King James Version

What Does Mark 16:8 Mean?

Mark 16:8 in the King James Version says “And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing t... — study this verse from Mark chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Mark 16:8 · KJV


Context

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.

10

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed (ἔφυγον ἀπὸ τοῦ μνημείου, εἶχεν γὰρ αὐτὰς τρόμος καὶ ἔκστασις, ephygon apo tou mnēmeiou, eichen gar autas tromos kai ekstasis)—tromos (trembling) and ekstasis (ecstatic astonishment) capture holy terror before the supernatural. Neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid—most ancient manuscripts end Mark here abruptly at φοβοῦντο γάρ ("for they were afraid"), creating interpretive challenges.

This shocking ending fits Mark's theme: following Jesus leads not to triumphalism but to awe, fear, and mystery. The women's silence wasn't disobedience but being overwhelmed—the good news was too great to process immediately. Mark's original readers knew the story didn't end here (the gospel itself proves the news spread!), but the abrupt finale forces reflection on how we respond to resurrection reality.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Textual criticism debates whether Mark intended to end at v.8 or whether the original ending was lost. Verses 9-20 appear in later manuscripts but differ stylistically. Many scholars see v.8 as Mark's deliberate ending—raw, unpolished, leaving readers confronting the resurrection's terrifying joy. Early Christians faced this same fear preaching a crucified and risen Lord.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does genuine encounter with the resurrection produce fear alongside joy?
  2. How does Mark's abrupt ending challenge comfortable, triumphalistic faith?
  3. Have you ever been so overwhelmed by God's work that words failed—and what did that teach you?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

And

G2532

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

ἐξελθοῦσαι2 of 19

they went out

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ταχὺ3 of 19

quickly

G5035

shortly, i.e., without delay, soon, or (by surprise) suddenly, or (by implication, of ease) readily

ἔφυγον4 of 19

and fled

G5343

to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish

ἀπὸ5 of 19

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ6 of 19
G3588

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

μνημείου7 of 19

the sepulchre

G3419

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

εἶχεν8 of 19

they trembled

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

δὲ9 of 19

for

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτὰς10 of 19
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

τρόμος11 of 19
G5156

a "trembling", i.e., quaking with fear

καὶ12 of 19

And

G2532

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

ἔκστασις·13 of 19

were amazed

G1611

a displacement of the mind, i.e., bewilderment, "ecstasy"

καὶ14 of 19

And

G2532

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

οὐδὲν15 of 19

any thing

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

οὐδὲν16 of 19

any thing

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

εἶπον,17 of 19

said they

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἐφοβοῦντο18 of 19

they were afraid

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

γὰρ19 of 19

man for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)


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 16:8 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 16:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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