King James Version

What Does Matthew 27:61 Mean?

Matthew 27:61 in the King James Version says “And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.”

Matthew 27:61 · KJV

Context

59

And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

60

And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

61

And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

62

Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

63

Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre (καθήμεναι ἀπέναντι τοῦ τάφου)—the Greek kathemenai indicates extended sitting, not brief observation. These faithful women remained while others left, their grief expressed through presence. Their sitting over against suggests they faced the tomb directly, keeping vigil.

This detail serves legal testimony—they knew exactly where Jesus was buried, refuting later claims of wrong tomb or confused location. Their witness would be essential Sunday morning when they'd return with spices. While male disciples hid behind locked doors (John 20:19), these women kept watch, embodying the persistent faith Jesus praised (Luke 18:1-8). Love compelled them to remain near the body when fear drove others away.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish mourning customs included sitting with the dead. The women couldn't enter the sealed tomb but remained as close as possible. Their vigil until sundown reflected both devotion and grief. Roman guards weren't yet posted (v. 62-66 occurred the next day), so the women could approach freely. Their presence also ensured proper respect for the deceased.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the women's vigil teach about faithful presence in seasons of apparent defeat?
  2. How did their grief-driven watching position them to become the first resurrection witnesses?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ἦν1 of 14

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

δὲ2 of 14

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐκεῖ3 of 14

“there”

G1563

there; by extension, thither

Μαρία4 of 14

“Mary”

G3137

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

ἡ5 of 14
G3588

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

Μαγδαληνὴ6 of 14

“Magdalene”

G3094

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

καὶ7 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

ἡ8 of 14
G3588

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

ἄλλη9 of 14

“the other”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

Μαρία10 of 14

“Mary”

G3137

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

καθήμεναι11 of 14

“sitting”

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

ἀπέναντι12 of 14

“over against”

G561

from in front, i.e., opposite, before or against

τοῦ13 of 14
G3588

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

τάφου14 of 14

“the sepulchre”

G5028

a grave (the place of interment)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 27:61 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 Matthew 27:61 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 27:56Matthew 28:1

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