Matthew 27:61

KJV

And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} there {G1563} was {G2258} Mary {G3137} Magdalene {G3094}, and {G2532} the other {G243} Mary {G3137}, sitting {G2521} over against {G561} the sepulchre {G5028}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Miryam of Magdala and the other Miryam stayed there, sitting opposite the grave.

Berean Standard Bible

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

American Standard Version

And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:61 provides a poignant snapshot of two faithful women, Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary," maintaining a sorrowful yet steadfast vigil at the tomb of Jesus immediately following His burial. Their unwavering devotion is highlighted as they sit observing the sepulchre, serving as crucial eyewitnesses to the precise location of Christ's interment, a detail that would become profoundly significant in the unfolding narrative of the resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the solemn account of [Jesus' burial by Joseph of Arimathea](/matthew/27-57-60 "Matthew 27:57-60 - Joseph of Arimathea Buries Jesus"), a wealthy and courageous disciple who secured permission from Pilate to lay Jesus' body in his own newly hewn tomb. The preceding verses detail the swiftness of the burial due to the approaching Sabbath, emphasizing the finality of the act. Matthew 27:61 then shifts focus from the men who performed the burial to the women who observed it, setting the stage for their pivotal role as the first witnesses to the empty tomb and the resurrection in [Matthew 28:1-10](/matthew/28-1-10 "Matthew 28:1-10 - The Resurrection Account"). Their presence here is not incidental but foundational to the gospel's historical claims.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene unfolds on the eve of the Sabbath (Friday afternoon), a time when all labor, including burial preparations, had to cease before sunset. Jewish burial customs typically involved washing, anointing, and wrapping the body, often with spices. The women's vigil suggests a desire to complete these rites, which they would attempt on Sunday morning (cf. [Luke 23:56](/luke/23-56 "Luke 23:56 - Women Prepare Spices")). In a patriarchal society where women's testimony was often undervalued, their prominent role as eyewitnesses here and at the resurrection challenges cultural norms, underscoring the divine importance of their witness. The tomb itself, a "sepulchre," would have been a rock-hewn cave or chamber, typical for wealthy individuals like Joseph.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader Passion narrative. It highlights the **unwavering devotion and faithfulness** of these women, who, unlike many of the male disciples who had scattered, remained present even in the face of profound grief and apparent defeat. Their "sitting over against the sepulchre" underscores their role as **eyewitnesses**, a critical element for establishing the historical veracity of the burial and, subsequently, the empty tomb. This careful observation of the burial site in [Matthew 27:60](/matthew/27-60 "Matthew 27:60 - Jesus Laid in the Tomb") and their continued vigil here directly links to their discovery of the resurrection in [Matthew 28:1](/matthew/28-1 "Matthew 28:1 - Women Discover the Empty Tomb"), transforming their sorrow into the first proclamation of hope.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sitting (Greek, _káthēmai'_):** This verb, derived from a root meaning "to sit down," denotes a posture of rest, waiting, or sustained presence. In this context, it conveys a deliberate, fixed position of observation and mourning, rather than a fleeting glance. It emphasizes their sustained vigil and focused attention on the burial site.
* **over against (Greek, _apénanti'_):** This preposition signifies "directly opposite," "in front of," or "facing." It is stronger than merely "near" and indicates that the women had a clear, unobstructed view of the sepulchre. This precise positioning is crucial for their later testimony regarding the empty tomb, confirming their accurate knowledge of where Jesus was laid.
* **sepulchre (Greek, _táphos'_):** Referring to a "grave" or "tomb," this noun specifically denotes the place of interment. Matthew's use of this term emphasizes the physical reality of Jesus' death and burial. The sepulchre is presented not as a metaphorical concept but as a tangible, observable location, reinforcing the historical grounding of the events.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was Mary Magdalene,"**: This introduces the first of the two named women, Mary Magdalene, a prominent follower of Jesus who had been healed by Him (Luke 8:2) and remained steadfastly devoted. Her consistent presence at key moments of the Passion (the cross, the tomb, the resurrection) highlights her significant role in the gospel narrative.
* **"and the other Mary,"**: This refers to a second Mary, often identified as Mary, the mother of James and Joses (cf. [Matthew 27:56](/matthew/27-56 "Matthew 27:56 - Women at the Cross")), who was also present at the crucifixion. Her inclusion underscores that the witness to these events was not singular but corroborated, providing a dual testimony to the burial.
* **"sitting over against the sepulchre."**: This phrase describes their action and location. They are not merely passing by but are intentionally positioned directly opposite the tomb. Their "sitting" implies a sustained, sorrowful vigil, while "over against" emphasizes their direct observation of the burial place, making them authoritative witnesses to where Jesus' body was laid.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs **Foreshadowing** in this verse, as the women's precise observation of the burial site directly sets the stage for their pivotal role as the first witnesses to the empty tomb and the resurrection. Their presence at this moment is not merely an act of mourning but a divinely orchestrated preparation for their future testimony. There is also an element of **Irony** at play: in a culture where women's testimony was often considered less reliable, these women are placed by the Gospel writer at the very heart of the historical verification of Jesus' death and burial, making them indispensable to the resurrection narrative. Their quiet vigil also carries **Symbolism**, representing steadfast devotion in the face of despair, and the sepulchre itself, a symbol of death's apparent victory, will soon be transformed into a symbol of life's triumph.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The unwavering presence of Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary" at the sepulchre offers a profound theological lesson on faithful discipleship, particularly in moments of profound loss and uncertainty. Their act of "sitting over against" the tomb is a powerful demonstration of loyalty and love that transcends the apparent defeat of the cross. They embody a quiet, persistent witness, choosing to remain close to their Lord even in His death, a testament to a faith that endures beyond immediate understanding or comfort. This steadfastness positions them uniquely to become the first bearers of the most glorious news—the resurrection of Christ.

