Mark 16:5

And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

And {G2532} entering {G1525} into {G1519} the sepulchre {G3419}, they saw {G1492} a young man {G3495} sitting {G2521} on {G1722} the right side {G1188}, clothed {G4016} in a long white {G3022} garment {G4749}; and {G2532} they were affrighted {G1568}.

On entering the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right; and they were dumbfounded.

When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

And entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, arrayed in a white robe; and they were amazed.

Commentary

Mark 16:5 (KJV)

And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

Context

This verse describes the scene immediately after the women, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome (Mark 16:1), arrived at the tomb of Jesus on the first day of the week. They had come to anoint his body, expecting the stone to be in place. However, they found the stone rolled away (Mark 16:4) and entered the tomb, setting the stage for this encounter.

Key Themes

  • The Empty Tomb: The fact that the women could enter signifies the tomb is no longer sealed or occupied, a crucial detail pointing to the resurrection.
  • The Messenger: The "young man" is understood in parallel accounts (e.g., Matthew 28:5 refers to an angel) to be a divine messenger sent to announce Christ's resurrection. His appearance (white garment, sitting on the right side - a place of honor or authority) emphasizes his divine nature and the importance of his message.
  • Human Reaction to the Divine: The women's reaction of being "affrighted" (frightened or terrified) is a common response in scripture when humans encounter angels or divine power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "young man" (Greek: neaniskos) is used here, which can refer to a young man, but in this context, parallel Gospel accounts identify him as an angel. The description "clothed in a long white garment" (Greek: stolēn leukēn) signifies purity, heavenly origin, and often, victory. The word "affrighted" (Greek: exethambēthēsan) conveys a strong sense of astonishment, terror, or being utterly amazed, beyond simple fear.

Commentary and Application

Mark's Gospel presents this encounter starkly. The women enter the tomb expecting to find a body and are instead met by a heavenly messenger in an empty grave. This dramatic contrast underscores the reality of the resurrection. The presence of the angel confirms that something supernatural and profound has occurred. Their fear is a natural human response to encountering the divine and the unexpected, but it quickly gives way to the astonishing news of Jesus' resurrection (Mark 16:6). For believers today, this verse is a reminder that even in moments of confusion or fear, God sends messengers (sometimes literal, sometimes through His Word or others) to reveal His truth and the power of the resurrection, which is central to the Christian faith (see 1 Corinthians 15:14).

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Cross-References

  • John 20:11 (9 votes)

    ¶ But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, [and looked] into the sepulchre,

  • John 20:12 (9 votes)

    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.

  • Matthew 28:3 (5 votes)

    His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

  • Luke 24:3 (5 votes)

    And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

  • Luke 24:5 (5 votes)

    And as they were afraid, and bowed down [their] faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

  • John 20:8 (5 votes)

    Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

  • Luke 1:29 (3 votes)

    And when she saw [him], she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.