Mark 16:3

And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

And {G2532} they said {G3004} among {G4314} themselves {G1438}, Who {G5101} shall roll {G617} us {G2254} away {G617} the stone {G3037} from {G1537} the door {G2374} of the sepulchre {G3419}?

They were asking each other, "Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?"

They were asking one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb?”

And they were saying among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the tomb?

Commentary

Mark 16:3 captures a poignant moment on the first Easter morning, revealing the practical concerns of the devoted women who came to anoint Jesus' body.

Context

Following the hurried burial of Jesus Christ on Friday evening (as described in Mark 15:46), Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome purchased sweet spices to complete the traditional Jewish burial rites. They were heading to the tomb early on Sunday morning, just as the sun was rising. Their conversation in this verse highlights a significant logistical challenge: the large stone that had been rolled against the entrance of the sepulchre, likely sealed and guarded by Roman soldiers (Matthew 27:66). They were devoted to honoring their Lord, but a formidable obstacle stood in their way, prompting their anxious question.

Key Themes

  • Human Helplessness vs. Divine Power: The women's concern ("Who shall roll us away the stone?") underscores their human limitation in the face of an insurmountable physical barrier. This question perfectly sets the stage for the dramatic revelation of God's power in the resurrection, where the obstacle is removed not by human effort but by divine intervention (Mark 16:4).
  • Devotion and Faithfulness: Despite their practical worry, the women pressed on towards the tomb. Their journey, knowing the challenge, speaks volumes about their deep love and faithfulness to Jesus, even in death. They were committed to their sacred duty, trusting that a way would be made.
  • Anticipation of the Resurrection: Unbeknownst to them, their journey to deal with a dead body would lead them to the glorious truth of the empty tomb and the resurrected Christ. Their question about the stone, though mundane, serves as a narrative device to heighten the surprise and wonder of the resurrection event.

Linguistic Insights

The term "sepulchre" (Greek: mnēmeion) refers to a memorial or tomb, typically a rock-cut chamber or cave used for burial, common in ancient Israel. The "stone" (Greek: lithos) was a large, heavy circular stone, often grooved, designed to be rolled into place to seal the tomb entrance, making it very difficult to move without significant effort or specialized tools. Its formidable size amplified the women's dilemma.

Practical Application and Reflection

This verse offers a powerful lesson for believers today. Often, we face "stones" in our lives—obstacles, challenges, or seemingly impossible situations that block our path or prevent us from fulfilling a calling. Like these women, we may approach these barriers with anxiety, wondering, "Who will roll away this stone?" Mark 16:3 reminds us that our part is often to simply step forward in faith and devotion, even when we don't see the solution. God, in His sovereign power, often removes the insurmountable obstacles, making a way where there seems to be no way. Our faith is not in our ability to move the stone, but in God's power to do the impossible, leading us to His surprising and glorious truths.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 15:46 (6 votes)

    And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

  • Mark 15:47 (6 votes)

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

  • Matthew 27:60 (5 votes)

    And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

  • Matthew 27:66 (5 votes)

    So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.