Mark 16:6

KJV

And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Be {G1568} not {G3361} affrighted {G1568}: Ye seek {G2212} Jesus {G2424} of Nazareth {G3479}, which {G3588} was crucified {G4717}: he is risen {G1453}; he is {G2076} not {G3756} here {G5602}: behold {G2396} the place {G5117} where {G3699} they laid {G5087} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he said, "Don't be so surprised! You're looking for Yeshua from Natzeret, who was executed on the stake. He has risen, he's not here! Look at the place where they laid him.

Berean Standard Bible

But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here! See the place where they put Him.

American Standard Version

And he saith unto them, Be not amazed: ye seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who hath been crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold, the place where they laid him!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 16:6 presents the climactic moment of the resurrection narrative, where a young man, revealed to be an angel, announces to the terrified women at the empty tomb that Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, "is risen." This declaration transforms their fear into awe and wonder, serving as the foundational announcement of Christ's victory over death and the central truth of the Christian faith, providing tangible evidence of His resurrection and confirming His divine identity and mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 16:6 is situated at the very heart of Mark's resurrection account, following the women's discovery of the stone rolled away from the tomb's entrance in [Mark 16:4](/mark/16-4 "Mark 16:4 - The Stone Rolled Away"). The preceding verses describe Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bringing spices to anoint Jesus' body, a customary act of devotion for the deceased. Their concern about the heavy stone is immediately resolved by its removal, leading them to enter the tomb where they encounter a "young man" (an angel) dressed in white. The women's reaction of being "affrighted" (terrified) sets the stage for the angel's calming and revelatory message in verse 6, which directly addresses their fear and provides the astonishing news that fundamentally alters their understanding of Jesus' fate. This verse pivots the narrative from sorrow and expectation of death to triumphant life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish culture, burial practices involved wrapping the body in linen cloths, sometimes with spices, and placing it in a rock-hewn tomb, often sealed with a large, heavy stone to protect it from animals and grave robbers. The women's intention to anoint the body reflects these customs, even though the Sabbath had prevented them from doing so immediately after Jesus' death. The appearance of an angel, described as a "young man dressed in a white robe," aligns with common biblical portrayals of angelic beings whose presence often evokes fear and awe in human observers, as seen in various biblical encounters with divine messengers (e.g., [Luke 1:11-13](/luke/1-11-13 "Luke 1:11-13 - Gabriel Appears to Zechariah")). The reference to "Jesus of Nazareth" grounds the supernatural event in the historical reality of Jesus' earthly life and crucifixion, emphasizing that this resurrected one is indeed the same person they knew and mourned.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 16:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and biblical theology. The most prominent is **The Resurrection of Jesus Christ**, which is explicitly declared ("he is risen") and serves as the ultimate vindication of Jesus' identity and mission, fulfilling His own prophecies of rising after three days (e.g., [Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Predicts His Suffering and Resurrection")). The angel's opening words, "Be not affrighted," introduce the theme of **Overcoming Fear with Divine Truth**, demonstrating God's compassionate intervention to calm human terror with revelatory truth. The instruction, "he is not here: behold the place where they laid him," underscores the theme of **The Empty Tomb as Tangible Evidence**, providing physical proof of the resurrection and inviting verification, a concept also highlighted in [John 20:1-8](/john/20-1-8 "John 20:1-8 - Peter and John at the Empty Tomb"). Finally, the angel's identification of Jesus as "Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified" reinforces **Jesus' Identity as the Crucified Messiah**, linking His sacrificial death directly to His glorious resurrection, confirming that the suffering servant is also the victorious Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **affrighted (Greek, _ekthambéō_):** This word signifies being utterly astonished, greatly alarmed, or terrified. It conveys a profound sense of shock, dread, and overwhelming amazement. The women's reaction is not merely surprise but a deep, unsettling fear, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the angelic encounter and the news they are about to receive.
