John 20:9
“For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.”
King James Version
The disciples' pre-resurrection ignorance of the scriptural necessity of the resurrection, understanding coming after.
Fulfillment References
Psalm 16:10 Luke 24:45 Acts 2:31
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal'As yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.' The resurrection was written in Scripture (Ps. 16:10; Isa. 53; Hos. 6:2) before the disciples grasped it. The Lord Jesus rose not by surprise but by the necessity of the prophetic word — God in flesh fulfilling what was written; only afterward were their eyes opened (Luke 24:45).
JewishA rising Messiah was not part of the disciples' (or mainstream Jewish) reading until after the event; resurrection hope existed, but not for a crucified Messiah.
CatholicThe Scriptures foretold the resurrection, understood by the disciples only afterward; the necessity ('must') of His rising.
ProtestantThe resurrection was scripturally necessary, though the disciples understood only later (cf. Luke 24:45-46); the empty tomb interpreted by the word.
AcademicJohn notes the disciples' pre-Easter incomprehension; the 'scripture' (singular) likely points to Psalm 16 or the broad witness, grasped post-resurrection.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.