Mark 16:9

KJV

¶ Now when [Jesus] was risen early the first [day] of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} when Jesus was risen {G450} early {G4404} the first {G4413} day of the week {G4521}, he appeared {G5316} first {G4412} to Mary {G3137} Magdalene {G3094}, out of {G575} whom {G3739} he had cast {G1544} seven {G2033} devils {G1140}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Yeshua rose early Sunday, he appeared first to Miryam of Magdala, from whom he had expelled seven demons.

Berean Standard Bible

Early on the first day of the week, after Jesus had risen, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had driven out seven demons.

American Standard Version

Now when he was risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 16:9 powerfully asserts the historical reality of Jesus' resurrection, detailing His first post-resurrection appearance. It specifies the timing as "early the first day of the week" and identifies Mary Magdalene as the initial witness, notably highlighting her past deliverance from "seven devils." This verse underscores the profound significance of the resurrection, the divine choice of a transformed individual as its first herald, and the continuing demonstration of Christ's redemptive power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 16:9 initiates what is widely known as the "longer ending" of Mark's Gospel (verses 9-20). This section, while absent from some of the earliest and most reliable manuscripts, has been embraced by the Church for centuries, providing crucial narratives of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances and the Great Commission. Immediately preceding this verse, the women who visited the tomb (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome) found it empty and received a message from a young man in white, who instructed them to tell Peter and the disciples that Jesus was going ahead of them to Galilee ([Mark 16:1-8](/mark/16-1-8 "Mark 16:1-8 - The Empty Tomb and Angelic Message")). The women, however, fled in fear and said nothing to anyone, leaving the initial narrative with an abrupt and unsettling conclusion. Mark 16:9 thus bridges this gap, providing the much-needed account of Jesus' actual appearances, beginning with Mary Magdalene, and setting the stage for the disciples' subsequent encounters and mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "first day of the week" (Sunday) was significant for early Christians, marking the day of Christ's resurrection and eventually becoming the primary day for Christian worship, distinguishing it from the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday). The concept of "devils" or "demons" (Greek: _daimonia_) was prevalent in the ancient world, referring to malevolent spiritual beings believed to cause physical and mental afflictions. Jesus' ability to cast out demons was a clear sign of His divine authority and the inauguration of God's kingdom, demonstrating His power over the forces of evil ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Demons")). Mary Magdalene, having been delivered from "seven devils," would have been seen as someone profoundly afflicted and then profoundly transformed, making her an extraordinary choice for the first witness, challenging societal norms that often marginalized women and those with such pasts.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it emphatically affirms the **reality and historicity of the resurrection**, the cornerstone of Christian faith ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel of Christ's Death and Resurrection")). Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' profound compassion and redemptive power**, choosing a woman with a severe past affliction as the first recipient of the most glorious news. This choice underscores that God's grace extends to the marginalized and transformed, demonstrating His willingness to use those whom He has radically changed ([Luke 8:2](/luke/8-2 "Luke 8:2 - Mary Magdalene Among Jesus' Followers")). Finally, it emphasizes the **pivotal role of witnesses** in the proclamation of the Gospel, with Mary Magdalene becoming the "apostle to the apostles," entrusted with the initial message of Christ's victory over death ([John 20:17-18](/john/20-17-18 "John 20:17-18 - Mary Magdalene Proclaims the Resurrection")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **risen (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** This verb, meaning "to stand up," "to arise," or "to raise up again," unequivocally declares Jesus' physical resurrection from the dead. It signifies not merely a spiritual awakening or a memory, but a literal, bodily rising from the grave, affirming the victory over death. The perfect tense implies a completed action with ongoing results, emphasizing the permanent state of Christ's resurrection.
* **appeared (Greek, _phaínō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to lighten" or "to shine," this word means "to show," "to make visible," or "to be seen." It emphasizes that Jesus' post-resurrection presence was a tangible, observable reality, not a mere vision or hallucination. He intentionally revealed Himself, making His resurrected body evident to His chosen witnesses.
* **devils (Greek, _daimónion'_):** This term refers to "a demonic being" or an evil spirit. The mention of "seven devils" indicates a severe and complete spiritual bondage or affliction from which Mary Magdalene was delivered. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or totality in biblical contexts, suggesting that Mary was entirely under the influence of these malevolent forces before Jesus' intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week,"**: This clause establishes the precise timing of the resurrection and Jesus' subsequent appearance. "Early the first day of the week" refers to Sunday morning, signifying the dawn of a new creation and the inauguration of the new covenant era. The active voice "was risen" (though a passive construction in English, the Greek verb _anistēmi_ can be intransitive, meaning "to rise") emphasizes Jesus' own power in His resurrection, not merely being raised by another.
* **"he appeared first to Mary Magdalene,"**: This highlights the profound and intentional choice of Jesus. Despite societal norms or the expectations of His male disciples, Jesus chose a woman, and specifically Mary Magdalene, as the premier witness to His resurrection. This act elevates her status and underscores the inclusive nature of the Gospel message.
* **"out of whom he had cast seven devils."**: This descriptive phrase provides crucial background about Mary Magdalene, reminding the reader of her past and the profound transformation she experienced through Jesus' power. It serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' authority over spiritual forces and His ability to bring complete deliverance and healing, making her a living example of His redemptive work and a fitting first witness.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 16:9 employs several effective **Literary Devices**. The **Emphasis on Timing** ("early the first day of the week") not only provides a specific historical marker but also carries theological weight, symbolizing the new creation inaugurated by Christ's triumph over death. There is a strong element of **Juxtaposition** and **Contrast** in the verse: the glorious, triumphant appearance of the resurrected Christ is immediately followed by the description of Mary Magdalene's past, a woman out of whom "he had cast seven devils." This contrast highlights the depth of Christ's redemptive power and His grace in choosing such a transformed individual. Furthermore, the number "seven" in "seven devils" functions as **Symbolism**, likely indicating a complete or severe affliction, underscoring the totality of Jesus' deliverance in her life. This detail also serves as a powerful **Testimony** to Jesus' authority and the radical transformation He brings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 16:9 stands as a foundational theological statement, affirming the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the bedrock of Christian faith and hope. The choice of Mary Magdalene as the first witness reveals God's profound grace and counter-cultural values, demonstrating that His favor is not based on social standing or a blemish-free past, but on devotion and transformation. This verse connects the power of Christ's resurrection to His ongoing work of deliverance and restoration, showing that the same power that conquered death is available to conquer spiritual bondage and equip transformed individuals for His service. It underscores the universal call to witness, empowering even those with significant pasts to proclaim the greatest news in history.

