Mark 15:47

KJV

And Mary Magdalene and Mary [the mother] of Joses beheld where he was laid.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Mary {G3137} Magdalene {G3094} and {G2532} Mary {G3137} the mother of Joses {G2500} beheld {G2334} where {G4226} he was laid {G5087}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Miryam of Magdala and Miryam the mother of Yosi saw where he had been laid.

Berean Standard Bible

Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where His body was placed.

American Standard Version

And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:47 records the steadfast presence of Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses, at the burial site of Jesus. Immediately following Joseph of Arimathea's placement of Jesus' body in the tomb, these two women intently observed the exact location, serving as crucial eyewitnesses to the burial. Their unwavering devotion, even in the face of profound grief and despair, highlights their pivotal role in the unfolding narrative of Christ's death and resurrection, setting the stage for their later discovery of the empty tomb.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Mark's detailed account of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. It directly follows [Joseph of Arimathea's courageous request](/mark/15-43-45 "Mark 15:43-45 - Joseph of Arimathea Requests Jesus' Body") for Jesus' body from Pilate and the subsequent burial in a new tomb cut from rock. The preceding verses emphasize the finality of Jesus' death, confirmed by the centurion, and the swiftness of the burial due to the approaching Sabbath. Mark 15:47 acts as a bridge, closing the somber narrative of the crucifixion and burial while subtly anticipating the resurrection. The presence of these women stands in poignant contrast to the scattering of most of Jesus' male disciples, underscoring their unique and unwavering faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jewish burial customs in the 1st century required bodies to be buried quickly, typically before sundown on the day of death, especially if the death occurred on the eve of the Sabbath, as was the case with Jesus. The body would be wrapped in linen cloths, often with spices, and laid in a tomb. While the full anointing ritual was interrupted by the Sabbath, the women's observation of the burial site in [Mark 15:47](/mark/15-47 "Mark 15:47 - Women Observe the Burial Site") directly precedes their intention to complete the anointing after the Sabbath, as recorded in [Mark 16:1](/mark/16-1 "Mark 16:1 - Women Prepare to Anoint Jesus"). In ancient Jewish society, the testimony of women was often not given the same legal weight as that of men, yet the Gospels consistently highlight women as primary witnesses to the most critical events of Jesus' passion and resurrection, challenging societal norms and emphasizing God's valuing of all His faithful followers.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Faithful Witness**. Mary Magdalene and Mary, having been present at the cross ([Mark 15:40](/mark/15-40 "Mark 15:40 - Women at the Cross")), now follow the body to the tomb, demonstrating a profound and enduring loyalty that transcends fear and grief. Their steadfastness contrasts sharply with the flight of many disciples. Secondly, their act of "beholding where he was laid" is crucial for the theme of **Verification of Burial**. Their eyewitness account provides irrefutable proof of Jesus' actual burial in a specific tomb, which is foundational for validating the truth of the subsequent resurrection. Without knowing the precise location, their later testimony to the empty tomb would lack credibility. Finally, this verse subtly introduces the theme of **Anticipation of Resurrection**. Though not explicitly stated, the women's careful observation of the tomb's location sets the stage for their return on the third day, as detailed in [Mark 16](/mark/16 "Mark 16 - The Resurrection"), where they would discover the tomb empty and become the first messengers of the resurrection.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mary (Greek, _María_):** This name (G3137) appears twice in the verse, identifying two distinct women crucial to the narrative: Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses. This specific naming emphasizes their individual identity and significance as reliable witnesses to the burial, rather than a generic group of followers. Their presence ensures the continuity of witness from the cross to the tomb.
* **Magdalene (Greek, _Magdalēnḗ_):** (G3094) This descriptor identifies Mary Magdalene, a prominent follower of Jesus from whom seven demons had been cast out ([Luke 8:2](/luke/8-2 "Luke 8:2 - Women Who Supported Jesus")). Her inclusion here highlights her deep devotion and her consistent presence at the most critical moments of Jesus' passion, making her a key figure in the resurrection accounts.
* **beheld (Greek, _theōréō_):** The Greek word translated "beheld" (G2334, _etheōroun_ in the imperfect tense) signifies more than a casual glance. It implies a careful, continuous, and purposeful observation, indicating that Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses were intently watching and taking note of the precise details of the burial place. This meticulous observation reinforces their credibility as future witnesses to the empty tomb and Jesus' resurrection.
* **laid (Greek, _títhēmi_):** The verb "laid" (G5087, _tetheitai_ in the perfect passive) refers to the action of Joseph of Arimathea placing Jesus' body in the tomb. The perfect tense indicates a completed action with ongoing results—the body was placed, and it remained there. The women's observation of *where* He was laid is critical, confirming the specific location of the burial and thus the specific location of the subsequent resurrection event.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Mary Magdalene":** This phrase introduces the first of two specific women who are present and actively observing the burial. Mary Magdalene is consistently depicted as a devoted follower of Jesus, often listed first among the women who ministered to Him.
* **"and Mary [the mother] of Joses":** This identifies the second woman, distinguishing her from Mary Magdalene. She is likely the same Mary mentioned as being at the cross in [Mark 15:40](/mark/15-40 "Mark 15:40 - Women at the Cross"), often identified as the mother of James the Less and Joses. Her presence further strengthens the eyewitness testimony.
* **"beheld where he was laid":** This is the core action of the verse. The women were not merely present; they were actively and carefully observing the exact location where Jesus' body was placed. This diligent observation is crucial for their role as the first witnesses to the empty tomb, as they knew precisely which tomb to visit on the first day of the week.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the women's careful observation of the tomb's location subtly prepares the reader for their return on Sunday morning and their discovery of the empty tomb, which is the climax of Mark's Gospel. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** in this verse; the unwavering faithfulness and presence of these women stand in stark opposition to the fear and dispersal of most of Jesus' male disciples, highlighting their unique and often overlooked devotion. Furthermore, the explicit naming of "Mary Magdalene and Mary [the mother] of Joses" serves as an act of **Emphasis** and **Validation**. By naming these specific individuals, Mark underscores their reliability and importance as eyewitnesses, lending credibility to the events surrounding Jesus' burial and the subsequent resurrection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 15:47, though brief, carries profound theological weight. It underscores the importance of witness and verification in the foundational events of Christian faith. The women's quiet, steadfast presence at the tomb demonstrates a deep devotion that transcends the despair of the moment, embodying a faithfulness that God honors and uses for His purposes. Their observation of the burial is not merely a historical detail but a theological necessity, confirming the reality of Jesus' death and burial, which is an indispensable precursor to the truth of His resurrection. This verse reminds us that God often uses the humble and the marginalized to bear witness to His greatest acts, challenging conventional notions of power and influence.