* **is risen (Greek, _egeírō_):** Translating the Greek verb in the perfect passive indicative, _ēgerthe_, this phrase emphatically declares Jesus' resurrection. The passive voice ("he has been raised") strongly implies divine agency, indicating that God the Father supernaturally raised Jesus from the dead. This is not merely a resuscitation or a self-willed return, but a powerful act of God, signifying victory over death and the inauguration of new creation.
* **behold (Greek, _íde_):** This is an imperative, a command to "see!" or "look!" It functions as an interjection to draw immediate and urgent attention to the physical evidence of the empty tomb. It invites the women, and by extension the readers, to verify the astonishing claim of resurrection by observing the vacant place where Jesus' body was laid, transforming abstract news into concrete reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted:"** The angel's immediate address is one of comfort and reassurance. Recognizing the women's terror at his appearance and the unexpected empty tomb, he directly commands them to cease their state of extreme fear and astonishment. This sets a tone of divine compassion and prepares them to receive the incredible news.
* **"Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified:"** The angel clearly identifies the person they are seeking, grounding the miraculous event in historical reality. "Jesus of Nazareth" refers to His earthly identity and humble origins, while "which was crucified" directly links Him to His recent, public, and brutal death, acknowledging the very reason the women came to the tomb with spices. This establishes that the resurrected one is indeed the same Jesus who suffered and died.
* **"he is risen;"** This is the central, pivotal declaration of the verse and the entire Gospel. It is a concise, powerful statement of fact: Jesus is no longer dead but alive. As noted in the key word analysis, the passive voice implies God's powerful action in raising Him, signifying His triumph over sin and death and the fulfillment of prophecy.
* **"he is not here:"** This simple, yet profound, statement confirms the physical reality of the empty tomb. It directly refutes the women's expectation of finding a corpse, emphasizing the absence of Jesus' body as concrete evidence of His resurrection. It is a factual observation that supports the preceding divine declaration.
* **"behold the place where they laid him."** This final imperative directs the women's gaze to the empty burial slab. It serves as an invitation to verify the angel's words with their own eyes. The empty space where Jesus' body was once laid serves as irrefutable, tangible proof of His resurrection, transforming the tomb from a place of death into a monument of life.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 16:6 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The angel's opening words, "Be not affrighted," constitute **Direct Address** and a calming **Imperative**, immediately engaging the women and addressing their emotional state before delivering the astonishing news. This creates a sense of divine care and authority. The verse also utilizes **Contrast** between the women's expectation of finding a dead body and the reality of an empty tomb, and between the "crucified" Jesus and the "risen" Jesus. This stark contrast highlights the unexpected and miraculous nature of the resurrection. Furthermore, the angel's instruction to "behold the place where they laid him" functions as a form of **Evidential Invitation**, urging the women to observe the physical proof of the resurrection, making the abstract truth tangible. This scene also carries significant **Symbolism**: the empty tomb is not merely a vacant space but a powerful symbol of victory over death and the inauguration of new life, while the "young man" in white symbolizes the divine messenger and the purity of the resurrection truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The declaration "he is risen" in Mark 16:6 is the theological bedrock of Christianity, affirming Jesus' victory over sin, death, and the grave. It validates every claim Jesus made about Himself as the Son of God and the Messiah, proving His divine authority and power. The resurrection is not merely an isolated event but the ultimate demonstration of God's power to bring life out of death, offering humanity the hope of eternal life and reconciliation with God. It transforms the cross from a symbol of defeat into a symbol of triumph, establishing Jesus as the firstfruits of those who will rise, and guaranteeing the future resurrection of believers. This truth empowers believers to live lives of hope, purpose, and fearless witness, knowing that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work within them.

