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.

Now {G1161} upon the first {G3391} day of the week {G4521}, very early in the morning {G3722}{G901}, they came {G2064} unto {G1909} the sepulchre {G3418}, bringing {G5342} the spices {G759} which {G3739} they had prepared {G2090}, and {G2532} certain {G5100} others with {G4862} them {G846}.

but the next day, while it was still very early, they took the spices they had prepared, went to the tomb,

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared.

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came unto the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared.

Luke 24:1 begins the powerful narrative of Jesus' resurrection, setting the scene for one of the most pivotal events in human history. It describes the early morning visit of devoted women to Jesus' tomb, an act of love and mourning that would soon be transformed into overwhelming joy and wonder.

Context

This verse immediately follows the account of Jesus' crucifixion and burial in Luke 23. After witnessing Jesus' death and burial, the women who had followed Him from Galilee returned home to prepare spices and ointments before observing the Sabbath rest, as commanded by the Law (Luke 23:56). Their visit to the sepulchre was a continuation of their mournful devotion, intending to properly anoint His body according to Jewish burial customs. The "first day of the week" refers to Sunday, the day after the Sabbath, marking a new beginning and, unknowingly to them, the dawn of the Christian era.

Key Themes

  • The Dawn of Resurrection: This verse initiates the central truth of Christianity—the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is the moment when grief is about to be overcome by glorious news.
  • Faithful Devotion: The women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and others (Luke 24:10), demonstrate remarkable loyalty and courage. Despite their profound sorrow and the danger associated with being Jesus' followers, they pressed on with their act of service.
  • Expectation vs. Reality: The women approached the tomb expecting to find a deceased body and perform final burial rites. Their actions highlight their human understanding and the shocking, divine reversal that awaited them—the discovery of an empty tomb.

Linguistic Insights

  • "First day of the week": The Greek phrase, mia ton sabbaton (μια των σαββατων), literally means "one of the Sabbaths" or "the first day after the Sabbath." This term is significant as it sets the timing for Christ's resurrection and subsequently became the primary day of worship for Christians, commemorating His victory over death.
  • "Sepulchre": The Greek word is mnēmeion (μνημειον), which refers to a tomb or memorial. It was typically a rock-hewn chamber, often with a stone rolled across the entrance.

Practical Application

Luke 24:1 offers profound encouragement and lessons for believers today:

  • Hope in the Midst of Despair: Just as the women's sorrow was transformed into joy, this verse reminds us that even in our darkest moments of grief or despair, God can bring about unexpected hope and new life.
  • The Significance of New Beginnings: The "first day of the week" symbolizes new creation and fresh starts. Christ's resurrection inaugurates a new era of grace and victory, empowering believers to live with renewed purpose.
  • Faithful Service is Rewarded: The women's simple act of devotion, though seemingly futile in their eyes, placed them in the privileged position of being the first witnesses to the resurrection. Our consistent acts of faith and service, no matter how small, are significant in God's plan.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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 20:2

    Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

  • Matthew 28:1

    ¶ In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first [day] of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

  • Matthew 28:8

    And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

  • Luke 24:10

    It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary [the mother] of James, and other [women that were] with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

  • 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.

  • Mark 16:8

    And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any [man]; for they were afraid.

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