Mark 16:5

KJV

And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} entering {G1525} into {G1519} the sepulchre {G3419}, they saw {G1492} a young man {G3495} sitting {G2521} on {G1722} the right side {G1188}, clothed {G4016} in a long white {G3022} garment {G4749}; and {G2532} they were affrighted {G1568}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On entering the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right; and they were dumbfounded.

Berean Standard Bible

When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

American Standard Version

And entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, arrayed in a white robe; and they were amazed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 16:5 vividly describes the women's astonishing discovery upon entering Jesus' tomb on resurrection morning. Instead of finding the body they expected to anoint, they encountered a mysterious young man, radiant in white, seated in a position of authority. This unexpected divine encounter, set against the backdrop of an empty tomb, immediately filled them with profound awe and fear, signaling that an extraordinary, supernatural event had transpired.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in Mark's abbreviated resurrection narrative, immediately following the women's arrival at the tomb and their discovery that the massive stone had been rolled away ([Mark 16:1-4](/mark/16-1-4 "Mark 16:1-4 - The Women Arrive at the Tomb")). The preceding verses establish their intent to anoint Jesus' body, highlighting their expectation of finding a corpse. The sudden appearance of a "young man" inside the sepulchre, rather than the expected deceased, creates a dramatic shift in the narrative, setting the stage for the angelic announcement of Jesus' resurrection in the subsequent verses ([Mark 16:6-7](/mark/16-6-7 "Mark 16:6-7 - The Angel's Message")). This abrupt transition from sorrowful duty to divine revelation underscores the unexpected and miraculous nature of the resurrection event.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish burial practices involved wrapping the deceased in linen cloths, often with spices, and placing the body in a rock-hewn tomb, which would then be sealed with a large stone. The women's visit on the "first day of the week" (Sunday) was consistent with Jewish custom, as they would have observed the Sabbath rest. Their intention to anoint the body was a final act of devotion and respect, a common practice to honor the dead. The tomb itself, a "sepulchre" (Greek: _mnēmeîon_), was typically a dark, enclosed space. The presence of a figure "sitting on the right side" would have been significant; in Jewish and Roman cultures, the right hand or side often symbolized a place of honor, authority, or power, further emphasizing the importance of the messenger and his divine origin.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 16:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. The **Empty Tomb** is paramount, serving as irrefutable evidence that Jesus' body is no longer there, thereby validating the resurrection. The **Divine Messenger** theme is introduced through the "young man," who, though not explicitly called an angel here, functions as one, delivering God's truth about Christ's triumph over death. This aligns with other biblical accounts where angels mediate divine messages, such as in the birth narratives or at the resurrection in [Matthew 28:5](/matthew/28-5 "Matthew 28:5 - The Angel at the Tomb"). Furthermore, the women's reaction of being **"affrighted" (terrified)** highlights the common human response to encountering the holy or divine, a recurring motif throughout Scripture whenever ordinary individuals confront the supernatural power of God, as seen when the disciples witnessed Jesus' transfiguration in [Mark 9:6](/mark/9-6 "Mark 9:6 - Disciples' Fear at the Transfiguration"). This verse thus powerfully underscores the supernatural reality of the resurrection and its profound impact on those who first encountered it.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb means "to see" literally or figuratively, but in its perfect tense (as implied here by the aorist, conveying a completed action of seeing), it can also mean "to know" or "to perceive." The women's act of seeing was not merely optical; it was an encounter that led to a profound, immediate realization of something utterly unexpected and deeply significant, shifting their understanding of the situation from mourning to awe.
* **young man (Greek, _neanískos'_):** While literally meaning a "youth" or "young man" (typically under forty), in the context of resurrection narratives and parallel accounts ([Matthew 28:2-5](/matthew/28-2-5 "Matthew 28:2-5 - The Angel of the Lord at the Tomb")), this term is understood to refer to a divine, angelic being. Mark's choice of "young man" might emphasize his human-like appearance, making the encounter more immediate and relatable, yet his subsequent actions and appearance (white garment, authoritative position) firmly establish his supernatural nature.
* **affrighted (Greek, _ekthambéō'_):** This verb means "to astonish utterly" or "to greatly amaze." It conveys a stronger sense than simple fear, suggesting a profound shock, terror, and overwhelming astonishment that leaves one utterly bewildered and disoriented. This reaction is a common biblical response to encounters with the divine or supernatural, indicating the profound impact of the unexpected revelation on the women.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And entering into the sepulchre":** This clause describes the women's decisive action of entering the tomb, an act predicated on their discovery that the stone had been rolled away. Their entry signifies a transition from the outside world of sorrow and expectation to the inner sanctum of the tomb, where their preconceived notions would be dramatically challenged. It sets the immediate physical scene for the revelation.
* **"they saw a young man sitting on the right side":** This is the core of the verse's revelation. The women's expectation of a corpse is shattered by the sight of a living figure. The description "young man" (an angel in disguise) immediately introduces a supernatural element. His position "sitting on the right side" is highly significant, symbolizing a place of honor, authority, and divine approval. This posture suggests a calm, authoritative presence, in stark contrast to the women's emotional state.
* **"clothed in a long white garment":** This detail further emphasizes the young man's divine nature and purity. The "long white garment" (Greek: _stolē leukē_) is often associated with heavenly beings, purity, victory, and divine glory in biblical literature. It sets him apart from ordinary human beings and underscores the sacredness and significance of the encounter. The garment is not merely clothing but an indicator of his identity and message.
* **"and they were affrighted":** This final clause captures the women's immediate and powerful emotional response. The Greek word conveys a sense of being utterly astonished, terrified, and overwhelmed. Their fear is not just from seeing a stranger in a tomb, but from the realization that they are in the presence of something holy, powerful, and entirely unexpected, signaling the profound, awe-inspiring nature of the resurrection event.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's concise narrative in this verse effectively employs several literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, particularly with the "long white garment" (_stolē leukē_), which universally symbolizes purity, heavenly origin, and divine glory, immediately signaling the young man's supernatural identity. The act of "sitting on the right side" also carries **symbolic** weight, representing a position of honor, authority, and divine favor, foreshadowing the authoritative message he is about to deliver. The narrative also uses **Dramatic Irony**, as the women enter the tomb expecting to perform a mournful burial rite, while the reader, aware of Jesus' earlier prophecies, anticipates the resurrection. This contrast heightens the impact of their unexpected discovery. Finally, the women's reaction of being "affrighted" serves as a powerful **Emotional Indicator**, conveying the profound awe and terror that accompanies a direct encounter with the divine, a common motif in biblical encounters with angels or God's presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 16:5 is a foundational verse for understanding the reality and impact of the resurrection. The encounter with the "young man" (angel) in the empty tomb serves as God's direct, supernatural confirmation that Jesus has indeed conquered death. This moment shifts the narrative from human despair and expectation of death to divine revelation and the promise of new life. The women's fear is a natural human response to the holy, but it precedes the joyous and world-altering news of Christ's triumph. Theologically, it underscores God's active involvement in human history, intervening miraculously to validate His Son's identity and mission. This event is not merely a historical footnote but the cornerstone of Christian faith, demonstrating God's ultimate power over sin and death, and initiating the new covenant era.