* [Matthew 28:5-6](/matthew/28-5-6 "The Angel's Message at the Tomb")
* [Luke 24:5-7](/luke/24-5-7 "The Women at the Empty Tomb")
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "The Gospel of Christ's Death and Resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 16:6 speaks profoundly to the human experience of fear, expectation, and the transformative power of divine truth. Just as the women were "affrighted" by the unexpected and seemingly impossible, we too often face circumstances that fill us with dread, uncertainty, or despair. This verse reminds us that God often meets us in our places of fear with a message of hope that transcends our limited understanding. The empty tomb challenges our preconceived notions of what is possible, inviting us to embrace a reality where death does not have the final word. For believers, the resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event but a living truth that empowers us to face our own "tombs" – whether they be grief, failure, illness, or doubt – with the assurance that Christ has conquered the ultimate enemy. It calls us to move beyond our fears and to live as witnesses to the life-giving power of God, sharing the good news that Jesus is indeed risen, and because He lives, we too can live with purpose and eternal hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "tomb" or situation in your life currently fills you with fear or despair, and how might the truth of the resurrection speak into that fear?**
* **How does the angel's instruction to "behold the place where they laid him" encourage you to seek tangible evidence or personal confirmation of God's work in your life?**
* **In what ways does knowing that Jesus "is risen" empower you to live differently, perhaps with greater courage, hope, or purpose?**
* **How can you share the transformative message of the resurrection with others who may be "affrighted" by the challenges of life or the finality of death?**

### FAQ
**Who was the "young man" the women encountered at the tomb?**

Answer: While the text simply describes him as a "young man dressed in a long white garment," biblical tradition and parallel accounts in other Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 28:2-5](/matthew/28-2-5 "Matthew 28:2-5 - The Angel at the Tomb")) strongly indicate that this figure was an angel. His divine knowledge, authoritative pronouncements, and ability to calm the women's fear point to a supernatural messenger sent by God to deliver the pivotal news of Jesus' resurrection.

**Why were the women going to the tomb, and why were they "affrighted"?**

Answer: The women were going to the tomb to perform a final act of devotion: anointing Jesus' body with spices, a customary Jewish burial practice (as described in [Mark 16:1](/mark/16-1 "Mark 16:1 - Women Bring Spices to the Tomb")). They were "affrighted" or terrified for several reasons. Firstly, they found the massive stone rolled away, an unexpected and alarming sight. Secondly, upon entering, they encountered a supernatural being (the angel) whose appearance and presence naturally evoked awe and fear, as is common in biblical accounts of human encounters with divine messengers. Their fear was a natural human response to the extraordinary and the divine.

**What is the significance of the angel identifying Jesus as "Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified"?**

Answer: This specific identification is crucial for several reasons. "Jesus of Nazareth" grounds the resurrection in historical reality, confirming that the resurrected one is the very same man who lived, taught, and performed miracles in Galilee. "Which was crucified" directly links His glorious resurrection to His sacrificial death on the cross. This emphasizes that the one who conquered death is precisely the one who suffered and died for the sins of humanity. It connects the humiliation of the cross with the triumph of the resurrection, ensuring that the women (and readers) understand that this is not a different person, but the same Messiah whose suffering was part of God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 16:6 stands as the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment, proclaiming the central truth upon which all Christian hope rests: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This angelic declaration, "he is risen," confirms Jesus' own prophecies that He would be killed and after three days rise again (e.g., [Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Predicts His Suffering and Resurrection")). It is the divine vindication of His identity as the Son of God and the Messiah, proving His claims and validating His entire ministry. The empty tomb signifies Christ's absolute victory over sin, death, and the power of the grave, fulfilling Old Testament foreshadowings of a resurrected deliverer (e.g., [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - David's Prophecy of Resurrection")). Because Christ is risen, He is now exalted at the right hand of God (as seen in [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Exaltation and Sustaining Power")), serving as our High Priest and King. His resurrection is the "firstfruits" (as described in [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection")), guaranteeing the future resurrection and eternal life for all who believe in Him. Thus, Mark 16:6 is not merely a historical report but a powerful announcement of the completed work of Christ, establishing the foundation for the new covenant and the hope of every believer.

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

Revelation 1:17

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Revelation 1:18

[I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

1 Corinthians 15:3

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

1 Corinthians 15:7

After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

John 2:19

Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

John 2:22

When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

Luke 24:46

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: