Luke 24:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 24:1 initiates the climactic narrative of Jesus' resurrection, detailing the early morning visit of devoted women to His tomb. This pivotal moment, occurring on the first day of the week, describes their intent to anoint Jesus' body with prepared spices, an act of mournful devotion that would soon be transformed by the astonishing discovery of an empty tomb and the glorious news of His triumph over death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate sequel to the profound events of [Jesus' crucifixion and burial](/luke/23 "Luke 23 - Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus"). Luke 23 concludes with the women who had followed Jesus from Galilee observing His burial, returning home to prepare spices and ointments, and then resting on the Sabbath according to the commandment ([Luke 23:55-56](/luke/23-55-56 "Luke 23:55-56 - Women Observe Burial and Prepare Spices")). Luke 24:1 picks up precisely where the previous chapter left off, detailing their return to the tomb on the very next day, setting the stage for the revelation of the empty tomb and the subsequent appearances of the risen Christ, which form the core of the remainder of the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jewish burial customs of the first century involved washing and anointing the body with spices and perfumes to mask the odor of decay, especially for those who could afford it. This was typically done immediately after death, but Jesus' burial was rushed due to the approaching Sabbath, leaving the full anointing incomplete. The women's actions in [Luke 23:56](/luke/23-56 "Luke 23:56 - Preparation before Sabbath") and [Luke 24:1](/luke/24-1 "Luke 24:1 - Women at the Tomb") reflect their intention to complete these traditional rites of respect and mourning. The "first day of the week" refers to Sunday, the day after the Sabbath (Saturday), which was a normal working day. This timing is crucial as it marks the new beginning inaugurated by the resurrection.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 24:1 introduces several major themes that resonate throughout the Gospel of Luke and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the **Dawn of Resurrection**, signaling the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and Jesus' own predictions about His rising on the third day ([Luke 9:22](/luke/9-22 "Luke 9:22 - Jesus Predicts His Suffering and Resurrection")). The **Faithful Devotion** of the women is also prominent; despite their grief and the potential danger of being associated with a crucified man, their love and loyalty drive them to perform this final act of service. This verse also highlights the stark contrast between **Human Expectation and Divine Reality**, as the women approach the tomb expecting to minister to a corpse, utterly unaware of the miraculous, life-altering event that has already transpired. Their journey to the tomb, laden with spices, underscores their limited human understanding in the face of God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **First (Greek, _mía'_):** While commonly meaning "one," in this context, when combined with "day of the week" (sabbaton), it signifies the "first" day following the Sabbath. This is crucial for establishing the timing of the resurrection, marking a new beginning and the day that would become central to Christian worship.
* **Very early in the morning (Greek, _órthros, bathýs'_):** The combination of _órthros_ (dawn, morn) and _bathýs_ (deep, profound) emphasizes the extreme earliness of their visit. It was still dark or just barely breaking dawn, highlighting their eager devotion and the urgency of their mission. This phrase paints a vivid picture of the quiet, solemn hours before full daylight, underscoring the women's commitment.
* **Sepulchre (Greek, _mnēma'_):** Derived from a word meaning "memorial," this term refers to a burial place or tomb. In the context of Jesus' burial, it would have been a rock-hewn chamber, often with a large stone rolled across the entrance. The women's destination was not merely a grave but a significant memorial site, soon to be transformed into a monument of triumph.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now upon the first [day] of the week":** This phrase precisely dates the event to Sunday, the day after the Sabbath. This timing is highly significant, as it establishes the day of Christ's resurrection and foreshadows the shift from Sabbath observance to Sunday as the primary day of Christian worship.
* **"very early in the morning":** This detail underscores the women's profound devotion and eagerness. They arrived at the tomb before full daylight, indicating their deep sorrow and their immediate desire to complete the burial rites for Jesus.
* **"they came unto the sepulchre":** This simple statement describes the women's physical journey to the tomb. Their destination was specific—the place where Jesus' body had been laid—and their purpose was clear, though their expectations were about to be dramatically subverted.
* **"bringing the spices which they had prepared":** This clause reveals their practical, mournful intent. They brought aromatic spices and ointments, which they had prepared on Friday evening before the Sabbath began, intending to properly anoint Jesus' body, a customary act of respect for the deceased.
* **"and certain [others] with them":** This indicates that the group was not limited to just a few individuals but included a larger company of faithful women. Luke 24:10 later identifies some of them (Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James), emphasizing the collective witness to this foundational event.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 24:1 employs several literary devices to set the scene for the resurrection narrative. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the early morning visit to the tomb, while seemingly an act of mourning, implicitly hints at the new dawn of resurrection that is about to break. The detail of "the first day of the week" carries **Symbolism**, representing a new creation and a new era inaugurated by Christ's victory over death, akin to the first day of creation. The women's actions, "bringing the spices which they had prepared," create a sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows what the characters do not: their preparations for a dead body are utterly unnecessary, for the tomb is already empty. This irony heightens the impact of the subsequent discovery.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 24:1 serves as the gateway to the most central truth of the Christian faith: the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. The women's journey, rooted in sorrow and traditional custom, unwittingly places them at the threshold of cosmic revelation. Their act of devotion, though based on a misunderstanding of Jesus' ultimate purpose, positions them as the first witnesses to the empty tomb, transforming their grief into unparalleled joy and launching the message of hope that would redefine human history. This verse underscores that God often works in ways that defy human expectation, bringing life out of death and hope out of despair.

