20:4a

The two were running together: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as The two were running together describes how Peter and the other disciple went to the tomb. They both wanted to get there quickly, so they ran. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

They ran together (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
They were both running (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
The two of them were running (Good News Translation)

The two: This phrase refers to Peter and the other disciple (probably John). Here is another way to translate this phrase:

Both (New International Version)

running together: This phrase implies that both men went quickly, anxious to find out what had happened. They were both running to the same place, but they did not stay together because the other disciple arrived first. So it may be clearer to not include together. For example:

Both were running (New International Version)

General Comment on 20:3–4a

The verb “went” in 20:3 and “running” in 20:4a refer to the same action. The men went to the tomb as quickly as they could, that is, they ran. In some languages it is more natural to use just one verb to describe this action. For example:

3 Peter and the other disciple started out for the tomb. 4a They were both running. (New Living Translation (2004))

20:4b

but the other disciple outran Peter: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as outran means “ran ahead faster.” The other disciple ran more quickly than Peter did and got ahead. However, because “ran ahead” and “faster” mean the same thing, nearly all English translations only translate one of the expressions. For example:

but the other disciple ran faster than Peter (Good News Translation)

the other disciple: Refer to this disciple in a way that makes it clear he was the same disciple mentioned in 20:3. For example:

that second disciple
-or-
his/Peter’s companion

20:4c

and reached the tomb first: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as reached is more literally “came.” The other disciple arrived at Jesus’ tomb before Peter did. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

got there first (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
arrived at the tomb before him/Peter

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