by some peculiar marks of affection as man; though as God, and as the Redeemer, he loved his disciples alike, as he does all his true and faithful followers:

he saith unto his mother, woman, behold thy son;
meaning not himself, but the disciple, who was her son, not by nature, nor adoption; but who would show himself as a son, by his filial affection for, care of, honour and respect unto her. Christ calls her not mother, but woman; not out of disrespect to her, or as ashamed of her; but partly that he might not raise, or add strength to her passions, by a tenderness of speaking; and partly to conceal her from the mob, and lest she should be exposed to their rude insults; as also to let her know that all natural relation was now ceasing between them; though this is a title he sometimes used to give her before.

John 19:26 In-Context

24 Therefore they said together, Cut we not it, but cast we lot [but lay we lots], whose it is; that the scripture be fulfilled, saying, They parted my clothes to them, and on my cloak they cast lot [and into my cloth thy sent lots]. And the knights did these things.

25 But beside the cross of Jesus stood his mother, and the sister of his mother, Mary Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

26 Therefore when Jesus had seen his mother, and the disciple standing, whom he loved, he saith to his mother, Woman, lo! thy son.

27 Afterward he saith to the disciple, Lo! thy mother. And from that hour the disciple took her into his mother [And from that hour the disciple took her into his things].

28 Afterward Jesus witting, that now all things be ended, that the scripture were fulfilled [that the scripture should be fulfilled], he saith, I thirst.