Mark 15:40

There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

There {G1161} were {G2258} also {G2532} women {G1135} looking {G2334} on afar {G3113} off {G575}: among {G2532}{G1722} whom {G3739} was {G2258} Mary {G3137} Magdalene {G3094}, and {G2532} Mary {G3137} the mother {G3384} of James {G2385} the less {G3398} and {G2532} of Joses {G2500}, and {G2532} Salome {G4539};

There were women looking on from a distance; among them were Miryam from Magdala, Miryam the mother of the younger Ya`akov and of Yosi, and Shlomit.

And there were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.

And there were also women beholding from afar: among whom were both Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

Commentary

Mark 15:40 provides a poignant detail amidst the brutal scene of Jesus' crucifixion, focusing on the faithful presence of several women who observed the events from a distance.

Context

This verse immediately follows the description of Jesus' death on the cross and the Roman centurion's confession (Mark 15:39). While most of Jesus' male disciples, with the exception of John (according to John's Gospel), had fled in fear, these women remained. Their presence highlights their unwavering devotion and courage, distinguishing them from the mocking crowds and indifferent soldiers who surrounded the cross. This account is also paralleled in other Gospels, such as Matthew 27:55-56.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Faithfulness: The verse powerfully illustrates the deep loyalty and enduring faith of these women disciples. Despite the horrific spectacle and apparent defeat, they did not abandon Jesus, standing by Him even in His darkest hour. Their perseverance serves as a profound example of discipleship and commitment.
  • Prominence of Women in Jesus' Ministry: Mark consistently shows women playing significant roles in Jesus' life and ministry. Their presence here, at the foot of the cross, underscores their importance not just as beneficiaries of His miracles, but as active and committed followers. These same women are often the first witnesses to the resurrection.
  • Witness to Suffering: By "looking on afar off" (Greek: apo makrothen), they were direct, sorrowful witnesses to Jesus' suffering and death, bearing silent testimony to the ultimate sacrifice. Their distance may have been due to fear, the nature of the execution, or the dense crowd.

Who Were These Women?

  • Mary Magdalene: A prominent follower of Jesus, from whom He had cast out seven demons (Luke 8:2). She is consistently listed first among the women and is a key figure in the resurrection accounts, being among the first to see the risen Christ.
  • Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses: This Mary is distinct from Jesus' mother. She is often identified with Mary, the wife of Clopas, mentioned in John's Gospel (John 19:25), and is likely the mother of two of Jesus' brothers or cousins. "James the less" (Iakobou tou mikrou) likely refers to James the Less, one of the apostles, distinguishing him from James, son of Zebedee.
  • Salome: Often identified as the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who had previously sought positions of honor in Jesus' kingdom (Mark 10:37).

Practical Application

Mark 15:40 reminds us of the power of steadfast loyalty and faithful presence, even in the most challenging and disheartening circumstances. It calls believers to stand firm in their commitment to Christ, even when it is unpopular, dangerous, or sorrowful. The example of these women highlights that true discipleship is demonstrated not just in times of triumph, but especially in moments of adversity and suffering. Their courage serves as an encouragement to all who follow Jesus, emphasizing that God values the quiet, faithful devotion of His people who endure through trials.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 8:2

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

  • Luke 8:3

    And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

  • Matthew 27:55

    And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:

  • Matthew 27:56

    Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.

  • Luke 23:49

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

  • Matthew 27:61

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

  • Mark 16:9

    ¶ Now when [Jesus] was risen early the first [day] of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
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