King James Version

What Does Mark 16:3 Mean?

Mark 16:3 in the King James Version says “And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?” — study this verse from Mark chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 16:3 · 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?

4

And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

5

And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

Read Mark 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? (τίς ἀποκυλίσει ἡμῖν τὸν λίθον, tis apoklysei hēmin ton lithon)—the women's practical concern reveals faith overcoming obstacles: they came despite knowing they couldn't open the tomb. The stone (λίθος) was likely a massive disc weighing 1-2 tons, rolled in a groove across the entrance.

This question mirrors our spiritual condition: we cannot roll away sin's barrier to God. The women's helplessness before the stone pictures humanity's inability to conquer death. Yet they came anyway—faith acts on devotion even when the way seems blocked. Their question, asked among themselves (πρὸς ἑαυτάς), shows mutual encouragement overcoming doubt.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Wealthy Jews used disc-shaped stones in grooved tracks to seal rock-hewn tombs (Joseph of Arimathea was rich, 15:43). Roman seals (Matthew 27:66) and guards made opening it not just physically impossible but legally treasonous. The women's willingness to attempt this displays extraordinary courage.

Reflection Questions

  1. What "stone" (seemingly immovable obstacle) keeps you from fully encountering the risen Christ?
  2. How does the women's determination despite insurmountable barriers challenge your own faith-filled action?
  3. In what ways do you approach God's promises while simultaneously doubting their fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἔλεγον2 of 14

“they said”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

πρὸς3 of 14

“among”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ἑαυτάς4 of 14

“themselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

Τίς5 of 14

“Who”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἀποκυλίσει6 of 14

“away”

G617

to roll away

ἡμῖν7 of 14

“us”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

τὸν8 of 14
G3588

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

λίθον9 of 14

“the stone”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ10 of 14

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς11 of 14
G3588

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

θύρας12 of 14

“the door”

G2374

a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)

τοῦ13 of 14
G3588

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

μνημείου14 of 14

“of the sepulchre”

G3419

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

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 16:3 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 16:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 15:46-47Matthew 27:60-66

Test Your Knowledge

Mark 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMark Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Mark 16 with CommentaryAll Mark ChaptersComplete Mark QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes