Mark 16:4

KJV

And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when they looked {G308}, they saw {G2334} that {G3754} the stone {G3037} was rolled away {G617}: for {G1063} it was {G2258} very {G4970} great {G3173}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they looked up and saw that the stone, even though it was huge, had been rolled back already.

Berean Standard Bible

But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, even though it was extremely large.

American Standard Version

and looking up, they see that the stone is rolled back: for it was exceeding great.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 16:4 meticulously details the pivotal moment when the women arriving at Jesus' tomb discovered the colossal stone sealing its entrance had been miraculously removed. This verse, though brief, serves as the initial, undeniable physical evidence of the empty tomb, immediately signaling that an extraordinary, divinely orchestrated event had transpired, setting the stage for the earth-shattering announcement of Christ's resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 16:4 is situated at the very beginning of the resurrection narrative in Mark's Gospel, immediately following the women's expressed concern about how they would gain access to the tomb. In [Mark 16:1-2](/mark/16-1-2 "Mark 16:1-2 - The women prepare to visit the tomb"), Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome are described as purchasing spices to anoint Jesus' body, indicating their loving devotion and their expectation of finding a corpse. Their practical dilemma is articulated in [Mark 16:3](/mark/16-3 "Mark 16:3 - The women's concern about the stone"), where they ponder, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?" Mark 16:4 provides the immediate, astonishing answer to this question, revealing that the seemingly insurmountable obstacle had already been dealt with. This discovery then directly precedes the angelic announcement of Jesus' resurrection in [Mark 16:5-7](/mark/16-5-7 "Mark 16:5-7 - The angel's message of resurrection"), establishing the rolled-away stone as the first tangible sign of the empty tomb and the reality of Christ's victory over death.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish burial practices involved placing a body in a rock-hewn tomb, often with a large, circular stone rolled into a groove to seal the entrance. These stones were typically very heavy, requiring several men to move, serving as a deterrent to grave robbers and wild animals. The women's visit "very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen" ([Mark 16:2](/mark/16-2 "Mark 16:2 - Early morning visit to the tomb")) underscores their deep devotion, as they came as soon as the Sabbath regulations, which prohibited such activity, had passed. Their intention to anoint the body with spices was a customary act of respect and mourning, a final act of devotion for the deceased. The "very great" stone mentioned in the text highlights the human impossibility of its removal by a few women, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of its actual displacement and pointing to a divine intervention that transcended human capability.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 16:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphatically underscores **Divine Intervention Overcomes Obstacles**. The "very great" stone, an insurmountable barrier for the women, symbolizes human limitation and the finality of death. Its miraculous removal, however, clearly demonstrates God's omnipotent power at work, revealing that no physical or spiritual impediment can thwart His sovereign plan. Secondly, the verse provides the initial, tangible evidence for **The Reality of the Resurrection**. The empty tomb, signified by the rolled-away stone, is the irrefutable proof that Jesus was not merely unconscious, stolen, or buried permanently, but truly risen from the dead, fulfilling the prophecies of [Psalm 16:10](/psalm/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - You will not abandon my soul to Sheol") and [Isaiah 53:10-12](/isaiah/53-10-12 "Isaiah 53:10-12 - The Suffering Servant's triumph"). Finally, the event highlights **God's Sovereignty and Power** over death itself. What was impossible for human effort was effortlessly accomplished by divine might, confirming that God's authority extends even to the grave, establishing the foundation for Christian hope and the promise of new life, as seen throughout [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection of the Dead").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **looked (Greek, _anablépō'_):** From G308, meaning "to look up; by implication, to recover sight." In this context, it suggests an intentional act of looking, a gaze directed towards the tomb's entrance. The women "looked up" or "looked intently" as they approached, perhaps anticipating the formidable obstacle, only to find it gone. This verb emphasizes their active observation and the sudden, surprising nature of their discovery.
