„Nie dotykaj mnie, bo jeszcze nie wróciłem do ojca” (J. 20,17)

Abstract

In this paper the attempt will be made to conduct biblical exegesis and present the interpretation of the passage from St. John’s Gospel, namely: Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father - the words Jesus addressed to Mary of Magdala in chapter 20 of John's Gospel. The author analyses each word of the passage and proposes his own interpretation in the holistic perspective of the St. John’s Gospel. His main concern is to explain the Jesus’ command “touch me not” The Author claims that in the context of this Gospel the expression in question must be rather translated as “do not stop me” Magdalene, as well as Peter, had their own reasons to hold Jesus. Peter was keen on preventing Jesus from suffering which he himself has predicted, but he was also concerned with his and other apostles’ future. If their Master were to face such a miserable fate, they would have no chance to escape the worst. Mary of Magdala had her own reasons not to let Jesus go. She is not, however, to be identified with the woman of ill repute from the St. Luke’s Gospel (chapter 7) but with the one from whom Jesus expelled evil spirits: it was she who participated in Jesus’ funeral and to whom Jesus appeared after His resurrection. The Author of this paper proposes several different ways of interpretation of the words “touch me not” and arrives to a conclusion that the Greek verb haptou ought to be rendered in given context by “hold” Expression “do not hold Me” does not suggest a thought about „touching” Jesus after His return to His Father. What is more, it can be easily associated with Jesus’ words announcing His inevitable return to His Father in order to send the Councelor, the Holy Spirit. Therefore He tries to lift the spirits of Magdalene by saying: „Do not hold me, but hope for the best. I am ascending to My Father and I will send you the Holy Spirit.