Mark 16:2

KJV

And very early in the morning the first [day] of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} very {G3029} early in the morning {G4404} the first {G3391} day of the week {G4521}, they came {G2064} unto {G1909} the sepulchre {G3419} at the rising {G393} of the sun {G2246}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Very early the next day, just after sunrise, they went to the tomb.

Berean Standard Bible

Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they went to the tomb.

American Standard Version

And very early on the first day of the week, they come to the tomb when the sun was risen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 16:2 precisely details the timing and location of the women's arrival at Jesus' tomb, setting the stage for the monumental discovery of the empty tomb and the subsequent announcement of His resurrection. This verse captures the solemn yet expectant atmosphere of dawn on the first day of the week, as faithful women approached the sepulchre with the intent of anointing Jesus' body, unknowingly standing on the precipice of the most pivotal event in redemptive history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 16:2 immediately follows the preceding verse, Mark 16:1, which identifies the women—Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome—who had purchased spices to anoint Jesus' body. The narrative flow establishes their compassionate purpose, driven by love and grief, after the hurried burial on Friday before the Sabbath. This verse transitions from their preparation to their actual journey and arrival, building suspense as the reader anticipates what they will find. It is the crucial threshold moment before the dramatic revelation of the empty tomb and the angelic message that follows in Mark 16:4-7. The precise timing noted here underscores the urgency and devotion of the women.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jewish burial customs in the 1st century involved washing and anointing the body with spices and oils, often wrapped in linen cloths, before interment. This process was typically completed on the day of death. However, due to the impending Sabbath, which began at sundown on Friday and prohibited work, Jesus' burial was hastily performed without the full anointing (cf. [Luke 23:54-56](/luke/23-54-56 "Luke 23:54-56 - Preparation for the Sabbath")). The women's journey "very early in the morning the first day of the week" signifies their deep commitment to complete this sacred duty as soon as the Sabbath restrictions were lifted. The "sepulchre" (Greek: _mnēmeîon_) would have been a rock-hewn tomb, typical of the region, often sealed with a large stone.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 16:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it highlights **Faithful Devotion**, exemplified by the women who, despite their profound grief and the apparent finality of Jesus' death, remained committed to honoring Him. Their act of coming to the tomb, even with the practical concern of the stone (as mentioned in [Mark 16:3](/mark/16-3 "Mark 16:3 - The Stone at the Tomb")), speaks volumes about their unwavering love. Secondly, the phrase "the first day of the week" introduces the theme of **New Creation and a New Era**, subtly hinting that this day would inaugurate something profoundly new, distinct from the old covenant's Sabbath rest. This timing is consistently emphasized across all Gospel accounts of the resurrection (e.g., [Matthew 28:1](/matthew/28-1 "Matthew 28:1 - The Resurrection Morning"), [Luke 24:1](/luke/24-1 "Luke 24:1 - The Women at the Tomb"), [John 20:1](/john/20-1 "John 20:1 - Mary Magdalene at the Tomb")). Lastly, the verse builds **Anticipation of Resurrection**, serving as the immediate prelude to the discovery of the empty tomb and the triumphant news of Jesus' victory over death. It is the threshold moment to the ultimate hope of the Gospel message.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **early in the morning (Greek, _prōḯ'_):** This adverb, derived from a word meaning "before," denotes the earliest part of the day, specifically at dawn or daybreak. Its use here emphasizes the women's eagerness and the precise moment when light begins to dispel darkness, a detail rich with symbolic potential for the unfolding events.
* **week (Greek, _sábbaton'_):** From the Hebrew word for "Sabbath," this term can refer to the Sabbath day itself or, as used here in the plural (though translated as singular "week"), the interval between two Sabbaths, thus signifying a week. "First of the Sabbaths" or "first day after the Sabbath" precisely identifies Sunday, marking a new cycle and a new beginning.
* **sepulchre (Greek, _mnēmeîon'_):** Derived from a word meaning "remembrance," this noun refers to a monument, a place of interment, a grave, or a tomb. It indicates the physical location where Jesus' body had been laid, a place of death and remembrance, which is about to be radically redefined.
* **rising (Greek, _anatéllō'_):** This verb means "to (cause to) arise" or "to spring up." In this context, it specifically refers to the rising of the sun, indicating the very moment the sun's first rays appear on the horizon. This detail perfectly aligns the natural dawning of a new day with the spiritual dawning of the resurrection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And very early in the morning":** This phrase establishes the precise time of day, indicating the earliest possible moment after the Sabbath ended, highlighting the women's urgency and devotion. It signifies the transition from the darkness of night and the somber Sabbath rest to the initial glimmer of a new day.
* **"the first [day] of the week,":** This crucial temporal marker identifies the specific day as Sunday, the day after the Sabbath. This is profoundly significant, as it marks not only a new week but, as the narrative unfolds, the dawn of a new creation and the beginning of the Christian era.
* **"they came unto the sepulchre":** This clause describes the women's arrival at the tomb, the destination of their sorrowful journey. It sets the physical scene for the impending discovery, emphasizing their intent to minister to Jesus' body, unaware of the miraculous transformation that had already occurred.
* **"at the rising of the sun.":** This final temporal detail perfectly synchronizes their arrival with the break of dawn. It paints a vivid picture of the sun's first rays illuminating the scene, creating a powerful visual and symbolic backdrop for the revelation of life triumphing over death.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 16:2 employs several powerful literary devices. **Imagery** is prominent, with phrases like "very early in the morning" and "at the rising of the sun" painting a vivid picture of dawn. This natural imagery of light dispelling darkness serves as a powerful symbol for the spiritual light of the resurrection overcoming the darkness of death. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is aware of the resurrection that has already occurred, while the women are approaching the tomb with the expectation of finding a dead body. Their solemn purpose contrasts sharply with the glorious reality awaiting them, creating a poignant tension. Furthermore, the "first day of the week" carries deep **Symbolism**, signifying a new beginning, a new creation, and a departure from the old covenant's Sabbath. The "rising of the sun" also functions as **Symbolism**, subtly hinting at the emergence of Christ, the "Sun of Righteousness," who brings healing and light to the world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 16:2 serves as a pivotal theological bridge, connecting the despair of the crucifixion with the triumph of the resurrection. The women's faithful journey to the tomb, undertaken at the earliest possible moment, underscores the profound human need to honor the dead, even as it unknowingly leads them to witness the ultimate victory over death. The timing—"the first day of the week, at the rising of the sun"—is not merely incidental; it is divinely orchestrated, signifying a new epoch in salvation history. This new day, marked by the resurrection, becomes the foundation for Christian worship and the ultimate hope for believers, demonstrating God's power to bring life out of death and light out of darkness. It establishes the pattern for the Lord's Day, the Christian Sabbath, as a celebration of new life in Christ.

