Matthew 27:61 kjv
And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
Matthew 27:61 nkjv
And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.
Matthew 27:61 niv
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
Matthew 27:61 esv
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.
Matthew 27:61 nlt
Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watching.
Matthew 27 61 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Mk 15:47 | Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid. | Parallel account, confirms women's presence. |
| Lk 23:55 | The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed and saw the tomb… | Parallel account, further confirms women's witness. |
| Mt 27:55-56 | Many women were there, watching from a distance… among them Mary Magdalene… | Identifies the women's consistent presence from the cross. |
| Mk 15:40-41 | Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene… | Corroborates women's unwavering witness at crucifixion. |
| Jn 19:25 | Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. | Emphasizes the steadfast presence of women near Jesus. |
| Mt 28:1 | After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. | Sets them as first witnesses to the empty tomb. |
| Mk 16:1-2 | When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices… came to the tomb. | Further confirms their plan to minister at the tomb. |
| Lk 24:1 | On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. | Highlights their intent to care for Jesus' body. |
| Jn 20:1 | Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb… | Mary Magdalene's primary role in discovering the empty tomb. |
| Jn 20:11-18 | Mary stood outside the tomb weeping… She saw two angels… then Jesus. | Mary Magdalene is the first to encounter the risen Christ. |
| Lk 8:2-3 | Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had come out, and Joanna the wife of Chuza… provided for them out of their means. | Identifies Mary Magdalene's background and service to Jesus. |
| Acts 1:8 | But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses… | Broader theme of witnesses, the women fulfill this naturally. |
| Isa 53:9 | He was assigned a grave with the wicked, though he had done no violence… | Implicit prophetic background for the reality of Jesus' burial. |
| Ps 118:22 | The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. | Prophetic echo; burial is followed by resurrection/vindication. |
| Ps 8:2 | Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies… | God uses the humble/unconventional (women in that society) as His agents. |
| 1 Cor 1:27-28 | But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things… | Highlights God's method of using seemingly unimpressive vessels. |
| 1 Cor 15:3-4 | Christ died for our sins… he was buried, that he was raised on the third day… | Apostolic creed affirming the reality of the burial as crucial. |
| Rom 6:4 | We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death… | Theological significance of Christ's burial and resurrection in believer's life. |
| Jn 11:11 | "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up." | Jesus' understanding of death, foreshadowing His own triumph over it. |
| Lk 23:48 | When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. | Demonstrates common human grief; the women's is deeper devotion. |
| Mk 16:9-10 | When Jesus rose early… he appeared first to Mary Magdalene… | Underscores Mary Magdalene's primacy as the first witness of resurrection. |
Matthew 27 verses
Matthew 27 61 Meaning
Matthew 27:61 highlights the enduring faithfulness and vigilance of Mary Magdalene and the "other Mary" immediately after Jesus' burial. They positioned themselves directly opposite the tomb, demonstrating their profound grief and devoted commitment, serving as crucial eyewitnesses to the exact burial place of Jesus, thereby setting the stage for their role in the resurrection narrative.
Matthew 27 61 Context
Matthew 27:61 occurs at a pivotal moment in Matthew's Gospel, immediately following the narrative of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. Joseph of Arimathea has just secured Jesus' body from Pilate, wrapped it, and laid it in his own new tomb, rolling a large stone to seal the entrance (Mt 27:57-60). This verse then shifts focus from Joseph's actions to the steadfast presence of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary.
Historically and culturally, burial rites were highly significant in ancient Jewish society, involving washing, anointing, and wrapping the body. While men typically handled the burial, the presence of women during mourning was customary. However, the consistent emphasis in all four Gospels on women being the primary witnesses to the crucifixion, burial, and crucially, the resurrection, is striking, especially given that women's testimony was often not considered legally valid in that era. This detail highlights their exceptional faithfulness and positions them as the first credible eyewitnesses, subtly challenging contemporary societal norms by validating the reliability of their observation. Their quiet vigil sets the solemn, sorrowful tone before the triumphant dawn of the resurrection.
