King James Version

What Does Mark 15:33 Mean?

Mark 15:33 in the King James Version says “And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.”

Mark 15:33 · KJV

Context

31

Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

32

Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

33

And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

34

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

35

And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour—From noon (hōra hektē, ὥρα ἕκτη, sixth hour) until 3 PM (hōra enatē, ὥρα ἐνάτη, ninth hour), supernatural darkness (skotos, σκότος) covered holēn tēn gēn (ὅλην τὴν γῆν)—debated whether 'whole land' (Judea) or 'whole earth' (cosmic). The preposition epi (ἐπὶ, 'over/upon') suggests comprehensive covering.

This wasn't a natural eclipse—impossible during Passover's full moon. The darkness was theophanic judgment, recalling the ninth plague (Exodus 10:21-23). As Jesus bore humanity's sin, the Father judicially 'made Him to be sin' (2 Corinthians 5:21), and darkness symbolized divine judgment falling on the sin-bearer. The Light of the World (John 8:12) was shrouded in darkness, bearing the outer darkness humanity deserved. Amos 8:9 prophesied: 'I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day.' The darkness proclaimed cosmic significance: creation's King was dying.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Multiple ancient historians noted unusual darkness at this time, though accounts vary. The historian Thallus (52 AD) mentioned darkness during Passover in Jesus' era, which Julius Africanus (221 AD) cited. The darkness occurred during peak daylight hours when activity in Jerusalem would be maximal—Passover preparation was underway. The supernatural darkness would have terrified a population familiar with darkness as divine judgment. This was the hour when Passover lambs were being slaughtered in the Temple for the evening meal.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the darkness at Christ's crucifixion illuminate the gravity of God's wrath against sin?
  2. What does creation's response (darkness) to Jesus' death reveal about His cosmic significance as Creator?
  3. In what ways should understanding Christ bore 'outer darkness' for you affect your worship and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἐγένετο1 of 13

“there was”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

δὲ2 of 13

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὥρας3 of 13

“hour”

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἕκτης4 of 13

“the sixth”

G1623

sixth

σκότος5 of 13

“darkness”

G4655

shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)

ἐγένετο6 of 13

“there was”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐφ'7 of 13

“over”

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

ὅλην8 of 13

“the whole”

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τὴν9 of 13
G3588

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

γῆν10 of 13

“land”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

ἕως11 of 13

“until”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ὥρας12 of 13

“hour”

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἐννάτης13 of 13

“the ninth”

G1766

ninth

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 15:33 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 Mark 15:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 27:45Luke 23:44-45Amos 8:9-10Mark 15:25Isaiah 50:3-4Psalms 105:28

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