Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the [wife] of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
Now {G1161} there stood {G2476} by {G3844} the cross {G4716} of Jesus {G2424} his {G846} mother {G3384}, and {G2532} his {G846} mother's {G3384} sister {G79}, Mary {G3137} the wife {G3588} of Cleophas {G2832}, and {G2532} Mary {G3137} Magdalene {G3094}.
Nearby Yeshua’s execution stake stood his mother, his mother’s sister Miryam the wife of K’lofah, and Miryam from Magdala.
Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene.
These things therefore the soldiers did. But there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
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Luke 23:49
And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things. -
Matthew 27:55
And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: -
Matthew 27:56
Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children. -
Mark 15:40
There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; -
Mark 15:41
(Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem. -
John 20:1
¶ The first [day] of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. -
John 20:11
¶ But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, [and looked] into the sepulchre,
Commentary for John 19:25 KJV
Context of John 19:25
John 19:25 is set during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a pivotal moment in human history. This verse immediately precedes Jesus entrusting His mother to John's care (John 19:26-27). While many disciples had fled, these faithful women, along with John, remained at the foot of the cross, demonstrating profound loyalty and sorrow. This scene contrasts sharply with the earlier abandonment by most male disciples, highlighting the steadfast devotion of these women who witnessed the agonizing death of their Lord.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic and Interpretive Insights
The identity of "his mother's sister" has been a subject of scholarly discussion. Some traditions identify her as Salome, the mother of James and John (compare the lists of women at the cross in Mark 15:40 and Matthew 27:56). Others suggest that "Mary the wife of Cleophas" was the sister of Jesus' mother, or that "sister" here refers to a close female relative rather than a literal sibling. The phrase "Mary the [wife] of Cleophas" often refers to the mother of James the Less and Joses. The inclusion of Mary Magdalene is significant, as she was a devoted follower who would later be the first to encounter the risen Christ.
Practical Application
John 19:25 serves as a powerful reminder of steadfast devotion in the face of immense suffering and public shame. It challenges believers to consider their own faithfulness, particularly during times of difficulty or when it is unpopular to stand with Christ. The women at the cross exemplify courage, compassion, and unwavering loyalty to Jesus. Their example encourages us to remain present and supportive to those who are suffering, and to cultivate a deep, abiding love for Jesus that transcends circumstances. It also underscores the importance of family and community support, even in the darkest hours of life.