* **saw (Greek, _theōréō'_):** From G2334, meaning "to be a spectator of, i.e. discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))." While *anablépō* describes the act of looking, *theōréō* describes the result: they *discerned* or *perceived* the reality of the rolled-away stone. This is not a casual glance but a profound observation that leads to understanding the significance of what they beheld. It implies a recognition of the miraculous.
* **rolled away (Greek, _apokylíō'_):** From G617, meaning "to roll away." This verb is crucial, as it describes the specific action taken upon the stone. The Greek perfect passive participle form used here (ἀποκεκύλισται, *apokekylistai*) indicates a completed action with lasting results. The stone was not *being* rolled away as they watched, but it *had already been* rolled away before their arrival. This grammatical nuance underscores the pre-existing, miraculous nature of the event, emphasizing that the women were witnesses to a completed divine act, not participants in its execution.
* **very (Greek, _sphódra'_):** From G4970, meaning "vehemently, i.e. in a high degree, much." This adverb intensifies the adjective "great." When combined with *mégas* (great), it paints a vivid picture of the stone's immense size and weight. This is not merely a "great" stone, but one that is "exceedingly great," "very great," or "tremendously large." This detail serves to magnify the miracle of its removal, highlighting the sheer impossibility of the women (or anyone without divine aid) moving it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away:"** This clause describes the women's immediate and astonishing discovery. As they approached the tomb, their gaze fell upon the entrance, and to their utter amazement, the massive stone that had sealed it was no longer in place. The use of "looked" (*anablépō*) and "saw" (*theōréō*) emphasizes their direct observation and the undeniable reality of what confronted them. The stone's removal was a completed act, a fait accompli, before their arrival, setting the stage for the revelation of the empty tomb and the resurrection.
* **"for it was very great."** This explanatory clause provides the crucial context for understanding the magnitude of the miracle. The stone's immense size is not merely a descriptive detail but a theological statement. It highlights the human impossibility of its removal by ordinary means, particularly by a small group of women. This detail magnifies the divine power at work, underscoring that the obstacle was so formidable that only God could have removed it, thereby testifying to the supernatural nature of the event and the resurrection it signified.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 16:4 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the contrast between the women's expressed human concern in [Mark 16:3](/mark/16-3 "Mark 16:3 - The women's concern about the stone") ("Who will roll away the stone for us?") and the immediate, simple resolution presented in verse 4 ("they saw that the stone was rolled away"). This highlights the disparity between human limitation and divine omnipotence. The stone itself functions as powerful **Symbolism**. It represents the insurmountable barrier of death, the finality of the grave, and the human inability to overcome these realities. Its removal, therefore, symbolizes God's triumph over death, the opening of the way to new life, and the breaking of the power of the grave. Furthermore, there is an element of **Dramatic Irony** and **Understatement**. The reader, knowing the outcome of the resurrection, understands the profound significance of the rolled-away stone far more deeply than the women do at this initial moment. The simple, factual statement "it was rolled away" for such a monumental event that defies natural laws, coupled with the brief explanation of its "very great" size, serves as a powerful understatement that only heightens the miraculous nature of the resurrection it heralds.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 16:4 stands as a foundational verse for Christian theology, serving as the initial physical proof of Christ's resurrection. The rolled-away stone is not merely a detail of the narrative; it is a profound theological statement about God's absolute power over death and the grave. It signifies that the tomb could not hold the Author of Life, confirming Jesus' victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. This event validates His claims to divinity and His mission as the Redeemer, providing the cornerstone for the Christian faith. Without the empty tomb, signified by the removed stone, the resurrection would be a mere claim, but its physical reality transforms it into a historical fact, giving substance to the hope of eternal life for believers.