* [Matthew 28:1](/matthew/28-1 "Matthew 28:1 - The Women at the Tomb")
* [Luke 24:1](/luke/24-1 "Luke 24:1 - The Resurrection Morning")
* [John 20:1](/john/20-1 "John 20:1 - Mary Magdalene at the Tomb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 16:2 invites us to reflect on the nature of faithful devotion, even in the face of profound loss and uncertainty. The women's journey, though driven by grief and the practical task of anointing a body, was an act of persistent love and commitment. They went to the tomb expecting to find death, yet they were met with the glorious news of life. This challenges us to consider our own postures of faith when circumstances seem bleak or final. Do we continue to seek Christ, even when our expectations are limited by human understanding? The "very early" timing and the "rising of the sun" remind us that God's greatest breakthroughs often occur at the dawn of a new day, in moments of transition from darkness to light. It encourages us to be diligent in our pursuit of Christ, for it is often in our acts of humble obedience and faithfulness, even when we don't fully grasp the outcome, that we encounter His transformative power and witness His miraculous work. This verse is a powerful reminder that our acts of devotion, no matter how small or seemingly futile, can place us precisely where God intends to reveal His glory and bring about His redemptive purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the women's early morning journey to the tomb reveal about their devotion to Jesus, even after His death?**
* **How does the timing—"the first day of the week, at the rising of the sun"—symbolically connect with the themes of new life and new creation in your own faith journey?**
* **In what areas of your life are you seeking Christ, perhaps with a sense of grief or uncertainty, and how might this verse encourage you to persist in faith?**

