Mark 15 41

Mark 15:41 kjv

(Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

Mark 15:41 nkjv

who also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee, and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.

Mark 15:41 niv

In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.

Mark 15:41 esv

When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.

Mark 15:41 nlt

They had been followers of Jesus and had cared for him while he was in Galilee. Many other women who had come with him to Jerusalem were also there.

Mark 15 verses

Mark 15 41 Meaning

Mark 15:41 identifies specific women, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome, mentioned in the preceding verse (Mk 15:40), along with many others, as Jesus' consistent and devoted followers. They accompanied Him from His Galilean ministry, actively providing for His needs and supporting His mission, and demonstrated unwavering loyalty by coming with Him to Jerusalem, where they remained faithful witnesses to His crucifixion when many others had fled.

Mark 15 41 Context

Mark 15:41 follows directly from the preceding verse, which names the women observing Jesus' crucifixion. This immediate context underscores their extraordinary fidelity in remaining at the site of immense suffering and public shame, a time when most male disciples had fled (Mk 14:50). The broader Markan narrative frequently emphasizes the shortcomings and misunderstanding of the male disciples, making the steadfast devotion of these women all the more striking and exemplary. Their sustained service and unwavering presence, from Galilee to Jerusalem and ultimately to the cross, positions them as key witnesses in the upcoming events of Jesus' burial and resurrection. Historically, while women generally held a secondary public role in that society, Mark's Gospel elevates their consistent commitment to Jesus' mission.

Mark 15 41 Word analysis

• who also (αἵ): The Greek plural feminine relative pronoun "αἵ" (hai) connects these women directly to the group just mentioned in Mark 15:40 (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome), indicating that this description applies to them specifically, and by extension, to the unnamed "many other women." It highlights their shared history with Jesus.
• when He was in Galilee: This phrase marks the duration and geographical origin of their association with Jesus. Galilee was the primary region of Jesus' public ministry (Mk 1:14). It signifies that these women were not latecomers but integral companions from the early stages of His mission, reflecting a deep-seated and continuous commitment.
• followed Him (ἠκολούθουν): The Greek verb "ἠκολούθουν" (ēkolouthoun) is in the imperfect tense, signifying continuous and repeated action. This was not a one-time decision but a lifestyle of persistent discipleship. "Following" Jesus implied not just geographical proximity but allegiance, learning, and sharing in His journey and purpose. This is the essence of true discipleship, involving both physical proximity and spiritual devotion.
• and ministered to Him (καὶ διηκόνουν αὐτῷ): The Greek verb "διηκόνουν" (diēkonoun), also in the imperfect tense, describes ongoing practical service and provision. This is the root of the word "deacon" (διάκονος, diakonos), meaning "servant." Their "ministering" was likely diverse, involving financial support, preparing meals, attending to logistical needs, and offering emotional or spiritual care to Jesus and His itinerant group. This service was essential for sustaining Jesus' public ministry and highlights an often unseen, yet vital, form of discipleship. It goes beyond mere observation to active participation and support.
• and many other women: This phrase expands the identified group beyond the specific individuals mentioned, indicating a broader and diverse community of faithful women supporters. It underscores that these few named women represent a larger, though unnamed, body of devoted followers. Their collective presence strengthens the witness to Jesus' ministry and suffering.
• who came up with Him to Jerusalem (αἱ συναναβᾶσαι αὐτῷ εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα): The Greek participle "συναναβᾶσαι" (synanabasai) means "having gone up together with." This highlights a specific, costly, and climactic act of loyalty. The journey to Jerusalem for the Passover was known to be perilous for Jesus (Mk 10:32-34). These women deliberately chose to accompany Him into the heart of the opposition, demonstrating unwavering dedication even unto suffering and death, contrasting sharply with many others who deserted Him (Mk 14:50). Their presence at the cross, having made this ultimate journey with Him, marks them as extraordinarily committed witnesses.

Word-group analysis:

• followed Him and ministered to Him: This phrase emphasizes the dual nature of their commitment: active companionship (following) and practical service (ministering). It suggests a comprehensive discipleship that integrated listening and learning with tangible support and selfless provision for Jesus' daily needs, crucial for His itinerant ministry.
• who came up with Him to Jerusalem: This phrase pinpoints a singular, pivotal act of steadfast loyalty. This was not a casual trip but a dangerous journey with a specific, foreseen outcome of suffering for Jesus. Their willingness to face potential peril with Him to the end solidifies their unwavering devotion, setting them apart as true and consistent disciples.

Mark 15 41 Bonus section

The repeated emphasis in Mark's Gospel on these women as observers and actors, especially in contrast to the failures of the male disciples, has profound implications for understanding discipleship. It challenges conventional patriarchal notions of spiritual leadership, showing women as deeply committed and foundational to the Gospel narrative and the early church's witness. Their financial or personal support of Jesus' ministry was not insignificant; it allowed Jesus and the Twelve to pursue their calling without the constant burden of material concerns. Furthermore, the fact that they are the primary witnesses chosen by God to see and proclaim the resurrection underscores God's valuing of faithful presence, especially in adversity, regardless of societal status or gender. This also implicitly critiques societal structures that might have overlooked or marginalized the profound spiritual contributions of women.

Mark 15 41 Commentary

Mark 15:41 powerfully encapsulates the profound faithfulness of a group of women, positioning them as prime examples of true discipleship within the Markan narrative. While male disciples often appear slow to understand, argumentative, or fearful, these women consistently "followed" and "ministered," enduring the entirety of Jesus' journey from His early ministry in Galilee to the horrific end at Jerusalem. Their active "ministering" goes beyond mere emotional support, implying tangible provision and service that underpinned Jesus' mission. This verse highlights their unwavering presence at the most challenging moments, particularly at the cross when most others had fled, making them critical witnesses to the death of Christ. Their commitment and practical service also set the stage for their crucial role as the first witnesses to Jesus' resurrection. It provides a striking portrait of devotion, underscoring that discipleship often involves quiet, steadfast service and costly faithfulness, even when such roles were culturally marginalized.