King James Version

What Does Luke 24:10 Mean?

Luke 24:10 in the King James Version says “It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these t... — study this verse from Luke chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

Luke 24:10 · KJV


Context

8

And they remembered his words,

9

And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.

10

It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

11

And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.

12

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. Luke now names the witnesses, establishing their credibility. Mary Magdalene (Maria hē Magdalēnē, Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνή) leads the list—the woman from whom Jesus cast seven demons (Luke 8:2), transformed into His devoted follower and now first resurrection witness. Her prominence across all Gospel resurrection accounts (Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:1, John 20:1) establishes her historical importance.

Joanna (Iōanna, Ἰωάννα) was wife of Chuza, Herod's steward (Luke 8:3)—a woman of means who supported Jesus' ministry financially. Her inclusion shows the gospel's reach across social classes. Mary the mother of James (Maria hē Iakōbou, Μαρία ἡ Ἰακώβου), likely "the other Mary" mentioned in Matthew 28:1, may be the wife of Clopas (John 19:25). The phrase and other women that were with them (kai hai loipai syn autais, καὶ αἱ λοιπαὶ σὺν αὐταῖς) indicates a larger group of female disciples, though Luke spotlights these three leaders.

These women's faithfulness contrasts with the male disciples' absence. While Peter and John would eventually visit the tomb (verse 12, John 20:3-10), the women arrived first, demonstrating superior devotion and courage. Their reward was becoming apostles to the apostles—bringing resurrection news to those who would later preach it worldwide.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The named women had followed Jesus from Galilee (Luke 8:1-3, 23:49, 55), witnessed His crucifixion, noted the tomb's location, prepared spices, and returned at earliest opportunity. Their sustained presence throughout passion and resurrection establishes them as reliable witnesses. In contrast, most male disciples fled after Jesus' arrest (Mark 14:50).

Ancient historians like Celsus mocked Christianity for relying on women's testimony. Yet this very embarrassment argues for the accounts' authenticity—if fabricating resurrection stories, early Christians would have featured male witnesses to gain credibility. Instead, they faithfully recorded what happened: women discovered the empty tomb, encountered angels, and proclaimed resurrection first. This historical honesty strengthens the Gospels' reliability.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the prominence of women witnesses teach about faithfulness being more important than social status in God's kingdom?
  2. How does Mary Magdalene's transformation from demon-possessed to resurrection witness demonstrate the gospel's transforming power?
  3. Why would God choose those whom society dismissed to be the first proclaimers of Christianity's central truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἦσαν1 of 21

It was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

δὲ2 of 21
G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 21
G3588

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

Μαγδαληνὴ4 of 21

Magdalene

G3094

a female magdalene, i.e., inhabitant of magdala

Μαρία5 of 21

Mary

G3137

maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females

καὶ6 of 21

and

G2532

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

Ἰωάννα7 of 21

Joanna

G2489

joanna, a christian

καὶ8 of 21

and

G2532

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

Μαρία9 of 21

Mary

G3137

maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females

Ἰακώβου10 of 21

the mother of James

G2385

jacobus, the name of three israelites

καὶ11 of 21

and

G2532

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

αἱ12 of 21
G3588

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

λοιπαὶ13 of 21

other

G3062

remaining ones

σὺν14 of 21

women that were with

G4862

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

αὐταῖς15 of 21

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

αἱ16 of 21

which

G3739

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

ἔλεγον17 of 21

told

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

πρὸς18 of 21

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς19 of 21
G3588

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

ἀποστόλους20 of 21

the apostles

G652

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

ταῦτα21 of 21

these things

G5023

these things


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 24:10 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 24:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study