* [Matthew 28:2](/matthew/28-2 "Matthew 28:2 - An angel rolls away the stone")
* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead")
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ died and was raised according to the Scriptures")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene at the tomb in Mark 16:4 offers profound encouragement and a powerful call to faith for believers today. Just as the "very great" stone, an insurmountable obstacle for the women, was miraculously rolled away by divine power, so too can the seemingly impossible barriers in our lives be removed by God. This verse reminds us that when we face overwhelming challenges—whether they are personal struggles, spiritual strongholds, or seemingly unmovable circumstances that block our path to progress or peace—we serve a God who is sovereign over all things, even death itself. The empty tomb, marked by the absence of the great stone, is a perpetual reminder that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human limitations, earthly obstacles, or the finality of death. It calls us to trust in His omnipotence, to bring our "great stones" before Him in prayer, and to anticipate His miraculous intervention, knowing that He is able to do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" ([Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God can do immeasurably more")). The hope of the resurrection, first hinted at by that rolled-away stone, remains the cornerstone of our faith, assuring us of ultimate victory and the promise of new life in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great stones" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you facing in your life right now, and how does the removal of the tomb stone encourage you in those situations?**
* **How does the miraculous nature of the stone's removal strengthen your faith in God's power to act beyond human capability?**
* **In what ways does the empty tomb, signified by the rolled-away stone, serve as a foundation for your hope and assurance in Christ?**
* **How might you live differently today, knowing that the same power that rolled away the stone is at work in and for believers?**

### FAQ

**Why was the stone so important, and who rolled it away?**

Answer: The stone was critically important because it sealed the tomb, preventing access to Jesus' body and symbolizing the finality of death. Its immense size ("very great") underscored that its removal was humanly impossible, especially for the women who came to the tomb. While Mark 16:4 simply states "they saw that the stone was rolled away," other Gospels provide further detail. [Matthew 28:2](/matthew/28-2 "Matthew 28:2 - An angel rolls away the stone") explicitly states that "an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it." This angelic intervention highlights the divine power behind the resurrection, ensuring that the tomb was opened not by human hands, but by God's direct action, confirming the miraculous nature of the event.

**What is the significance of the stone being "rolled away" rather than simply "removed" or "disintegrated"?**

Answer: The specific action of the stone being "rolled away" (*apokylíō*) is significant because it implies a physical, tangible movement that allowed for clear access to the tomb. It wasn't a magical disappearance but a deliberate act of displacement. This detail serves several purposes: it provides undeniable physical evidence of the empty tomb, confirming that Jesus' body was no longer there; it refutes any claims that the disciples might have secretly moved the body, as the stone was too large for them to move unnoticed, especially with guards present (as mentioned in [Matthew 27:62-66](/matthew/27-62-66 "Matthew 27:62-66 - The tomb is sealed and guarded")); and it dramatically highlights the power of God, who effortlessly moved an obstacle that was humanly insurmountable. The "rolled away" stone is a concrete, observable sign that death's barrier had been broken.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The rolled-away stone in Mark 16:4 is not just a historical detail but a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, serving as the initial, undeniable physical testament to Jesus' triumph over sin and death. This seemingly simple act of a stone being moved is the first tangible sign that the grave could not hold the Son of God, confirming His victory over the powers of darkness and the sting of death itself, as foreshadowed in [Hosea 13:14](/hosea/13-14 "Hosea 13:14 - I will ransom them from the power of the grave"). Jesus Christ, through His sacrificial death on the cross, disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them by it ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over principalities and powers")). The empty tomb, signified by the rolled-away stone, is the irrefutable evidence that He has indeed conquered death and holds "the keys of death and Hades" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades")). This event is the very heart of the Gospel, demonstrating that Jesus is not merely a prophet or a good teacher, but the "Resurrection and the Life" ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), who, by His own power, laid down His life and took it up again ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus' authority over His life")). The rolled-away stone thus announces to the world that Christ's mission to redeem humanity from the bondage of sin and the fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus destroys the one who has the power of death")) has been gloriously accomplished, opening the way for all who believe to share in His new, eternal life.

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

Luke 24:2

And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

Matthew 28:2

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

Matthew 28:4

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead [men].

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.