* [Matthew 28:9-10](/matthew/28-9-10 "Matthew 28:9-10 - Jesus Appears to the Women")
* [John 20:11-18](/john/20-11-18 "John 20:11-18 - Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene")
* [Luke 8:1-3](/luke/8-1-3 "Luke 8:1-3 - Women Who Ministered to Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 16:9 offers profound encouragement and practical application for every believer. It reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus is not merely an ancient historical event but a living reality that continues to impact lives today. Just as Jesus transformed Mary Magdalene from deep spiritual bondage into a primary herald of His resurrection, He possesses the power to deliver us from our past struggles, sins, and any spiritual strongholds. Our personal testimonies of His redemptive work are not hindrances but powerful platforms for proclaiming His grace. This verse challenges us to embrace our own stories of transformation, recognizing that God delights in using the redeemed, the overlooked, and the transformed to accomplish His greatest purposes. It calls us to be bold witnesses, sharing the good news of Christ's victory over sin and death, knowing that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific timing ("early the first day of the week") of Jesus' resurrection appearance resonate with your understanding of new beginnings in Christ?**
* **What does Jesus' choice to appear first to Mary Magdalene, despite her past, reveal about God's grace and His view of those who have been transformed?**
* **In what ways has Jesus "cast out devils" or brought deliverance in your own life, and how can your testimony be a witness to His power?**
* **How can you, like Mary Magdalene, be a faithful and bold messenger of the resurrected Christ in your sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why is Mark 16:9-20 sometimes called the "longer ending" of Mark, and what is its significance?**

Answer: Mark 16:9-20 is referred to as the "longer ending" because these verses are absent from some of the earliest and most significant Greek manuscripts of Mark's Gospel (e.g., Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus). Other manuscripts end abruptly at [Mark 16:8](/mark/16-8 "Mark 16:8 - The Women's Fear"). Despite scholarly debate regarding its original authorship, this section has been widely accepted and used by the Christian church throughout history, appearing in the vast majority of manuscripts and lectionaries. Its significance lies in providing crucial post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, including His commission to the disciples to preach the Gospel to all creation ([Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission")), thus offering a more complete narrative of the resurrection and the early church's mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 16:9, though a post-resurrection account, profoundly fulfills and illuminates the Christ-centered narrative of the Gospels. Jesus' resurrection "early the first day of the week" is the ultimate triumph of the Messiah over sin and death, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a new creation and a new covenant inaugurated by God Himself. His appearance to Mary Magdalene, a woman previously bound by "seven devils," powerfully demonstrates the scope of His redemptive work. Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), not only paid the penalty for humanity's sin on the cross but also utterly defeated the power of the devil and his forces ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Mary Magdalene's deliverance and subsequent commissioning as the first witness underscore that the resurrected Christ's power is not merely theoretical but actively transforms lives, setting captives free and empowering them to proclaim His victory. This act foreshadows the universal call to discipleship and mission, where all who are redeemed by Christ are invited to participate in bearing witness to His glorious resurrection and the new life found in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation 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 20:14

And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

John 20:19

¶ Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you.

Luke 8:2

And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

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.

Mark 15:47

And Mary Magdalene and Mary [the mother] of Joses beheld where he was laid.

Matthew 27:56

Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.

Luke 24:10

It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary [the mother] of James, and other [women that were] with them, which told these things unto the apostles.