* [Mark 16:1-8](/mark/16-1-8 "Mark 16:1-8 - The Resurrection Account") - The women return to the tomb and find it empty, becoming the first messengers of the resurrection.
* [Luke 24:1-12](/luke/24-1-12 "Luke 24:1-12 - The Women at the Tomb") - Luke's parallel account also emphasizes the women's role as the first witnesses to the empty tomb.
* [John 20:1-2](/john/20-1-2 "John 20:1-2 - Mary Magdalene Discovers the Empty Tomb") - John's Gospel highlights Mary Magdalene's initial discovery of the empty tomb and her subsequent report to Peter and John.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 15:47 offers a powerful image of steadfast devotion in the face of profound loss and uncertainty. The women's quiet presence at the tomb, meticulously observing where Jesus was laid, speaks volumes about their unwavering commitment to Christ, even when all hope seemed lost. Their faithfulness reminds us that true discipleship often manifests not in grand gestures, but in humble, persistent presence, especially during times of sorrow, confusion, or apparent defeat. In a world that often values visible success and outward strength, this verse elevates the quiet strength of loyalty and the importance of bearing witness even when the circumstances are bleak. It encourages believers to remain committed to Christ, trusting that God is at work even in the darkest valleys, and that our diligent observation and presence, however humble, can be instrumental in God's unfolding redemptive purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the steadfastness of these women challenge our own commitment to Christ during difficult times, particularly when circumstances seem hopeless?**
* **In what ways can we, like Mary Magdalene and Mary, be faithful witnesses to Christ's truth and presence, even when it seems unpopular or challenging?**
* **What "tombs" or places of despair in our lives or in the world is God inviting us to observe with hope, knowing that He is at work even in the darkest places?**

### FAQ
**Who were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses?**

Answer: Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus, from whom seven demons had been cast out, as noted in [Luke 8:2](/luke/8-2 "Luke 8:2 - Women Who Supported Jesus"). She was a prominent figure among the women who supported Jesus' ministry and remained faithful to Him through His crucifixion and burial. Mary the mother of Joses is often identified as Mary, the mother of James the Less and Joses, and possibly the wife of Clopas, mentioned in other Gospel accounts ([Mark 15:40](/mark/15-40 "Mark 15:40 - Women at the Cross"), [John 19:25](/john/19-25 "John 19:25 - Women at the Cross")). Both women were present at the crucifixion and demonstrated unwavering loyalty by following Jesus' body to the tomb.

**Why was it important for them to "behold where he was laid"?**

Answer: Their careful observation served as crucial eyewitness testimony to the exact location of Jesus' burial. This verified the reality of the burial, which was essential for the subsequent truth of the resurrection. Without knowing precisely where He was laid, their testimony to the empty tomb would lack credibility. Their presence ensured a continuity of witness from the cross to the tomb to the resurrection, making them the first reliable witnesses to the most pivotal event in Christian history. This detail sets the stage for their return to the tomb on the first day of the week, as described in [Mark 16:1](/mark/16-1 "Mark 16:1 - Women Prepare to Anoint Jesus"), where they would discover the empty tomb.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 15:47, though a somber verse, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications, serving as a vital bridge to the triumph of the resurrection. The women's careful observation of "where he was laid" is not merely a detail of burial, but a necessary precursor to the ultimate victory of Christ over death. Their witness to the physical placement of Jesus' body in the tomb validates the reality of His death, which is indispensable for understanding the power of His resurrection. The very act of His being "laid" in the tomb fulfills prophetic expectations of the Suffering Servant's death and burial ([Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - His Burial with the Rich")), even as it sets the stage for the New Testament declaration that He was "buried and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")). The women, in their quiet faithfulness, become the first bearers of the most glorious news, for their knowledge of the burial site allowed them to confirm the empty tomb, proclaiming that death could not hold the Son of God. Their witness to the tomb, therefore, points directly to the resurrected Christ, who, by conquering the grave, offers new life and hope to all who believe, demonstrating His ultimate authority over sin and death ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ"), [Colossians 2:12](/colossians/2-12 "Colossians 2:12 - Buried and Raised with Christ")).

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

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;

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.

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 27:61

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

Luke 23:55

And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

Luke 24:2

And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.