Matthew 27 55

Matthew 27:55 kjv

And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:

Matthew 27:55 nkjv

And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there looking on from afar,

Matthew 27:55 niv

Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs.

Matthew 27:55 esv

There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him,

Matthew 27:55 nlt

And many women who had come from Galilee with Jesus to care for him were watching from a distance.

Matthew 27 verses

Matthew 27 55 Meaning

Matthew 27:55 describes the unwavering presence and identity of a group of faithful women during Jesus’ crucifixion. They were a significant number, watching the events from a short distance, indicating both their devotion and the grim nature of the scene. These were the same women who had consistently followed Jesus throughout His ministry from Galilee, actively providing for His needs through practical service and support. Their steadfastness stands in stark contrast to the flight of most male disciples, highlighting a profound example of loyal discipleship even in the face of immense suffering and danger.

Matthew 27 55 Context

Matthew 27:55 is situated within the heart of the crucifixion narrative, specifically immediately after Jesus’ death on the cross and the dramatic accompanying cosmic and earthly phenomena. It serves to highlight who remained present during this pivotal moment of despair and triumph. Most of Jesus’ male disciples had scattered, fulfilling His earlier prediction, underscoring the remarkable loyalty of this group of women. Their continuous presence from the journey from Galilee to Jerusalem, through His trial, crucifixion, and ultimately to His burial and resurrection, paints a picture of exceptional and enduring commitment. Historically, in first-century Jewish society, women's public roles were limited, making their presence at such a gruesome and dangerous public execution all the more striking as an act of courageous devotion that transcended societal norms.

Matthew 27 55 Word analysis

• And many women (Greek: Pollai gunaikes, "many women"):

  • "Many" (πολλαί, pollai) signifies a sizable and notable group, not just a few individuals.
  • "Women" (γυναῖκες, gunaikes) emphasizes their gender, distinguishing them from the fleeing male disciples. Their public presence at a crucifixion was unusual and culturally brave, challenging typical gender roles of the era by their visible, public devotion.

• were there (Greek: ekei ēsan, "there they were"):

  • "Were there" points to their physical proximity and enduring presence at the site, having chosen not to flee. It highlights their decision to stay and bear witness.

• beholding afar off (Greek: ἀπὸ μακρόθεν θεωροῦσαι, apo makrothen theorouai):

  • "Afar off" (ἀπὸ μακρόθεν, apo makrothen) indicates a necessary distance. This could be due to Roman guards controlling proximity, the horror of the scene, or cultural appropriateness for women in such a public execution, but it does not diminish their active presence or observation. They were physically present and engaged spectators.
  • "Beholding" (θεωροῦσαι, theorousai) comes from theoreō, meaning to look intently, observe, or spectate with profound engagement, suggesting careful, empathetic witnessing, not just a casual glance. It conveys a deep, contemplative gaze at the tragic scene.

• which followed Jesus (Greek: αἵτινες ἠκολούθησαν τῷ Ἰησοῦ, haitines ēkolouthēsan tō Iēsou):

  • "Followed" (ἠκολούθησαν, ēkolouthēsan) uses the aorist tense, pointing to a past and consistent commitment. It signifies discipleship—a commitment to His teachings, way of life, and personal accompaniment. Their following was an act of personal allegiance.

• from Galilee (Greek: ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας, apo tēs Galilaias):

  • This phrase indicates their geographical origin, underscoring the depth of their commitment as they had traveled the considerable distance from Galilee to Jerusalem, accompanying Jesus on His final journey, demonstrating a complete dedication to His ministry and person.

• ministering unto him (Greek: διακονοῦσαι αὐτῷ, diakonousai autō):

  • "Ministering" (διακονοῦσαι, diakonousai) derives from diakoneō, which means to serve, attend, or care for, often in a practical and physical sense, implying providing for needs, sustenance, and logistical support. This included financial provisions (Lk 8:2-3) and practical assistance like preparing food, clothing, and travel arrangements. This shows their active, tangible support of Jesus' itinerant ministry.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Many women were there beholding afar off": This phrase paints a scene of a silent, sorrowful vigil. It emphasizes their courage and faithfulness despite the public horror and the absence of others. Their "beholding" implies a deep emotional and spiritual connection to Jesus’ suffering, serving as key witnesses.
  • "who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him": This clause reveals the identity of these women—not casual bystanders, but committed disciples whose following extended beyond merely listening to teachings. Their "ministering" highlights their practical, sacrificial support, showcasing a holistic discipleship that involved both presence and provision throughout His ministry. Their consistent faithfulness from Galilee to the cross demonstrates enduring loyalty and active participation in His mission.

Matthew 27 55 Bonus section

• Theological Significance of Witness: The faithful women served as essential eye-witnesses to the death, burial, and later, the resurrection of Jesus. Their steadfast presence gave credibility to the subsequent accounts and reinforced the reality of these historical events. In the ancient world, while women's testimony might be legally dismissed in some contexts, their consistent presence ensures a continuity of witness that transcends mere legal standing, upholding the factual basis of the Gospel.
• Active Discipleship: The term "ministering" (διακονέω) denotes a hands-on, active form of service. This wasn't merely spiritual admiration but concrete, day-to-day provision, highlighting that true discipleship involves tangible acts of support and sacrifice for the Lord and His mission. They demonstrated that loving Jesus extends to caring for His earthly needs.
• Contrast and Role Model: The vivid contrast between the women's loyalty and the male disciples' desertion serves as a poignant lesson on faithfulness. These women, often overlooked in patriarchal societies, become towering figures of devotion, perseverance, and courage for all believers across time. They teach us to remain steadfast to Christ even when circumstances are most terrifying and others abandon Him.

Matthew 27 55 Commentary

Matthew 27:55 serves as a testament to the remarkable devotion of women in Jesus' ministry. While the male disciples had largely scattered, these women, many unnamed but known to God, courageously remained at the foot of the cross, watching their Lord suffer. Their presence was not passive; they had "followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him," indicating a profound commitment of both personal allegiance and practical service throughout His ministry. This steadfastness under dire circumstances elevates their discipleship as exemplary, defying the social expectations for women of that era and highlighting that true faithfulness knows no gender boundaries. Their unwavering witness at the crucifixion paved the way for their subsequent crucial role as the first witnesses to the resurrection, showcasing that those who cling to Christ in suffering will also be privileged to see His glory.