King James Version

What Does Mark 15:41 Mean?

Mark 15:41 in the King James Version says “(Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him u... — study this verse from Mark chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

(Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

Mark 15:41 · KJV


Context

39

And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

40

There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

41

(Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

42

And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

43

Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him—Mark emphasizes these women's longstanding discipleship. The Greek imperfect tense for followed indicates continuous action—they regularly, habitually followed Jesus throughout His Galilean ministry. Ministered means served, supported, provided for needs. These were disciples providing financial and logistical support enabling Jesus's itinerant ministry. Luke 8:1-3 identifies several women who provided for them out of their means. In first-century culture, honorable women did not typically travel with unrelated men, making these women's association countercultural and potentially scandalous. Yet Jesus welcomed and valued their discipleship. And many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem—Beyond the three named, many other women pilgrimaged to Jerusalem with Jesus for Passover.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish culture was patriarchal, with women's roles largely domestic. Rabbinic tradition taught that men should not speak with women in public (John 4:27 shows disciples' shock). Yet Jesus included women among His followers, taught them as disciples (Luke 10:39), and commissioned them as witnesses—all countercultural and revolutionary. These women's financial support was crucial—Jesus's disciples had left occupations to follow Him full-time; someone needed to fund food, lodging, and travel. Wealthy women like Joanna provided resources. This partnership continued in the early church (Romans 16:1-2).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do these women's faithful service model practical discipleship—using resources, time, and presence to advance Christ's mission?
  2. What does Jesus's inclusion and validation of women disciples teach about the gospel's transformation of social hierarchies?
  3. How can contemporary Christians emulate these women's perseverance—remaining faithful through suffering and seeming defeat?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
αἳ1 of 20

(Who

G3739

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

καὶ,2 of 20

also

G2532

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

ὅτε3 of 20

when

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἦν4 of 20

he was

G2258

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

ἐν5 of 20

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αἱ6 of 20

women which

G3588

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

Γαλιλαίᾳ7 of 20

Galilee

G1056

galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine

ἠκολούθουν8 of 20

followed

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

αὐτῷ9 of 20

him

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

καὶ,10 of 20

also

G2532

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

διηκόνουν11 of 20

ministered

G1247

to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon

αὐτῷ12 of 20

him

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

καὶ,13 of 20

also

G2532

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

ἄλλαι14 of 20

other

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

πολλαὶ15 of 20

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

αἱ16 of 20

women which

G3588

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

συναναβᾶσαι17 of 20

came up

G4872

to ascend in company with

αὐτῷ18 of 20

him

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

εἰς19 of 20

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἱεροσόλυμα20 of 20

Jerusalem

G2414

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine


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 15:41 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 15:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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