Luke 23:56

KJV

And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they returned {G5290}, and {G1161} prepared {G2090} spices {G759} and {G2532} ointments {G3464}; and {G2532} rested {G2270}{G3303} the sabbath day {G4521} according {G2596} to the commandment {G1785}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they went back home to prepare spices and ointments.

On Shabbat the women rested, in obedience to the commandment;

Berean Standard Bible

Then they returned to prepare spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath, according to the commandment.

American Standard Version

And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments. And on the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:56 records the devout women who followed Jesus returning from the tomb to prepare aromatic spices and ointments for His body, yet conscientiously pausing their work to observe the Sabbath day in accordance with the Mosaic Law. This verse highlights their profound devotion, their adherence to divine command even in deep grief, and sets the stage for the miraculous events of the resurrection that would unfold after this period of sacred rest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. [Luke 23:50-54](/luke/23-50-54 "Luke 23:50-54 - Joseph of Arimathea Buries Jesus") details Joseph of Arimathea's courageous act of requesting Jesus' body from Pilate and laying it in a new tomb. [Luke 23:55](/luke/23-55 "Luke 23:55 - The Women Observe the Burial") specifies that the women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed, observing where the body was laid. Their return to prepare spices in [Luke 23:56](/luke/23-56 "Luke 23:56 - The Women Prepare Spices and Rest") demonstrates their immediate intention to complete the burial rites, which were cut short by the approaching Sabbath. The verse thus serves as a crucial transition, marking the end of the crucifixion narrative and establishing the quiet pause before the dramatic revelation of the resurrection on the first day of the week, as described in [Luke 24:1-12](/luke/24-1-12 "Luke 24:1-12 - The Resurrection Morning").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Luke 23:56](/luke/23-56 "Luke 23:56 - The Women Prepare Spices and Rest") occur on Friday evening, just before sunset, which marked the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath. Jewish burial customs often involved anointing the deceased's body with fragrant spices and oils to mask the odor of decay and as an act of honor and mourning. However, all work, including the preparation of spices, was strictly forbidden on the Sabbath, which lasted from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, as mandated by the [Fourth Commandment](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - Remember the Sabbath Day"). The women's actions reflect their deep piety and adherence to the Mosaic Law, even amidst the profound grief and urgency of their situation. Their decision to rest, despite their desire to honor Jesus, underscores the supreme authority of God's commandment within their cultural and religious framework.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 23:56](/luke/23-56 "Luke 23:56 - The Women Prepare Spices and Rest") contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Sabbath Observance** as a foundational aspect of faithful Jewish life, demonstrating the women's unwavering obedience to God's law even in extraordinary circumstances. This obedience underscores their piety and respect for divine institutions. Secondly, the act of preparing spices, even if delayed, powerfully conveys their **Devotion and Love** for Jesus. This deep affection is a recurring theme among Jesus' female followers throughout Luke's account, exemplified by their presence at the cross and tomb (e.g., [Luke 23:49](/luke/23-49 "Luke 23:49 - Women at the Cross")). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Waiting and Divine Timing**. Unbeknownst to the women, their enforced Sabbath rest was a divinely orchestrated pause, setting the stage for the climactic event of the resurrection on the "first day of the week" ([Luke 24:1](/luke/24-1 "Luke 24:1 - The Resurrection Morning")), emphasizing God's perfect timing and sovereign control over all events, even in moments of human sorrow and anticipation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prepared (Greek, _hetoimázō'_):** This verb (G2090) signifies "to make ready," "to provide," or "to prepare." In this context, it refers to the women's active engagement in getting the necessary aromatic spices and ointments ready for the anointing of Jesus' body. It implies a deliberate, purposeful action, indicating their intention to complete the burial rites as soon as the Sabbath concluded.
* **rested (Greek, _hēsycházō'_):** This verb (G2270) means "to keep still," "to refrain from labor," or "to be quiet." It emphasizes the women's cessation from all work, specifically in observance of the Sabbath. Despite their urgent task and deep grief, they chose to honor the divine command for rest, highlighting their profound respect for God's law above their immediate desires.
* **commandment (Greek, _entolḗ'_):** This noun (G1785) refers to an "injunction" or "an authoritative prescription." Here, it specifically denotes the divine law regarding Sabbath observance, particularly the Fourth Commandment. The women's actions were not merely a cultural custom but a conscious act of obedience to a direct divine mandate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they returned":** This refers to the women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and had just observed Joseph of Arimathea laying Jesus' body in the tomb ([Luke 23:55](/luke/23-55 "Luke 23:55 - The Women Observe the Burial")). Their return implies a movement away from the tomb and back to their lodging or a place where they could prepare.
* **"and prepared spices and ointments":** This clause reveals the women's immediate and loving intention. Spices (`árōma`, G759) and ointments (`mýron`, G3464) were aromatic substances used for anointing the dead, both as a sign of respect and to counter the odor of decay. Their preparation suggests an active process of gathering, mixing, or readying these materials for use.
* **"and rested the sabbath day":** This is the pivotal action of the verse. Despite their urgent task and deep emotional state, the women ceased their preparations and observed the Sabbath. The "sabbath day" (`sábbaton`, G4521) was the divinely ordained day of rest from all labor, from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown.
* **"according to the commandment":** This phrase explicitly states the reason for their rest. Their cessation of work was not arbitrary but a conscious act of obedience to the Mosaic Law, specifically the Fourth Commandment, which enjoined the keeping of the Sabbath holy ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")). This highlights their profound piety and faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 23:56 employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning. There is a subtle **Irony** in the women's actions; they are diligently preparing for a task that will ultimately prove unnecessary due to the resurrection, yet their obedience to the Sabbath commandment inadvertently aligns them with God's perfect timing. The verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, as this period of forced rest before the dawn of the first day of the week subtly anticipates the profound "rest" of Christ in the tomb before His glorious rising. The spices and ointments themselves serve as **Symbolism**, not merely practical items but tangible expressions of the women's deep love, devotion, and respect for Jesus, even in death. Their diligent preparation, followed by their faithful rest, paints a vivid picture of devout obedience and unwavering commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:56 is deeply significant for its theological implications, particularly concerning the nature of obedience, the sanctity of rest, and God's sovereign timing. The women's decision to prioritize the Sabbath commandment over their urgent desire to complete the burial rites for Jesus demonstrates a profound trust in God's law and a recognition of its ultimate authority. This act of obedience, even in sorrow, underscores the principle that God's will takes precedence over human plans or perceived necessities. The Sabbath, a divine institution from creation ([Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")) and a cornerstone of the Mosaic Covenant, is upheld as sacred. This pause, though born of obedience, becomes a period of divine waiting, a quiet interlude before the greatest event in salvation history. It highlights that God often works in the stillness and through our faithful adherence to His principles, even when we do not understand the full scope of His plan.

