Mark 15:33

KJV

¶ And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when {G1096} the sixth {G1623} hour {G5610} was come {G1096}, there was {G1096} darkness {G4655} over {G1909} the whole {G3650} land {G1093} until {G2193} the ninth {G1766} hour {G5610}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At noon, darkness covered the whole Land until three o'clock in the afternoon.

Berean Standard Bible

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.

American Standard Version

And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:33 records a profound and supernatural event during Jesus' crucifixion: from the sixth hour (noon) until the ninth hour (3 PM), an inexplicable darkness enveloped the entire land. This cosmic sign, occurring while Jesus endured the peak of His suffering on the cross, signaled God's active involvement in the atoning work, highlighting the immense weight of sin being borne by Christ and foreshadowing the divine judgment being poured out upon Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Mark's detailed account of Jesus' crucifixion, immediately following the mocking and torment endured by Christ (Mark 15:21-32) and preceding His final cry and death (Mark 15:34-37). The supernatural darkness serves as a dramatic and somber interlude, shifting the focus from human cruelty to divine intervention. It sets the stage for Jesus' climactic death and the subsequent confession of the centurion in [Mark 15:39](/mark/15-39 "Mark 15:39 - The Centurion's Confession"), who recognizes Jesus as the Son of God. The parallel accounts in [Matthew 27:45](/matthew/27-45 "Matthew 27:45 - Darkness at the Crucifixion") and [Luke 23:44-45](/luke/23-44-45 "Luke 23:44-45 - Darkness and the Temple Veil") underscore the historical and theological significance of this event across the Synoptic Gospels, emphasizing its pivotal role in the crucifixion narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** According to Jewish reckoning, the "sixth hour" corresponds to noon (12 PM), and the "ninth hour" to 3 PM. This three-hour period of darkness was not a natural solar eclipse, as the Passover always occurred during a full moon, making a solar eclipse impossible. Therefore, it was understood by contemporaries as a miraculous, divine intervention. In the ancient world, darkness often symbolized divine judgment, mourning, or a manifestation of God's presence, particularly in moments of significant theological import. Old Testament prophecies frequently associated darkness with the "Day of the Lord" and divine judgment, as seen in [Amos 8:9](/amos/8-9 "Amos 8:9 - The Sun Going Down at Noon") and [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Sun Turned to Darkness"). The "whole land" (Greek: *holēn tēn gēn*) likely refers to the land of Judea or Palestine, though its cosmic nature suggests a broader, universal significance.
* **Key Themes:** The supernatural darkness in [Mark 15:33](/mark/15-33 "Mark 15:33 - Darkness Over the Land") contributes to several major themes within Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **supernatural nature of the crucifixion**, affirming that this was not merely a human execution but a divinely orchestrated event of cosmic proportions. Secondly, it powerfully conveys the theme of **divine judgment and wrath** against sin, which was being poured out upon Jesus as He bore the iniquities of humanity. This aligns with prophetic themes of God's judgment, as found in passages like [Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - Christ Bearing OurSins"). Thirdly, the darkness underscores the **gravity of atonement**, emphasizing the immense spiritual battle and the cost of redemption. It signifies the moment God turned His face away from the sin being borne by His Son, highlighting the profound separation and suffering Jesus endured on humanity's behalf. This cosmic sign validates the theological weight of Christ's sacrifice, linking it to the ultimate triumph over sin and death, a theme that resonates throughout the Gospel of Mark, particularly in its emphasis on Jesus' suffering servanthood in [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **darkness (Greek, _skótos'_):** Derived from a root meaning "shadiness," this term refers to physical obscurity but can also carry connotations of spiritual or moral darkness. In this context, it unequivocally describes a literal, tangible darkness that covered the land, indicating a supernatural phenomenon rather than a natural occurrence. It signifies a profound, divinely orchestrated absence of light.
* **land (Greek, _gē'_):** This word can refer to soil, a specific region, or the entire terrene globe. The phrase "over the whole land" (Greek: *eph’ holēn tēn gēn*) suggests a widespread phenomenon, likely encompassing the entire region of Judea, though its theological implications extend to the universal scope of Christ's atoning work for all humanity. The breadth of the darkness emphasizes the universal impact of the events unfolding on the cross.
* **was come / was (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This versatile verb means "to cause to be," "to become," or "to come into being." Its use here ("when the sixth hour *was come*", "there *was* darkness") emphasizes the active, unfolding nature of the events. It denotes a divinely initiated occurrence, not a passive happening, highlighting God's direct agency in bringing about this cosmic sign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the sixth hour was come":** This clause precisely dates the beginning of the supernatural event. The "sixth hour" in Jewish reckoning is noon (12 PM), a time when the sun is at its zenith, making the ensuing darkness even more stark and unnatural. This timing emphasizes the suddenness and unexpected nature of the phenomenon.
* **"there was darkness over the whole land":** This is the central declaration of the verse. The darkness was not localized but widespread, covering a significant geographical area. This detail underscores the magnitude and public nature of the event, ensuring it was witnessed by many and could not be easily dismissed as coincidence. The term "darkness" (Greek: *skótos*) points to a profound, unnatural obscuration of light, signaling a divine act.
* **"until the ninth hour":** This specifies the duration of the darkness, lasting for three hours, from noon until 3 PM. This period directly coincides with the peak of Jesus' suffering on the cross, culminating just before His death. The specific duration adds to the miraculous nature of the event, indicating a controlled, purposeful act of God.

