Mark 16 1

Mark 16:1 kjv

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

Mark 16:1 nkjv

Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.

Mark 16:1 niv

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body.

Mark 16:1 esv

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him.

Mark 16:1 nlt

Saturday evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out and purchased burial spices so they could anoint Jesus' body.

Mark 16 verses

Mark 16 1 Meaning

Mark 16:1 describes the devout actions of several women—Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome—immediately following the Jewish Sabbath after Jesus' crucifixion. Driven by profound love and grief, they purchased aromatic spices with the intention of anointing Jesus' body for proper burial rites. This verse sets the scene for their discovery of the empty tomb and Jesus' resurrection, highlighting their initial human expectation of a continued physical death, contrasted with God's miraculous divine plan.

Mark 16 1 Context

Mark 16:1 follows immediately after the narrative of Jesus' crucifixion, death, and burial (Mark 15:21-47). Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus had already provided a quick burial for Jesus' body, wrapping it in linen cloths with about 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes (Jn 19:39-40), before the Sabbath began at sunset on Friday. This verse establishes that the women's intention to fully anoint the body was delayed by the Sabbath observance, during which all work, including commerce (buying spices) and elaborate burial preparations, was prohibited. Their action of buying spices "when the Sabbath was past" (which would have been after sunset on Saturday, preparing for dawn on Sunday) highlights their meticulous adherence to Jewish law even in their profound grief. It sets the stage for the unparalleled event of the resurrection, as these women, expecting to minister to a corpse, would instead be confronted with an empty tomb.

Mark 16 1 Word analysis

• And when the Sabbath was past (καὶ διαγενομένου τοῦ σαββάτου, kai diagenomenou tou sabbatou):

  • And: Connects the previous narrative (burial) to the new action, signifying continuity in the story's timeline.
  • when...was past (διαγενομένου, diagenomenou): A participle meaning "having passed through" or "having elapsed." This emphasizes the completion of the Sabbath day, indicating the end of Saturday and the onset of the first day of the week (Sunday after sundown). It underscores their legal and spiritual obedience to the divine command for rest, even amid profound sorrow. The timing points directly to the Christian Lord's Day, where new creation is inaugurated through Christ's resurrection.
  • Sabbath (σαββάτου, sabbatou): Refers to the weekly day of rest from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday, foundational to Jewish law and identity (Ex 20:8-11). The observance highlights the legal restriction on their activities, necessitating the wait. The ending of the Old Covenant Sabbath implicitly foreshadows the dawn of the new covenant reality, centered on the resurrected Christ.

• Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome:

  • These specific women demonstrate deep loyalty and devotion to Jesus, having followed Him during His ministry and remained present at His crucifixion (Mk 15:40-41). They were also witnesses to His burial. Their inclusion emphasizes their reliability as primary witnesses to the empty tomb. Mary Magdalene is consistently mentioned first, signifying her prominence. The specific naming of individuals lends credibility and historical grounding to the account.

• bought (ἠγόρασαν, ēgorasan):

  • From agorazō, meaning "to buy in the marketplace." This action confirms they procured the items necessary for the anointing after the Sabbath restrictions were lifted, implying a late Saturday evening or early Sunday morning transaction if possible, or they obtained what they needed that morning on their way. It signifies active preparation and sacrifice, as buying precious spices was an expense.

• sweet spices (ἀρώματα, arōmata):

  • Plural of arōma, meaning "fragrant spices" or "aromatic substances." These were typically used in Jewish burial customs to honor the deceased, counteract the smell of decay, and signify respect. While Nicodemus and Joseph had already used a large amount of spices, the women desired to perform their own, more complete, act of anointing, which was a traditional act of mourning and respect, especially for women in that culture. Their desire reflects their overwhelming grief and love, not yet grasping the reality of resurrection.

• that they might come and anoint Him (ἵνα ἐλθοῦσαι ἀλείψωσιν αὐτόν, hina elthousai aleipsōsin auton):

  • that they might come (ἵνα ἐλθοῦσαι, hina elthousai): Expresses purpose ("in order that they might come"). Their direct intent was to visit the tomb.
  • anoint (ἀλείψωσιν, aleipsōsin): From aleiphō, "to smear" or "to anoint with oil/ointment." This verb describes a practical, non-ceremonial anointing, distinct from the chriō used for prophetic/messianic anointing. Their intention was to complete the practical embalming and veneration of the body, a final act of devotion. This purpose is filled with tragic irony, as the body would not be there to anoint.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "When the Sabbath was past...bought sweet spices": This phrase underlines the deep piety and obedience of the women, as they meticulously observe the sacred day of rest before performing any work, even one as vital as mourning and honoring the deceased. It frames the timing of the resurrection not merely as an accidental moment but as happening after the prescribed rest of the old covenant, ushering in the new "first day."
  • "Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome...that they might come and anoint Him": This highlights the profound devotion of these women. Despite overwhelming grief and the public disgrace of Jesus' death, they did not abandon their Lord. Their actions speak of courage, loyalty, and deep love, contrasting with the fear and scattered state of many of the male disciples. Their goal was a practical act of devotion to a dead body, showing their current understanding (or lack thereof) regarding Jesus' previous prophecies of resurrection. This innocent human expectation sets a powerful dramatic irony against the miraculous divine act soon to be revealed.

Mark 16 1 Bonus section

The faithful devotion of these women stands out as a powerful example of unwavering love and perseverance in the face of despair. While many disciples scattered in fear, these women, present at the crucifixion and burial, remained steadfast in their affection and intent to honor Jesus. Their journey to the tomb, laden with spices, illustrates the common human struggle to reconcile death with hope, reminding believers that even in our darkest moments of perceived loss, God's plan transcends human understanding and brings forth unexpected triumph. This selfless service to Jesus, even unto His burial, became a crucial component in God's unfolding plan, making them prime witnesses to the resurrection. Their practical act of love paved the way for them to receive the greatest revelation of divine power.

Mark 16 1 Commentary

Mark 16:1 provides a glimpse into the heartfelt sorrow and unwavering devotion of Jesus' female followers. After witnessing His crucifixion and hasty burial, these women waited patiently for the Sabbath to conclude, demonstrating their obedience to the law. Their decision to purchase and bring "sweet spices" reveals their understanding of Jesus' physical death; they sought to perform the customary and honorable burial rites for a loved one. This act, born out of profound grief and reverence, contrasts sharply with the impending reality of the resurrection. Unaware of the divine victory that had transpired or was about to be fully realized, they moved with an earthly purpose that God would gloriously overturn, making them the first messengers of the Risen Christ. Their faithfulness to minister to Him even in death became their pathway to being the first witnesses to His new life.