* [Mark 16:1-2](/mark/16-1-2 "Mark 16:1-2 - Women at the Tomb in Mark")
* [Matthew 28:1](/matthew/28-1 "Matthew 28:1 - Women at the Tomb in Matthew")
* [John 20:1](/john/20-1 "John 20:1 - Mary Magdalene at the Tomb in John")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene described in Luke 24:1 offers profound insights into faith, expectation, and God's surprising work. The women, driven by love and sorrow, faithfully carried out what they believed was their duty, even when it seemed to be a futile act of mourning. Their journey, undertaken in the early morning darkness, symbolizes our own walks through seasons of grief, uncertainty, or disappointment. Yet, it is precisely in these moments of faithful, though perhaps misguided, devotion that God often chooses to reveal His greatest wonders. Their expectation of a corpse was met with the reality of a living Savior, reminding us that our limited human understanding can never fully grasp the boundless possibilities of God's power. This passage encourages us to remain steadfast in our service and devotion, even when circumstances seem bleak, for it is often at the point of our deepest human need or sorrow that God's glorious intervention shines brightest, transforming our mourning into dancing and our despair into an unshakeable hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do the women's actions in this verse reflect their deep devotion to Jesus, even in their sorrow?**
* **In what areas of your life are you bringing "spices" of earthly expectation, only to find that God has a far greater, more surprising reality in store?**
* **What does the timing ("first day of the week, very early in the morning") symbolize for your own spiritual journey and the concept of new beginnings?**

### FAQ
**Why did the women go to the tomb so early in the morning?**

Answer: The women went to the tomb "very early in the morning" (Luke 24:1) primarily to complete the burial rites for Jesus. His body had been hastily buried on Friday evening before the Sabbath began at sunset, leaving insufficient time for the full anointing with spices and perfumes according to Jewish custom. Their early arrival on Sunday, the day after the Sabbath, demonstrates their deep devotion and urgency to show final respect to Jesus' body before it would further decompose. This early hour also adds to the dramatic tension, as they were unaware of the miraculous event that had already occurred.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 24:1, while describing an act of human devotion and mourning, profoundly points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The women's journey to the sepulchre, bringing spices for a dead body, unwittingly sets the stage for the ultimate revelation of Christ's victory over death. Their preparations, though rooted in the customs of a fallen world, are rendered unnecessary by the cosmic reality that Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), has conquered sin and the grave. The "first day of the week" becomes the new creation day, not just for humanity, but for the entire cosmos, inaugurated by the [resurrection of the Son of God](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection"). This moment fulfills the prophecies of a suffering servant who would be raised ([Isaiah 53:10-12](/isaiah/53-10-12 "Isaiah 53:10-12 - The Suffering Servant Exalted")) and establishes Jesus as the [firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits"). The empty tomb, which these women are about to discover, is the undeniable proof that Christ is not merely a prophet or a teacher, but the [Lord of life](/acts/3-15 "Acts 3:15 - The Author of Life"), whose resurrection guarantees the future resurrection and eternal life for all who believe in Him ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")).

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

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.