Mark 16:11

And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

And they {G2548}, when they had heard {G191} that {G3754} he was alive {G2198}, and {G2532} had been seen {G2300} of {G5259} her {G846}, believed not {G569}.

But when they heard that he was alive and that she had seen him, they wouldn't believe it.

And when they heard that Jesus was alive and she had seen Him, they did not believe it.

And they, when they heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, disbelieved.

Commentary

Mark 16:11 (KJV): "And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not."

Context

This verse follows immediately after Mary Magdalene is described as having seen the resurrected Jesus. She went and told those who had been with Him, who were mourning and weeping (Mark 16:10). "They" in this verse refers to the disciples and possibly other close followers mentioned in the preceding verse. Despite hearing a firsthand account from someone they knew, their initial reaction to the news of Jesus' resurrection was one of strong disbelief.

Key Themes

  • Disbelief and Skepticism: The most prominent theme is the disciples' immediate failure to believe the report of Jesus' resurrection, even from a trusted source.
  • The Reality of the Resurrection: The verse underscores the extraordinary nature of the event being reported – it was so incredible that even Jesus' closest followers found it hard to accept initially.
  • Humanity of the Disciples: It highlights the very human reaction of doubt and difficulty in processing news that challenges their understanding of death and reality. Their later faith is thus shown as a journey, not an automatic acceptance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "believed not" translates the Greek word oudepisteusan, which is a strong negative form of the verb "to believe" (pisteuo). It signifies a resolute refusal or inability to believe, indicating the depth of their skepticism at this moment.

Reflection

The disciples' initial disbelief in Mark 16:11 is a striking detail found in the resurrection accounts. It reminds us that faith in the resurrection wasn't an easy or immediate leap, even for those who had walked closest with Jesus. Their doubt makes their eventual transformation into bold witnesses all the more powerful. It also offers comfort, showing that questioning and difficulty in believing are not unique to modern people; even the first followers grappled with the incredible truth that Jesus was truly alive after death.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 24:11 (7 votes)

    And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.

  • Mark 16:13 (6 votes)

    And they went and told [it] unto the residue: neither believed they them.

  • Mark 16:14 (6 votes)

    ¶ Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

  • Mark 9:19 (4 votes)

    He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.

  • Luke 24:23 (4 votes)

    And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.

  • Luke 24:35 (4 votes)

    And they told what things [were done] in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

  • Exodus 6:9 (3 votes)

    And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.