Matthew 27 61 Word analysis
- And (καί, kai): A conjunction connecting this observation directly to the preceding events of Jesus' burial by Joseph of Arimathea. It indicates continuity and immediate succession.
- Mary Magdalene (Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνή, Maria hē Magdalēnē): One of Jesus' most devoted followers, uniquely mentioned by all four Gospels in connection with the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Luke 8:2 specifies that seven demons had come out of her, indicating her profound redemption and subsequent loyalty to Jesus. Her inclusion emphasizes a significant, named individual witnessing the event.
- was there (ἦν ἐκεῖ, ēn ekei): A simple statement confirming her actual, physical presence at the site. The imperfect tense of "was" suggests continued presence or ongoing action.
- and the other Mary (καὶ ἡ ἄλλη Μαρία, kai hē allē Maria): This is likely Mary, the mother of James and Joseph (Mt 27:56). Her presence confirms that there were multiple reliable witnesses, supporting the validity of their observation and a shared sorrow and devotion.
- sitting (καθήμεναι, kathēmenai): A participle describing their posture. "Sitting" implies a prolonged, deliberate presence, indicative of mourning, deep contemplation, and attentive watchfulness rather than merely passing by. It conveys a sense of vigil.
- opposite (ἀπέναντι, apenanti): This Greek preposition means "face to face," "over against," or "directly in front of." It's a precise spatial descriptor, emphasizing that they had an unobstructed and direct view of the tomb's entrance, reinforcing their credibility as eyewitnesses.
- the tomb (τοῦ τάφου, tou taphou): Refers to the newly cut rock-hewn grave belonging to Joseph of Arimathea (Mt 27:60) where Jesus' body had just been placed. This is the central object of their focused attention and grief.
Words-group analysis:
- "Mary Magdalene... and the other Mary": The naming of specific individuals, especially Mary Magdalene who had a profound past, underscores the radical inclusivity of Jesus' followers and validates the importance of women's witness in the early church narratives. Their dual presence ensures a corroborated account.
- "was there, and... sitting opposite the tomb": This phrase details their precise actions and location, affirming their unwavering vigil. They were not just mourners, but silent observers of a crucial event, intentionally positioning themselves to know the exact whereabouts of Jesus' body. This active posture of watching is critical for the later discovery of the empty tomb.
Matthew 27 61 Bonus section
- The persistence of these women, from witnessing the crucifixion to the burial, and then being the first at the empty tomb, sharply contrasts with the dispersed and hiding male disciples. This highlights the unwavering nature of their faith and loyalty, despite fear and despair.
- The precise detail "opposite the tomb" foreshadows the actions of the Jewish leaders in the next verses (Mt 27:62-66), who also knew the tomb's location and sought to secure it. This juxtaposition subtly emphasizes different motives related to the grave: the women's devotion vs. the leaders' attempts to prevent resurrection.
- The setting of this verse provides tangible proof against later false narratives about Jesus' body being stolen, as faithful witnesses knew its exact location. This detail contributes to the apologetic strength of the resurrection account.
- This act of sitting and watching is reminiscent of ancient lament practices, signifying a deep, unfeigned sorrow and mourning for the deceased Lord. Their presence humanizes the aftermath of the crucifixion.
Matthew 27 61 Commentary
Matthew 27:61 serves as a crucial, understated verse, acting as a direct link between Jesus' burial and His resurrection. While Joseph of Arimathea fulfills the immediate task of burial, it is these two Marys who embody steadfast loyalty and the profound grief of discipleship. Their deliberate act of "sitting opposite the tomb" is not a mere descriptive detail; it confirms their eyewitness status to the precise location of Jesus' burial. This intimate knowledge becomes critically important for the veracity of the resurrection account, ensuring they could verify the tomb's emptiness on the third day. In a culture where women's testimony held less legal weight, the Gospels consistently highlight these faithful women as primary witnesses to the most significant events of Christ's passion and resurrection, demonstrating God's consistent use of the humble and unexpected to accomplish His purposes and reveal His glory. Their faithful vigil provides an example of unwavering devotion in the face of deep sorrow and seeming defeat.