Mark 16:10

KJV

[And] she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she {G1565} went {G4198} and told {G518} them that had been {G1096} with {G3326} him {G846}, as they mourned {G3996} and {G2532} wept {G2799}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She went and told those who had been with him, as they were crying and mourning.

Berean Standard Bible

She went and told those who had been with Him, who were mourning and weeping.

American Standard Version

She went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 16:10 presents the pivotal moment when Mary Magdalene, having encountered the risen Christ, faithfully carries the news of His resurrection to the disciples. This verse highlights her immediate obedience to the Lord's implicit commission, contrasting her joyous revelation with the profound sorrow and despair that still gripped the disciples, who were mourning and weeping over the crucifixion of their beloved Lord. It sets the stage for the disciples' initial struggle with belief, emphasizing the transformative power of the resurrection message and the crucial role of the first witnesses.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 16:10 is part of what is widely known as the "longer ending of Mark" (Mark 16:9-20). While scholarly debate exists regarding its earliest manuscript attestation, its theological content aligns seamlessly with the broader New Testament narrative of the resurrection. Immediately preceding this verse, [Mark 16:9](/mark/16-9 "Mark 16:9 - Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene") describes Jesus' first post-resurrection appearance to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. This direct encounter empowers Mary, transforming her from a grieving follower into the first evangelist of the resurrection. Verse 10 then details her immediate action, serving as a crucial bridge to the disciples' subsequent disbelief in [Mark 16:11](/mark/16-11 "Mark 16:11 - Disciples' Disbelief") and their eventual commissioning. The narrative flow emphasizes the initial skepticism of the core group, setting up the dramatic tension between the reality of the resurrection and the human difficulty in accepting such a profound, miraculous event.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish culture, mourning for the dead was a deeply ingrained practice, often involving public displays of grief, wailing, and lamentation, sometimes even employing professional mourners. The disciples' "mourning and weeping" would have been a culturally expected and authentic expression of profound sorrow for their crucified Master. Their hopes for a conquering Messiah had been shattered by His brutal death, leaving them in a state of despair and fear, likely huddled together in secret (cf. [John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Disciples Behind Locked Doors")). This context underscores the radical nature of Mary's news; it was not merely an update but a complete reversal of their perceived reality, challenging their deepest assumptions about death and the Messiah. The idea of a resurrected Messiah was not a common expectation, even among those who believed in a general resurrection at the end of time.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Witness and Proclamation**, as Mary Magdalene becomes the first to bear witness to the risen Lord and proclaim this world-altering truth. Her act foreshadows the Great Commission given to all believers to spread the [gospel to all creation](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission"). Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **Human Grief and Divine Comfort**, vividly portraying the disciples' deep sorrow and setting the stage for the comfort and joy that the resurrection brings, transforming their mourning into dancing (cf. [Psalm 30:11](/psalms/30-11 "Psalm 30:11 - Turning Mourning into Dancing")). Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Disbelief and the Struggle for Faith**, as the disciples' initial reaction to Mary's testimony (detailed in [Mark 16:11](/mark/16-11 "Mark 16:11 - Disciples' Disbelief")) underscores the human challenge of accepting extraordinary divine revelation, even for those who walked closely with Jesus.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **went (Greek, _poreúomai'_):** This verb signifies a purposeful movement or journey, often with a specific destination or mission in mind. Here, Mary "went" not aimlessly, but with the clear intent to deliver a message. It implies a sense of urgency and direct action, reflecting her immediate response to seeing the risen Christ. Her going is an act of obedience and a demonstration of her newfound joy and conviction.
* **told (Greek, _apangéllō'_):** Meaning "to announce" or "to report," this word emphasizes the act of conveying news or a message. It's not merely speaking, but formally declaring something of importance. Mary's "telling" is an act of evangelism, making known the incredible reality of Jesus' resurrection to those who were unaware and in despair. This verb highlights the authoritative and significant nature of the message she carried.
* **mourned (Greek, _penthéō'_):** This term denotes a deep, profound grief, often expressed outwardly through lamentation, sorrow, and even wailing. It describes an intense emotional state of lamentation over a significant loss, far beyond mere sadness. The disciples' "mourning" indicates their utter despair and shattered hopes following Jesus' death, underscoring the stark contrast with the joyous news Mary brings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she went":** This phrase immediately follows Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Jesus, indicating her prompt and purposeful action. Empowered by her direct experience, she does not hesitate but embarks on a mission to share this life-altering news. Her "going" signifies the beginning of the proclamation of the resurrection, making her the first messenger.
* **"and told them that had been with him":** Mary's destination is specific: the inner circle of disciples, those who had intimately shared Jesus' ministry, sufferings, and hopes. The act of "telling" is one of vital communication, conveying the most significant news in human history. This highlights her role as the initial evangelist, bringing the truth to those closest to Jesus who were still in the dark.
* **"as they mourned and wept":** This poignant clause vividly describes the disciples' emotional state. Their "mourning" (deep, internal grief) and "weeping" (outward expression of sorrow, often with tears and lamentation) underscore their profound despair and shattered expectations after Jesus' crucifixion. This stark contrast between Mary's joy and their sorrow sets the dramatic tension of the resurrection narrative, emphasizing the radical shift in reality that Mary's message represents.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 16:10 effectively employs **Contrast** to heighten the dramatic impact of the resurrection. The profound sorrow and public lamentation of the disciples, who are "mourning and weeping," stand in stark opposition to the joyous, urgent mission of Mary Magdalene, who has just encountered the risen Christ. This juxtaposition underscores the transformative power of the resurrection, which is capable of turning deepest despair into overwhelming joy. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** at play: the very disciples who had been closest to Jesus, and who might have been expected to be the first to grasp the resurrection, are depicted in a state of utter despondency, while a woman, often marginalized in that culture, becomes the primary bearer of the good news. This also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the initial resistance and disbelief the disciples would exhibit, as detailed in the subsequent verses, before their ultimate acceptance and commissioning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 16:10 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of divine revelation and human reception. Mary Magdalene's immediate response to the risen Christ—her "going" and "telling"—underscores the inherent impulse of faith to share the good news. The disciples' state of mourning, however, highlights the human condition of despair in the face of death and the profound difficulty of grasping a reality that transcends human experience. This scene emphasizes that the resurrection is not merely a historical event but a transformative truth that radically alters human perception of life, death, and hope. It is the turning point where sorrow is confronted by unparalleled joy, and despair is overcome by the living presence of God.

