King James Version

What Does Mark 16:7 Mean?

Mark 16:7 in the King James Version says “But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said ... — study this verse from Mark chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

Mark 16:7 · KJV


Context

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.

6

And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

7

But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Tell his disciples and Peter (τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ καὶ τῷ Πέτρῳ, tois mathētais autou kai tō Petrō)—the specific mention of Peter is stunning. The disciple who denied Jesus three times (14:66-72) receives personal assurance of restoration. This gracious singling-out reveals Christ's shepherd heart seeking His scattered sheep. He goeth before you into Galilee fulfills Jesus' prediction (14:28) and returns them to where their calling began (1:16-20).

As he said unto you (καθὼς εἶπεν ὑμῖν)—the resurrection vindicated all Jesus' words, including those they failed to understand or believe. Galilee, not Jerusalem, would be the renewed commissioning ground—away from hostile religious authorities, back to the fields of their original discipleship. The Risen Lord meets us where we started, to send us forward transformed.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peter's denial left him devastated (14:72, "he wept"). This personal word, preserved in Mark's gospel (likely from Peter's own preaching), shows apostolic leadership wasn't merit-based but grace-based. The appearance in Galilee (Matthew 28:16, John 21) restored Peter and commissioned the disciples. Early church tradition says Mark wrote Peter's memoirs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' specific mention of Peter speak to your own failures and need for restoration?
  2. Why did Jesus direct disciples back to Galilee rather than staying in Jerusalem?
  3. What promises has Christ made to you that circumstances have caused you to doubt or forget?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἀλλ'1 of 21

But

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὑπάγετε2 of 21

go your way

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

εἶπεν3 of 21

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τοῖς4 of 21
G3588

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

μαθηταῖς5 of 21

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτὸν6 of 21

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

καὶ7 of 21

and

G2532

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

τῷ8 of 21
G3588

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

Πέτρῳ9 of 21

Peter

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

ὅτι10 of 21

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Προάγει11 of 21

he goeth before

G4254

to lead forward (magisterially); intransitively, to precede (in place or time (participle, previous))

ὑμᾶς12 of 21

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

εἰς13 of 21

into

G1519

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

τὴν14 of 21
G3588

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

Γαλιλαίαν·15 of 21

Galilee

G1056

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

ἐκεῖ16 of 21

there

G1563

there; by extension, thither

αὐτὸν17 of 21

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

ὄψεσθε18 of 21

shall ye see

G3700

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

καθὼς19 of 21

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

εἶπεν20 of 21

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ὑμῖν21 of 21

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you


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 16:7 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 16:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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