* [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "The Fourth Commandment")
* [Mark 16:1](/mark/16-1 "Women Buy Spices")
* [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "The Sabbath Rest for God's People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Luke 23:56 offers powerful lessons for contemporary believers. The women's unwavering obedience to the Sabbath commandment, even in the face of overwhelming grief and an urgent task, challenges us to consider our own priorities. Do we trust God's timing and His commands even when they seem inconvenient or counterintuitive to our immediate desires? This passage encourages us to cultivate a deep-seated reverence for God's word, recognizing that true faithfulness involves aligning our actions with His revealed will, regardless of our circumstances. Furthermore, the women's enforced rest reminds us of the divine principle of rest. In a world that often glorifies ceaseless activity, the Sabbath principle, though fulfilled in Christ, still speaks to the need for intentional periods of physical, mental, and spiritual renewal. It invites us to pause, to relinquish control, and to trust that God sustains us even when we are not actively striving. Ultimately, the women's waiting in sorrow, unaware of the impending joy of the resurrection, serves as a poignant reminder to maintain faith and hope during our own seasons of uncertainty or difficulty, knowing that God is always at work, orchestrating His perfect plan for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to prioritize God's commands over your immediate desires or perceived urgencies?**
* **How can you intentionally incorporate rhythms of rest and spiritual renewal into your life, trusting God to sustain you even when you pause from your work?**
* **What does it mean to "rest in faith" during periods of waiting or uncertainty, knowing that God is working behind the scenes?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" who returned and prepared spices?**

Answer: "They" refers to the women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and were present at His crucifixion and burial. Luke 23:55 specifically mentions them observing where Jesus' body was laid. While not explicitly named in this verse, other Gospel accounts identify some of them as Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome ([Mark 16:1](/mark/16-1 "Mark 16:1 - Women Buy Spices")). These women were among Jesus' most devoted followers, having ministered to Him during His earthly ministry ([Luke 8:1-3](/luke/8-1-3 "Luke 8:1-3 - Women Ministering to Jesus")). Their actions here demonstrate their enduring love and commitment to Jesus, even in death.

**Why were they preparing spices and ointments?**

Answer: The preparation of spices (`árōma`, G759) and ointments (`mýron`, G3464) was a customary practice in Jewish burial rites. These aromatic substances were used to anoint the body of the deceased, primarily to honor the person and to counteract the odor of decomposition. In Jesus' case, His burial was hurried due to the approaching Sabbath, so the women intended to complete these respectful rites after the Sabbath had passed. Their act was a profound expression of love, devotion, and mourning for their Lord, signifying their desire to give Him a proper and honorable burial, even though it was tragically delayed.

**What is the significance of "rested the sabbath day according to the commandment"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the women's profound piety and unwavering obedience to God's law. The Sabbath was a divinely instituted day of rest, mandated by the Fourth Commandment ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")). Despite their deep grief and the urgent desire to complete the burial rites for Jesus, they chose to honor God's command for rest, setting aside all work from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown. This demonstrates that their devotion to God's word superseded even their most pressing human desires, underscoring the authority of divine law in their lives and setting a powerful example of faithful submission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 23:56, with its depiction of the women resting on the Sabbath, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the very "rest" of Jesus in the tomb. While the women observed the Sabbath according to the commandment, Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath ([Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")), was Himself resting from His completed work of redemption. His death on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice, bringing to an end the old covenant's demands and ushering in a new era of grace. The Sabbath rest of the women, therefore, foreshadows the spiritual rest that Christ offers to all who believe. He invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him and find rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). The Sabbath, as a shadow, pointed to the reality found in Christ ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Christ is the Substance of the Shadow")). His resurrection on the first day of the week, immediately following this Sabbath rest, inaugurates the true and eternal rest for God's people, a rest not merely from physical labor, but from the striving of the law and the burden of sin ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")). Thus, the women's faithful Sabbath observance, while commendable in itself, ultimately points to the greater rest and new creation inaugurated by Christ's completed work and triumphant resurrection.

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 24:1

¶ Now upon the first [day] of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain [others] with them.

Mark 16:1

¶ 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.

Deuteronomy 5:14

But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.

Exodus 35:2

Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.

Exodus 35:3

Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.

Exodus 31:14

Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it [is] holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth [any] work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Isaiah 58:13

¶ If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, [from] doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking [thine own] words: