Luke 23:55

KJV

And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the women {G1135} also {G2532}, which {G3748} came {G2258}{G4905} with him {G846} from {G1537} Galilee {G1056}, followed after {G2628}, and beheld {G2300} the sepulchre {G3419}, and {G2532} how {G5613} his {G846} body {G4983} was laid {G5087}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The women who had come with Yeshua from the Galil followed; they saw the tomb and how his body was placed in it.

Berean Standard Bible

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how His body was placed.

American Standard Version

And the women, who had come with him out of Galilee, followed after, and beheld the tomb, and how his body was laid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:55 offers a poignant snapshot of the unwavering devotion of the women who had accompanied Jesus from Galilee, highlighting their critical role as eyewitnesses to the precise details of His burial. Their careful observation of the sepulchre and how Jesus' body was laid within it establishes the undeniable reality of His death and interment, setting the foundational stage for the miraculous events of the resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of Jesus' crucifixion and the compassionate actions of Joseph of Arimathea. [Luke 23:50-54](/luke/23-50-54 "Joseph of Arimathea Buries Jesus") details how Joseph, a respected member of the Jewish council, bravely requested Jesus' body from Pilate, prepared it for burial, and laid it in a new tomb. Luke 23:55 then shifts the focus to the women who had followed Jesus, emphasizing their presence and careful observation of the burial site. This transition is crucial, as these same women will be the first witnesses to the empty tomb and the resurrection, as narrated in [Luke 24:1-12](/luke/24-1-12 "The Resurrection of Jesus"). Their meticulous attention to the burial details in this verse underscores the veracity of their later testimony regarding the empty tomb.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The burial of Jesus occurred on the eve of the Sabbath, specifically the "Great Sabbath" of Passover, which began at sunset on Friday. Jewish law mandated that bodies not remain unburied overnight ([Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "The Law Concerning Burial")), and certainly not on the Sabbath. This urgency explains the swiftness of Joseph's actions. The women's presence, though unusual for such a public and somber event, reflects their deep loyalty and the cultural acceptance of women mourning at funerals. Their intention to return after the Sabbath to complete the anointing of the body ([Luke 23:56](/luke/23-56 "The Women Prepare Spices")) was a customary act of reverence and final preparation for the deceased, indicating their profound respect and love for Jesus.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 23:55 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Luke. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Faithful Witness**, as the women's presence and careful observation establish them as indispensable eyewitnesses to the burial, lending credibility to the later resurrection accounts. Secondly, it exemplifies **Unwavering Devotion**, showcasing the steadfast loyalty of these women who remained with Jesus through His suffering and death, even when many male disciples had fled ([Matthew 26:56](/matthew/26-56 "Disciples Flee")). Their commitment extended beyond His public ministry, persisting through profound grief. Thirdly, the verse subtly sets the stage for the **Reality of the Resurrection**, by meticulously documenting the burial. By "beholding the sepulchre, and how his body was laid," the women gained precise knowledge of Jesus' burial site, which was essential for their subsequent discovery of the empty tomb on Sunday morning ([Luke 24:1-3](/luke/24-1-3 "The Empty Tomb")). This detail firmly establishes the reality of Jesus' physical death and burial, countering any later claims that He merely swooned or that His body was not truly interred.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **women (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** This term (G1135) refers to the female followers of Jesus, emphasizing their identity as distinct individuals who played a crucial role in His ministry and the events surrounding His death and resurrection. It highlights their active presence and participation, often in contrast to the male disciples who had scattered.
* **followed after (Greek, _katakolouthéō'_):** This compound verb (G2628) signifies more than a casual following; it implies accompanying closely or adhering steadfastly. It underscores the deep commitment and persistent loyalty of these women, who remained with Jesus even to the point of His burial, demonstrating an enduring discipleship.
* **beheld (Greek, _theáomai'_):** This verb (G2300) denotes a deliberate, attentive, and careful observation, implying a gaze that seeks to perceive and understand, rather than a mere glance. It conveys that the women were not simply present but were actively and intently witnessing the details of Jesus' interment, making them reliable and precise witnesses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the women also, which came with him from Galilee,"**: This clause identifies the subjects of the verse – a group of women who had been part of Jesus' Galilean ministry. Their origin from Galilee signifies their long-standing association and commitment to Jesus, having followed Him throughout His public ministry and journey to Jerusalem. The inclusion of "also" (G2532, _kaí_) emphasizes their presence alongside Joseph of Arimathea, highlighting their distinct but equally important role in this somber event.
* **"followed after,"**: This phrase emphasizes the women's persistent and close accompaniment. Despite the traumatic events of the crucifixion and the general dispersal of Jesus' followers, these women remained steadfast, demonstrating remarkable courage and devotion by staying near the body of their Lord.
* **"and beheld the sepulchre,"**: This signifies their careful and intentional observation of the tomb itself. The word "beheld" (G2300, _theáomai_) implies a deep, contemplative gaze, indicating that they were meticulously noting the location and characteristics of the burial site, which would be crucial for their later return.
* **"and how his body was laid."**: This final clause specifies the object of their careful observation: the manner in which Jesus' body was placed within the tomb. This detail is significant as it confirms the physical reality of the burial and provides precise information that would later corroborate the empty tomb, ensuring that there was no ambiguity about the fact of Jesus' death and interment.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's account in this verse employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and theological significance. The use of **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the meticulous observation by the women of the sepulchre and the body's placement directly anticipates their role as the first witnesses to the empty tomb and the resurrection in the following chapter. Their careful "beholding" is not merely descriptive but serves a narrative purpose. There is also a subtle **Contrast** between the scattered male disciples and the steadfast women, highlighting the latter's unwavering loyalty in the face of despair. The phrase "followed after" functions as **Imagery**, painting a picture of persistent devotion and courage, as these women literally trace the path of Jesus' final earthly journey. Furthermore, the emphasis on "beheld" and "how his body was laid" uses **Verisimilitude**, lending an air of factual accuracy and eyewitness credibility to the narrative, reinforcing the historical reality of Jesus' death and burial.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:55 profoundly underscores the theological necessity of Jesus' real death and burial for the truth of the resurrection. The women's careful witness ensures that the tomb was indeed occupied by Jesus' body, thus making the later discovery of its emptiness an undeniable miracle, not a misplacement or a swoon. Their devotion, even in the darkest hour, serves as a powerful testament to faithful discipleship, demonstrating that true commitment to Christ enduring through suffering and apparent defeat. This verse highlights the often-overlooked but vital role of women in the Gospel narrative, positioning them as key figures in bearing witness to the most pivotal events of salvation history.

