King James Version

What Does Mark 16:1 Mean?

Mark 16:1 in the King James Version says “And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that t... — study this verse from Mark chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

Mark 16:1 · KJV


Context

1

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

2

And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

3

And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices (ἀρώματα, arōmata)—these women purchased burial spices after the Sabbath ended Saturday evening, demonstrating devotion that transcended fear. Their intent to anoint him (ἀλείψωσιν αὐτόν) shows they expected to find a corpse, not a risen Lord—their faith had not yet grasped Jesus' resurrection predictions (8:31, 9:31, 10:34).

Mark names three women, emphasizing multiple witnesses to the empty tomb—a remarkable feature since women's testimony carried no legal weight in first-century Judaism. Yet God chose female disciples as the first resurrection witnesses, subverting cultural hierarchies and demonstrating that the gospel exalts the humble.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish burial customs required anointing bodies with aromatic spices (myrrh, aloes) to mask decomposition odors. The women could not complete burial rites on Friday before Sabbath began at sunset. Mark wrote for Roman Christians (AD 65-70) who faced persecution—these faithful women modeling costly discipleship despite danger.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the women's persistent devotion challenge your own commitment when circumstances seem hopeless?
  2. Why might God have chosen women as first witnesses, despite their testimony being legally inadmissible?
  3. What "burial spices" (acts of devotion) do you bring to Jesus, not yet fully grasping His resurrection power?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

And

G2532

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

διαγενομένου2 of 20

was past

G1230

to elapse meanwhile

τοῦ3 of 20

the mother

G3588

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

σαββάτου4 of 20

the sabbath

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,

Μαρία5 of 20

Mary

G3137

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

τοῦ6 of 20

the mother

G3588

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

Μαγδαληνὴ7 of 20

Magdalene

G3094

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

καὶ8 of 20

And

G2532

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

Μαρία9 of 20

Mary

G3137

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

τοῦ10 of 20

the mother

G3588

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

τοῦ11 of 20

the mother

G3588

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

Ἰακώβου12 of 20

of James

G2385

jacobus, the name of three israelites

καὶ13 of 20

And

G2532

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

Σαλώμη14 of 20

Salome

G4539

salome (i.e., shelomah), an israelitess

ἠγόρασαν15 of 20

had bought

G59

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

ἀρώματα16 of 20

sweet spices

G759

an aromatic

ἵνα17 of 20

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐλθοῦσαι18 of 20

they might come

G2064

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

ἀλείψωσιν19 of 20

and anoint

G218

to oil (with perfume)

αὐτόν20 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


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 16:1 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 Mark 16:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study