#### Literary Devices
Mark employs several powerful literary devices in this verse. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the darkness profoundly symbolizes divine judgment and the cosmic horror of sin being laid upon Christ. It evokes Old Testament prophecies of the "Day of the Lord," where darkness often accompanies God's wrath and judgment. The event also serves as a clear instance of **Divine Intervention**, demonstrating God's direct and active hand in the crucifixion. This is not merely a human tragedy but a divinely orchestrated act of atonement. The dramatic shift from the bright midday sun to profound darkness creates a stark **Contrast**, emphasizing the unnatural and cataclysmic nature of the spiritual transaction occurring on the cross. This cosmic sign also functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the profound spiritual reality of Jesus' atoning work and the ultimate victory over the powers of darkness that His death would achieve.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The darkness at the crucifixion is a profound theological statement, signifying God's active participation in the suffering of His Son. It underscores the immense weight of human sin, which was so offensive to God that it necessitated a cosmic response as His Son endured its full penalty. This darkness represents not merely a physical phenomenon but a spiritual reality: God turning His face away from the sin that Christ was bearing, allowing Jesus to experience the profound separation that sin creates. It is a visible manifestation of the spiritual agony and divine judgment that Jesus bore on behalf of humanity, making His sacrifice the ultimate act of propitiation and reconciliation.

* [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant") - "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
* [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us") - "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
* [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness") - "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The darkness at the crucifixion is a sobering and profoundly moving reminder of the immense cost of our salvation and the depth of God's love. It forces us to confront the gravity of sin, recognizing that our transgressions are so offensive to a holy God that they required such a cosmic display of judgment and suffering. Yet, in this very darkness, the light of God's love shines most brightly. It was out of immeasurable love that God allowed His Son to endure this separation and bear the full weight of sin, providing a way for humanity's redemption. For believers, this event offers profound assurance: the darkness lifted, signifying that the penalty for sin had been fully paid, and Christ's atoning work was complete. We are called to live in light of this completed work, embracing the freedom from sin's dominion and living lives that reflect the glory of the One who endured such darkness for our sake.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the supernatural darkness at the crucifixion deepen your understanding of the severity of sin and its impact on God?**
* **In what ways does this event paradoxically highlight the immeasurable depth of God's love for humanity?**
* **How should the completed work of Christ, signified by the lifting of the darkness, impact your daily walk and assurance of salvation?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that Jesus endured such profound spiritual darkness on your behalf?**

### FAQ

**Was the darkness at the crucifixion a natural solar eclipse?**

Answer: No, the darkness described in [Mark 15:33](/mark/15-33 "Mark 15:33 - Darkness Over the Land") and the parallel Gospel accounts was not a natural solar eclipse. The Passover, during which Jesus was crucified, always occurred during a full moon. A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, which is only possible during a new moon. Therefore, a solar eclipse during Passover is astronomically impossible. This means the darkness was a supernatural, miraculous event, a direct divine intervention signifying the immense spiritual significance of Christ's death. It was a cosmic sign from God, not a natural phenomenon.

**What is the theological significance of the "sixth hour" and "ninth hour" in this context?**

Answer: The "sixth hour" corresponds to noon (12 PM), and the "ninth hour" to 3 PM, according to Jewish time reckoning. The significance lies in the timing: the darkness began at midday, when the sun is at its highest and brightest, making the sudden onset of profound darkness even more dramatic and unnatural. This three-hour period precisely coincides with the peak of Jesus' suffering on the cross, culminating just before His death. The timing emphasizes that this was a divinely appointed period of judgment and spiritual agony, directly linked to the atoning work Christ was accomplishing for humanity's sin. It underscores the deliberate and purposeful nature of God's involvement in the crucifixion, as seen in [John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The darkness over the land at the crucifixion of Jesus is a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, echoing Old Testament prophecies of a "day of darkness" and judgment, yet uniquely fulfilled in the person of Christ. This cosmic obscuration symbolizes the moment when Jesus, the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), became sin for us, bearing the full weight of God's wrath against humanity's transgressions. As the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), He was "made sin" for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), experiencing the ultimate spiritual separation from the Father, which is the true essence of hell. This darkness prefigures the spiritual darkness that sin casts over humanity, from which Christ's sacrifice delivers us. His cry of dereliction, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" ([Mark 15:34](/mark/15-34 "Mark 15:34 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), immediately following this period of darkness, reveals the depth of His vicarious suffering. The lifting of the darkness at the ninth hour, just before His triumphant cry "It is finished!" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Final Words")), signifies that the penalty for sin was fully paid, and the victory over the power of darkness was secured. Through His suffering in that darkness, Christ ushered in the new covenant, bringing light and life to all who believe, fulfilling prophecies of a new dawn after the deepest night ([Isaiah 9:2](/isaiah/9-2 "Isaiah 9:2 - Light for Those in Darkness")).

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

Matthew 27:45

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.

Luke 23:44

¶ And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

Luke 23:45

And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

Amos 8:9

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:

Amos 8:10

And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only [son], and the end thereof as a bitter day.

Mark 15:25

And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

Isaiah 50:3

I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.