Mark 16:1

¶ And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the [mother] of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

And {G2532} when {G1230} the sabbath {G4521} was past {G1230}, Mary {G3137} Magdalene {G3094}, and {G2532} Mary {G3137} the mother {G3588} of James {G2385}, and {G2532} Salome {G4539}, had bought {G59} sweet spices {G759}, that {G2443} they might come {G2064} and anoint {G218} him {G846}.

When Shabbat was over, Miryam of Magdala, Miryam the mother of Ya`akov, and Shlomit bought spices in order to go and anoint Yeshua.

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could go and anoint the body of Jesus.

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint him.

Commentary

Mark 16:1 opens the dramatic final chapter of Mark's Gospel, setting the scene for the discovery of Jesus' resurrection. This verse describes the unwavering devotion of several women who came to perform traditional burial rites for Jesus, unaware of the miraculous event that had already transpired.

Context

This verse immediately follows the account of Jesus' crucifixion and hasty burial before the Sabbath began (Mark 15:42-47). The Jewish Sabbath, from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown, prohibited work, including preparing a body for burial. Therefore, "when the sabbath was past" signifies early Sunday morning, the first day of the week. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James (often identified with Mary, the mother of Jesus' half-brothers), and Salome, driven by love and sorrow, seized the earliest opportunity to complete the proper anointing of Jesus' body, a task interrupted by the Sabbath.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Devotion: The women's actions demonstrate profound love and faithfulness to Jesus, even in death. They risked potential danger and societal disapproval to honor their crucified Lord.
  • Intentional Service: Their purpose was clear: to "anoint him" with "sweet spices." This was a common practice in ancient Jewish burial customs, involving perfumed oils and aromatic resins to honor the deceased and mitigate decomposition.
  • Human Expectation vs. Divine Reality: The women came expecting to minister to a dead body, symbolizing humanity's limited understanding of God's greater plan. Their preparations, though born of love, were ultimately rendered unnecessary by the resurrection.
  • Foreshadowing the Resurrection: The very act of their coming to the tomb, though for a different purpose, sets the stage for the earth-shattering news of the astonishing discovery of the empty tomb, which unfolds in the subsequent verses.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sweet spices" translates the Greek word arōmata (ἀρώματα), referring to aromatic substances, perfumes, or spices used for anointing or embalming. This highlights the preciousness and fragrance of the materials they had purchased, underscoring the honor they intended to bestow upon Jesus' body.

Related Scriptures

Other Gospel accounts corroborate and expand upon the women's visit to the tomb:

  • Matthew 28:1 mentions Mary Magdalene and the "other Mary."
  • Luke 24:1 speaks of the women bringing the spices they had prepared.
  • John 20:1 focuses on Mary Magdalene's initial visit.

Practical Application

Mark 16:1 offers a powerful lesson in faithfulness and devotion. Even when circumstances seem bleak and hope appears lost, these women continued to serve and honor Jesus. Their actions remind us:

  • Faithfulness in Sorrow: We are called to remain devoted to Christ even in times of grief, disappointment, or uncertainty.
  • Serving with Expectation: While the women didn't anticipate the resurrection, their readiness to serve positioned them to be among the first witnesses to this glorious truth. God often reveals His greatest works in the midst of our ordinary acts of service.
  • Love Overcomes Fear: Despite the recent traumatic events and potential dangers, their love for Jesus compelled them forward.
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Cross-References

  • Luke 23:56 (7 votes)

    And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

  • Luke 24:12 (7 votes)

    Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

  • Mark 15:40 (6 votes)

    There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

  • Matthew 28:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Matthew 28:10 (5 votes)

    Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

  • John 20:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • John 20:10 (5 votes)

    Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.