King James Version

What Does Mark 16:10 Mean?

Mark 16:10 in the King James Version says “And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.”

Mark 16:10 · KJV

Context

8

And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.

9

Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

10

And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.

11

And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

12

After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.

Read Mark 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
She went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept (ἐκείνη πορευθεῖσα ἀπήγγειλεν τοῖς μετ' αὐτοῦ γενομένοις πενθοῦσι καὶ κλαίουσιν, ekeinē poreutheisa apēngeilen tois met' autou genomenois penthousi kai klaiousin)—verses 9-20 form the "longer ending," debated textually but canonical. Mary Magdalene (ἐκείνη, emphatic "she herself") becomes the apostle to the apostles. The disciples' mourning and weeping (πενθοῦσι, pentheo—deep grief; κλαίουσιν, klaio—loud lamentation) shows their hope had died with Jesus.

This verse highlights the reversal: the woman once possessed by seven demons (Luke 8:2) now carries the message of salvation to Jesus' inner circle. Their grief, though natural, blinded them to resurrection possibility. We too can be so absorbed in present loss that we cannot hear good news standing before us.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mary Magdalene's prominence in resurrection accounts (all four gospels) is extraordinary given women's marginalized status. That the early church preserved female testimony despite its cultural liability argues for historical authenticity—no one inventing the story would make women the first witnesses. Her report to "those who had been with him" emphasizes the disciples' intimate past relationship now shattered by grief.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Mary's transformation from demon-possessed to primary witness display redemptive grace?
  2. What "mourning and weeping" in your life makes you unable to hear or believe resurrection news?
  3. Why is persistent grief after Christ's resurrection incompatible with Christian faith (1 Thessalonians 4:13)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ἐκείνη1 of 10

“And she”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

πορευθεῖσα2 of 10

“went”

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

ἀπήγγειλεν3 of 10

“and told”

G518

to announce

τοῖς4 of 10
G3588

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

μετ'5 of 10

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτοῦ6 of 10

“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

γενομένοις7 of 10

“them that had been”

G1096

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

πενθοῦσιν8 of 10

“as they mourned”

G3996

to grieve (the feeling or the act)

καὶ9 of 10

“and”

G2532

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

κλαίουσιν·10 of 10

“wept”

G2799

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

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 16:10 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 Mark 16:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 20:18Luke 24:17John 16:6Matthew 9:15Mark 14:72Matthew 24:30

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