* [Luke 23:49](/luke/23-49 "Luke 23:49 - Women at the Cross") - "And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things."
* [John 19:25](/john/19-25 "John 19:25 - Women at the Cross") - "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene."
* [Matthew 28:1](/matthew/28-1 "Matthew 28:1 - Women Discover the Empty Tomb") - "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."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The quiet, sorrowful vigil of Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary" at the tomb of Jesus offers a powerful paradigm for believers navigating seasons of grief, doubt, or apparent defeat. Their steadfast presence, even when hope seemed extinguished, reminds us that faithfulness is often demonstrated not in grand gestures but in enduring presence. In our own lives, when circumstances feel like a "sepulchre"—a place of death, loss, or buried dreams—this passage calls us to remain "over against" it, to stay anchored to the truth of Christ, even when the path forward is unclear. Their example encourages us to be present in our pain, to observe and acknowledge the reality of our circumstances, yet to do so with a quiet, persistent hope that God is still at work, even in the silence of the tomb. Their vigil ultimately led them to be the first witnesses of resurrection joy, teaching us that our deepest valleys can become the very places where God reveals His greatest victories.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you respond when your hopes or expectations seem to be "buried," as Jesus was in the tomb?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a steadfast, "sitting over against" posture of faith during times of uncertainty or sorrow?**
* **How does the quiet, observant witness of these women challenge or affirm your understanding of what it means to be a faithful disciple today?**

### FAQ
**Who were "the other Mary" and Mary Magdalene, and why are they highlighted here?**

Answer: Mary Magdalene was a prominent female disciple of Jesus, from whom He had cast out seven demons ([Luke 8:2](/luke/8-2 "Luke 8:2 - Mary Magdalene and Other Women")). She was a devoted follower who remained with Him through the crucifixion and was the first to encounter the risen Christ. "The other Mary" is widely believed to be Mary, the mother of James and Joses, who is also mentioned at the cross in [Matthew 27:56](/matthew/27-56 "Matthew 27:56 - Women at the Cross"). These two women are highlighted because their unwavering devotion kept them at the tomb, making them crucial eyewitnesses to the burial's exact location. Their precise observation was essential for later verifying the empty tomb and the truth of the resurrection, lending historical credibility to the Gospel account.

**Why was it important for them to be "sitting over against the sepulchre"?**

Answer: Their specific positioning, "sitting over against" (meaning directly opposite or in clear view of) the sepulchre, was critically important for two main reasons. Firstly, it emphasizes their role as precise eyewitnesses. They were not merely in the vicinity but were deliberately observing the burial process and the exact location where Jesus' body was laid. This meticulous observation would later enable them to confidently identify the tomb on Sunday morning and confirm its emptiness ([Matthew 28:1-6](/matthew/28-1-6 "Matthew 28:1-6 - The Empty Tomb")). Secondly, their presence underscores the historical reality of Jesus' death and burial. The fact that the tomb's location was known and observed by multiple, identifiable witnesses strengthens the historical foundation upon which the resurrection account rests, countering any claims that the disciples were unsure of the burial site.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The solemn vigil of Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary" at the sepulchre, a place of apparent defeat and death, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the glorious reality of the resurrection. Their sorrowful watch over the tomb of the crucified Messiah underscores the undeniable reality of Christ's death, a prerequisite for the power of His resurrection. The very tomb they observed, a symbol of humanity's ultimate enemy, was about to become the stage for Christ's decisive victory over sin and death. Their presence at this moment, witnessing the burial of 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")), foreshadows their role as the first witnesses to the empty tomb, where death's sting was forever removed. Christ's burial, observed by these faithful women, confirms that He truly died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and His subsequent resurrection on the third day ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ Died and Rose Again")) transforms their grief into unparalleled joy. Their vigil at the tomb, therefore, is not merely an act of mourning but a silent testament to the historical foundation of the Gospel—that Jesus truly died, was buried, and rose again, thereby fulfilling God's redemptive plan and securing eternal life for all who believe ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with 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

Matthew 27:56

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

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.