* [Luke 24:1-10](/luke/24-1-10 "The Women Discover the Empty Tomb")
* [Mark 15:47](/mark/15-47 "Mary Magdalene and Mary the Mother of Joses See Where Jesus Was Laid")
* [John 19:42](/john/19-42 "Jesus' Burial in a Nearby Tomb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 23:55 is a powerful reminder that faithfulness often manifests not in grand gestures, but in quiet, persistent presence, especially in times of sorrow and uncertainty. The women who followed Jesus to the tomb exemplify a profound level of discipleship, remaining steadfast when circumstances were bleakest and hope seemed lost. Their careful observation teaches us the importance of being attentive witnesses to God's work, even when it unfolds in unexpected, painful, or seemingly final ways. Just as their witness prepared them for the overwhelming joy of the resurrection, our faithful endurance and observation can prepare us to see God's purposes fulfilled, even beyond our current understanding. It encourages us to remain devoted, trusting that God's plan is always at work, even when it appears to be hidden in darkness, and that our quiet acts of loyalty are deeply seen and valued by Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I demonstrate unwavering devotion to Christ, even when circumstances seem bleak or uncertain?**
* **How does the women's careful observation challenge me to be a more attentive witness to God's work in my own life and in the world around me?**
* **What "dark hours" in my life or in the world might God be using to prepare me for a greater revelation of His power and purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why is the women's presence at the burial so important?**

Answer: The women's presence is critically important for several reasons. First, they serve as crucial eyewitnesses to the reality of Jesus' death and burial, confirming that His body was indeed placed in a tomb. This detail is foundational to the Christian faith, as it establishes the undeniable fact that the tomb was later found empty. Second, their careful observation of "how his body was laid" provides precise details that would later validate their testimony about the empty tomb and the resurrection ([Luke 24:1-10](/luke/24-1-10 "The Women at the Empty Tomb")). Without their witness to the burial, there could be doubt about the identity of the body or the location of the tomb. Finally, their unwavering devotion, even when most male disciples had fled, highlights their profound loyalty and commitment to Jesus, underscoring the vital role of women in the early Christian movement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 23:55, though seemingly a simple narrative detail, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications. The women's witness to Jesus' burial underscores the absolute reality of His death, a non-negotiable component of the Gospel message. The fact that His body was truly laid in a tomb confirms the completeness of His sacrifice, fulfilling prophecies and demonstrating that He fully entered into the human experience, even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ Humbled Himself to Death")). This verse, by meticulously detailing the burial, sets the stage for the ultimate triumph of Christ over death. The empty tomb, witnessed by these same women, would later proclaim that the one who was "laid" in the sepulchre could not be held by it, but rose victoriously ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "God Raised Jesus from the Dead")). Thus, the burial is not an end, but a necessary prelude to the resurrection, which is the cornerstone of Christian hope and the very power of God for salvation ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "The Power of the Gospel")). The careful observation of these women ensures the historical anchor of the resurrection, making it a verifiable event rooted in the tangible reality of Christ's death and burial, and ultimately pointing to His glorious victory as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 23:49

And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

Luke 8:2

And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

Matthew 27:61

And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

Mark 15:47

And Mary Magdalene and Mary [the mother] of Joses beheld where he was laid.