* [Matthew 28:5-7](/matthew/28-5-7 "Matthew 28:5-7 - The Angel's Proclamation of the Resurrection")
* [Luke 24:4-7](/luke/24-4-7 "Luke 24:4-7 - The Two Men in Dazzling Apparel")
* [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - Multitude Clothed in White Robes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 16:5 invites us to consider our own expectations when approaching moments of apparent finality or despair. The women came to the tomb expecting to find a dead body, prepared for a mournful task, only to be met with a divine messenger and the profound reality of resurrection. This challenges us to look beyond our limited human perspectives and be open to God's unexpected interventions. In our lives, we often encounter "tombs"—situations that seem hopeless, dead ends, or places of profound sorrow. This verse reminds us that God's power is not confined by our expectations or by the apparent finality of circumstances. The "affrighted" reaction of the women is relatable; encountering divine truth, especially when it shatters our preconceived notions, can be overwhelming. Yet, this initial fear quickly gives way to the most glorious news imaginable. For us, this means embracing the transformative power of the resurrection, allowing it to reframe our understanding of suffering, loss, and even death, and to infuse our lives with hope and purpose. It calls us to anticipate God's miraculous work even in the darkest of places.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "tombs" or hopeless situations in your life are you approaching with a sense of finality, rather than anticipating God's potential for resurrection?**
* **How do you typically react when God's truth or intervention shatters your expectations or challenges your understanding?**
* **In what ways does the reality of the empty tomb and the angelic message change your perspective on fear, hope, and the future?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater openness to God's unexpected and miraculous work in your daily life?**

### FAQ

**Why does Mark refer to the figure as a "young man" instead of an "angel"?**

Answer: Mark's Gospel often presents events concisely and dramatically. While parallel accounts in [Matthew 28:2-5](/matthew/28-2-5 "Matthew 28:2-5 - The Angel of the Lord") and [Luke 24:4](/luke/24-4 "Luke 24:4 - Two Men in Dazzling Apparel") explicitly identify the figures at the tomb as angels, Mark's use of "young man" (Greek: _neanískos_) might serve several purposes. It could emphasize the figure's human-like appearance, making the encounter more immediate and relatable for the women. It also allows the divine nature to be revealed more through his clothing (long white garment) and authoritative position (sitting on the right side), and especially through the message he delivers in [Mark 16:6-7](/mark/16-6-7 "Mark 16:6-7 - The Angel's Message"). This choice maintains a sense of mystery and awe, highlighting the supernatural without immediately resorting to the explicit term "angel."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 16:5, though focusing on the women's encounter with an angelic messenger, profoundly points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "young man" in the tomb, radiant in white and seated in authority, is not merely a random figure; he is God's appointed herald of Christ's victory. His presence in an empty tomb is the divine affirmation that Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), has indeed triumphed over death and the grave. This moment fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah who would suffer, die, and rise again ([Isaiah 53:10-12](/isaiah/53-10-12 "Isaiah 53:10-12 - The Suffering Servant's Triumph")). The empty tomb and the angelic announcement are the irrefutable evidence that Jesus' sacrifice was accepted by God, validating His claim to be the Son of God with power ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). The women's fear quickly gives way to the astonishing truth that Jesus is alive, inaugurating a new era where death no longer holds its sting ([1 Corinthians 15:55-57](/1_corinthians/15-55-57 "1 Corinthians 15:55-57 - Victory Over Death")). Thus, this verse serves as a powerful testament to the resurrection, the cornerstone of Christian faith, and the ultimate display of Christ's triumph and His ongoing reign as Lord.

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 20:11

¶ But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, [and looked] into the sepulchre,

John 20:12

And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

Matthew 28:3

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

Luke 24:3

And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

Luke 24:5

And as they were afraid, and bowed down [their] faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

John 20:8

Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

Luke 1:29

And when she saw [him], she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.