* [John 20:18](/john/20-18 "John 20:18 - Mary Magdalene Reports to the Disciples")
* [Luke 24:10-11](/luke/24-10-11 "Luke 24:10-11 - The Women Tell the Apostles")
* [Matthew 28:8](/matthew/28-8 "Matthew 28:8 - The Women Leave the Tomb with Joy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 16:10 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Mary Magdalene's immediate and purposeful action after encountering the risen Lord provides a compelling model for Christian discipleship. Just as she "went and told," we are called to be active participants in sharing the transformative message of Jesus' resurrection. This isn't merely about intellectual assent to a historical fact, but about proclaiming a living reality that brings hope to a world steeped in sorrow and despair. The disciples' initial state of mourning reminds us of the pervasive grief and spiritual darkness that can grip human hearts, even among those who know God. Our mission, therefore, is to approach others with compassion and understanding, recognizing their pain, while simultaneously bearing witness to the unparalleled joy and victory found in the risen Christ. We are called to be messengers of hope, bringing light to those who mourn, and patiently guiding them towards the truth that can turn their weeping into dancing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Mary Magdalene's immediate action challenge my own willingness to share the good news of Christ's resurrection with others?**
* **In what ways do I, like the disciples, sometimes allow sorrow or despair to overshadow the profound joy and hope that the resurrection offers?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of urgency and compassion in proclaiming the gospel to those who are "mourning and weeping" in my own community?**

### FAQ

**Why were the disciples mourning and weeping if Jesus had told them He would rise again?**

Answer: Despite Jesus' clear prophecies about His resurrection (e.g., [Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection"), [Mark 9:31](/mark/9-31 "Mark 9:31 - Jesus Again Foretells His Death"), [Mark 10:33-34](/mark/10-33-34 "Mark 10:33-34 - Jesus' Third Prediction of His Death")), the disciples struggled to comprehend or fully accept this truth. Their understanding of the Messiah was largely shaped by prevailing Jewish expectations of a conquering king who would liberate Israel politically, not one who would suffer and die. The brutal reality of the crucifixion was so devastating that it overshadowed their memory or belief in His resurrection predictions. Their grief was genuine, reflecting shattered hopes and profound loss, demonstrating the human difficulty in grasping divine mysteries, especially when personal tragedy intervenes.

**What is the significance of Mary Magdalene being the first messenger of the resurrection?**

Answer: The significance of Mary Magdalene as the first witness and messenger is profound. In a patriarchal society where women's testimony was often not legally admissible, God chose a woman, and specifically one from whom seven demons had been cast out, to be the primary bearer of the most important news in history. This highlights God's radical inclusivity and His valuing of those often marginalized. It underscores that the message of the resurrection is for all people, regardless of social standing or past, and that God uses unlikely vessels to accomplish His purposes. Her role as "apostle to the apostles" (as she was later called by some church fathers) demonstrates the immediate and universal call to evangelism that flows from encountering the risen Christ, as seen also in [John 20:17](/john/20-17 "John 20:17 - Jesus Sends Mary Magdalene").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 16:10, though focusing on Mary Magdalene's immediate post-resurrection mission, points powerfully to the Christ-centered reality of the gospel. Mary's act of "going and telling" is a direct outflow of her encounter with the risen Lord, foreshadowing the universal commission given by Christ Himself. Her message, though initially met with disbelief by the disciples, is the very heart of the Christian faith: that the One who died for the sins of the world has conquered death. This moment encapsulates the triumph of Christ over sin and death, which is the foundation of the New Covenant. The disciples' mourning represents humanity's despair under the curse of sin, a despair that only the victorious Christ can alleviate. Just as Mary brought the news of life to those in sorrow, so Christ's resurrection brings eternal life and joy to all who believe, transforming their lamentations into songs of praise. The entire narrative of the New Testament hinges on this pivotal event, as the resurrected Christ is the source of all hope, the one who sends His Spirit (cf. [John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit")) to empower His followers to continue Mary's mission, proclaiming the good news of salvation to a world still "mourning and weeping" in spiritual darkness (cf. [Romans 10:14-15](/romans/10-14-15 "Romans 10:14-15 - How Can They Hear Without a Preacher?")).

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 20:18

Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and [that] he had spoken these things unto her.

John 16:6

But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

Mark 14:72

And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

Matthew 9:15

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

Luke 24:17

And he said unto them, What manner of communications [are] these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

Matthew 24:30

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

John 16:20

Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.