King James Version

What Does Luke 24:1 Mean?

Luke 24:1 in the King James Version says “Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning , they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning , they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

Luke 24:1 · KJV


Context

1

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning , they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

2

And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

3

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The women return: 'Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.' The timing: 'the first day of the week' (τῇ δὲ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων, tē de mia tōn sabbatōn), Sunday morning, 'very early' (ὄρθρου βαθέως, orthrou batheōs, at deep dawn). They brought 'spices which they had prepared' (ἃ ἡτοίμασαν ἀρώματα, ha hētoimasan arōmata) to anoint Jesus' body, a final act of devotion. They expected to find a corpse; instead they would find an empty tomb and living Lord. The 'first day of the week' becomes significant—Christians worship on Sunday rather than Saturday (Sabbath) because Jesus rose on the first day, inaugurating new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The women's journey to the tomb demonstrates they didn't expect resurrection despite Jesus' predictions. They came to anoint a dead body. Their surprise at the empty tomb (v. 3) and initial unbelief (v. 11) establish authenticity—if the story were fabricated, inventors would present disciples confidently expecting resurrection. Instead, the accounts show confusion, doubt, and gradual recognition. The women's initiative (coming at earliest opportunity) and devotion (bringing expensive spices) models faithful discipleship. God rewards their faithfulness by making them first witnesses to resurrection, history's most important event. Sunday worship commemorates this day of resurrection, distinguishing Christianity from Judaism.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is 'the first day of the week' significant for Christian worship?
  2. What does the women's surprise at the empty tomb teach about resurrection expectations?
  3. How does their faithful devotion despite not expecting resurrection model genuine discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
τῇ1 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 19

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

μιᾷ3 of 19
G1520

one

τῶν4 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σαββάτων5 of 19

day of the week

G4521

the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,

ὄρθρου6 of 19

very early in the morning

G3722

dawn (as sun-rise, rising of light); by extension, morn

βαθέος7 of 19
G901

profound (as going down), literally or figuratively

ἦλθον8 of 19

they came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐπὶ9 of 19

unto

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸ10 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μνῆμα11 of 19

the sepulchre

G3418

a memorial, i.e., sepulchral monument (burial-place)

φέρουσαι12 of 19

bringing

G5342

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

13 of 19

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἡτοίμασαν14 of 19

they had prepared

G2090

to prepare

ἀρώματα15 of 19

the spices

G759

an aromatic

καί16 of 19

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τινές17 of 19

certain

G5100

some or any person or object

σύν18 of 19

others with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

αὐταῖς19 of 19

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 24:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 24:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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