Mark 15:42

¶ And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

And {G2532} now {G2235} when the even {G3798} was come {G1096}, because {G1893} it was {G2258} the preparation {G3904}, that {G3603} is {G2076}, the day before the sabbath {G4315},

Since it was Preparation Day (that is, the day before a Shabbat), as evening approached,

Now it was already evening. Since it was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath),

And when even was now come, because it was the Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

Mark 15:42 sets the scene for the burial of Jesus, emphasizing the critical timing immediately following His death on the cross. This verse highlights the Jewish custom and legal necessity surrounding the handling of a deceased body before the onset of the Sabbath.

Context

This verse immediately follows the account of Jesus' death (Mark 15:37). The phrase "when the even was come" signifies the beginning of a new day according to Jewish reckoning, which starts at sunset. The crucial detail is "because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath." This refers to Friday, the day dedicated to preparing for the Sabbath, when no work was permitted. Given that Jesus died on Passover, this "preparation day" was particularly significant, as it was both the weekly Sabbath preparation and the preparation for a high holy day Sabbath, making the urgency to remove the body from the cross even greater in accordance with Deuteronomy 21:23.

Key Themes

  • Urgency and Observance of Law: The timing underscores the immediate need to bury Jesus' body before sunset on Friday, so as not to defile the sanctity of the Sabbath. This adherence to Jewish law, even in the midst of profound tragedy, is a testament to the cultural and religious norms of the time.
  • Divine Timing and Fulfillment: Even in death, the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and burial unfold with precise timing, aligning with Jewish feasts and customs. The "preparation day" setting is crucial for the subsequent account of His resurrection on the first day of the week, after the Sabbath rest.
  • Transition to Burial: This verse serves as a pivot point, moving the narrative from the crucifixion itself to the humble yet significant act of Jesus' burial, setting the stage for the actions of Joseph of Arimathaea.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "preparation" is paraskeuē (παρασκευή), which literally means "preparation" and was commonly used to designate Friday, the day before the Sabbath. This term emphasizes the Jewish custom of completing all necessary work and preparations before the Sabbath began at sunset, ensuring a day of rest as commanded in Exodus 20:8.

Practical Application

Mark 15:42 reminds us that even in moments of great suffering and despair, God's plan is meticulously unfolding. It highlights the importance of respecting established customs and laws, even when they seem secondary to the immediate grief. For believers, understanding this precise timing reinforces the historical reality of Jesus' death and burial, paving the way for the profound hope of His resurrection that would break the power of death on the third day.

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.

  • Luke 23:50

    ¶ And, behold, [there was] a man named Joseph, a counsellor; [and he was] a good man, and a just:

  • Luke 23:56

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

  • John 19:38

    ¶ And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave [him] leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

  • John 19:42

    There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation [day]; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

  • Matthew 27:57

    ¶ When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:

  • Matthew 27:62

    Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

  • John 19:31

    ¶ The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and [that] they might be taken away.

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