King James Version

What Does Luke 24:2 Mean?

Luke 24:2 in the King James Version says “And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.”

Luke 24:2 · 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.

4

And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout , behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The stone removed: 'And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.' The women discovered 'the stone rolled away' (ἀποκεκυλισμένον τὸν λίθον, apokekylis menon ton lithon, perfect passive participle—the stone having been rolled away). This massive stone sealed tomb entrances, requiring multiple men to move. That it was already removed when they arrived indicates resurrection had already occurred—they didn't witness the moment but found its aftermath. Matthew 28:2 records an angel rolling the stone away, not to let Jesus out (He had already left through resurrection power) but to let witnesses in to see the empty tomb. The removed stone and empty tomb would become primary evidence for resurrection.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Joseph of Arimathea's tomb was cut from rock with a rolling stone entrance typical of wealthy first-century Jewish burials. The stone's removal was significant—Pilate had it sealed and guarded precisely to prevent theft (Matthew 27:62-66). Yet on Sunday morning, the stone was rolled away, the tomb empty, guards fled (Matthew 28:4, 11-15). This became earliest Christian apologetic evidence: the tomb was empty. Jewish authorities never produced a body because there was none. Attempted explanations (disciples stole it, wrong tomb, swoon theory, hallucination) all fail historical scrutiny. The rolled-away stone and empty tomb remain powerful testimony to resurrection's reality.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why was the stone rolled away if Jesus had already left the tomb through resurrection power?
  2. What significance does the empty tomb have as historical evidence for resurrection?
  3. How do alternative explanations for the empty tomb fail to account for the evidence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
εὗρον1 of 8

“they found”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

δὲ2 of 8

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τὸν3 of 8
G3588

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

λίθον4 of 8

“the stone”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

ἀποκεκυλισμένον5 of 8

“rolled away”

G617

to roll away

ἀπὸ6 of 8

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ7 of 8
G3588

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

μνημείου8 of 8

“the sepulchre”

G3419

a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)

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 24:2 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 24:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 15:46-47Matthew 28:2Matthew 27:60-66John 20:1-2Mark 16:3-4

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