King James Version

What Does Mark 16:9 Mean?

Mark 16:9 in the King James Version says “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast s...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Mark 16:9 · KJV

Context

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.

11

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After resurrection, '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' (Ἀναστὰς δὲ πρωῒ πρώτῃ σαββάτου ἐφάνη πρῶτον Μαρίᾳ τῇ Μαγδαληνῇ, ἀφ' ἧς ἐκβεβλήκει ἑπτὰ δαιμόνια). Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene, a woman—shocking in ancient culture where women's testimony wasn't valued in courts. God consistently chooses the lowly to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). Mary, once demon-possessed, became first resurrection witness. This illustrates gospel transformation—those most radically saved become most effective witnesses. The detail 'seven devils' emphasizes complete demonic bondage from which Jesus delivered her. Her grateful love motivated faithful discipleship—she served Jesus during His ministry (Luke 8:2-3), witnessed His crucifixion (Mark 15:40), and came early to the tomb. Faithful devotion was rewarded with first seeing the risen Lord.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mary Magdalene (from Magdala, a town on Sea of Galilee's western shore) was among women who supported Jesus' ministry financially (Luke 8:2-3). Jesus had cast seven demons from her, indicating severe oppression. She became devoted follower, present at crucifixion (Mark 15:40), burial (Mark 15:47), and first at tomb on resurrection morning (Mark 16:1-2). In first-century Judaism, women couldn't testify in court—their witness wasn't legally valid. Yet God chose a woman as first resurrection witness, demonstrating divine values differ from human hierarchies. Mary initially didn't recognize risen Jesus (John 20:14-15), then became first to see and hear Him (John 20:16-18). Early church tradition honored her as 'apostle to the apostles'—commissioned to tell disciples (John 20:17-18). Later legends (conflating her with other Marys and the sinful woman in Luke 7:37-50) obscured her actual biblical role.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus choose Mary Magdalene, a formerly demon-possessed woman, as first resurrection witness rather than male disciples or religious authorities?
  2. What does Mary's faithful devotion (present at cross, burial, and first at tomb) teach about the relationship between grateful love and faithful service?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ἀναστὰς1 of 15

“when Jesus was risen”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

δὲ2 of 15

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

πρωῒ3 of 15

“early”

G4404

at dawn; by implication, the day-break watch

πρώτῃ4 of 15

“the first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

σαββάτου5 of 15

“day of the week”

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,

ἐφάνη6 of 15

“he appeared”

G5316

to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

πρῶτον7 of 15

“first”

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

Μαρίᾳ8 of 15

“to Mary”

G3137

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

τῇ9 of 15
G3588

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

Μαγδαληνῇ10 of 15

“Magdalene”

G3094

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

ἀφ'11 of 15

“out of”

G575

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

ἧς12 of 15

“whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐκβεβλήκει13 of 15

“he had cast”

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

ἑπτὰ14 of 15

“seven”

G2033

seven

δαιμόνια15 of 15

“devils”

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

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 16:9 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 16:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 8:2John 20:14-19Mark 15:47John 20:12Luke 24:10Matthew 27:56

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