### FAQ

**Why is the "first day of the week" so significant in this verse and for Christian tradition?**

Answer: The "first day of the week" (Sunday) is profoundly significant because it marks the day of Jesus' resurrection. In Jewish tradition, the Sabbath (Saturday) was the seventh day, a day of rest commemorating creation and deliverance from slavery. By rising on the first day, Jesus inaugurated a "new creation" and a "new week," signifying a radical new beginning for humanity and for God's redemptive plan. This shift from the Sabbath to the first day of the week became foundational for Christian worship, establishing Sunday as the Lord's Day, a weekly celebration of Christ's victory over sin and death, and the promise of new life (see [Acts 20:7](/acts/20-7 "Acts 20:7 - Breaking Bread on the First Day") and [1 Corinthians 16:2](/1_corinthians/16-2 "1 Corinthians 16:2 - Collection on the First Day")).

**What was the women's primary purpose in coming to the sepulchre at such an early hour?**

Answer: The women's primary purpose in coming to the sepulchre was to complete the anointing of Jesus' body with spices and ointments. Due to the impending Sabbath, which began at sundown on Friday, Jesus' burial had been hurried, and the full anointing rituals could not be completed (as implied in [Luke 23:54-56](/luke/23-54-56 "Luke 23:54-56 - Preparation for the Sabbath")). Their early morning arrival on Sunday demonstrates their deep love, devotion, and respect for Jesus, as they sought to perform this final act of service and honor His body according to prevailing Jewish burial customs.

**Is the exact time "at the rising of the sun" merely a descriptive detail, or does it carry deeper meaning?**

Answer: While "at the rising of the sun" is a precise descriptive detail, it carries profound deeper meaning. The moment of dawn, when light begins to overcome darkness, serves as a powerful symbol for the spiritual reality of the resurrection. Just as the sun dispels the night, Christ's resurrection dispels the darkness of death, sin, and despair. It signifies the dawning of a new era, the emergence of the "Sun of Righteousness" (as prophesied in [Malachi 4:2](/malachi/4-2 "Malachi 4:2 - The Sun of Righteousness")), bringing healing and life to a world shrouded in spiritual night. This imagery underscores the triumph of life over death and hope over sorrow.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 16:2, though seemingly a simple temporal and spatial marker, is profoundly Christ-centered in its fulfillment. The arrival of the women "very early in the morning the first day of the week, at the rising of the sun" is not merely coincidental timing but a divinely orchestrated prelude to the ultimate revelation of Christ's victory. The "first day of the week" foreshadows the new creation inaugurated by Christ's resurrection, echoing the very first day of creation when light was called forth from darkness ([Genesis 1:3-5](/genesis/1-3-5 "Genesis 1:3-5 - Day One of Creation")). Jesus, as the resurrected Lord, becomes the "firstfruits of those who are asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as Firstfruits")), signifying that His resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of all who believe in Him. He is the true "Sun of Righteousness" ([Malachi 4:2](/malachi/4-2 "Malachi 4:2 - The Sun of Righteousness")) whose rising dispels the darkness of sin and death, bringing healing and eternal light to the world. This verse, therefore, is not just about women arriving at a tomb; it's about the dawn of a new covenant, a new life, and a new hope, all centered on the triumphant, living Christ who conquered the grave and forever changed the course of human history ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in 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

John 20:1

¶ The first [day] of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

Luke 24:1

¶ Now upon the first [day] of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain [others] with them.

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.