but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The disciples' reaction isn't just disbelief; the original Greek word used for "idle tales" specifically means nonsensical, delirious babble, like the talk of someone in a fever dream. This highlights how utterly alien and unbelievable the concept of Jesus' resurrection truly was to them, even after all He had told them.
but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The women, having discovered the empty tomb and encountered angels, rushed to tell the male disciples about Jesus' resurrection, but their report was met with stunned disbelief. The disciples considered the women's words utter nonsense, like a deluded fantasy, and simply dismissed it, showing how completely unprepared and shocked they were by the very event their Master had predicted.
The first news of Jesus' resurrection wasn't met with awe and immediate belief, but with skepticism. The disciples called it 'idle tales.'
The word used here for 'idle tales' is quite strong. It wasn't just that the disciples thought the women were mistaken; they thought they were speaking utter nonsense.
A Word for Delirium
Scholars point out that this Greek word was used for the nonsensical, rambling talk of someone in a fever or delirium. It implies a total disconnect from reality.
Why Such Disbelief?
This initial disbelief highlights how truly astonishing the resurrection was – so astonishing that it sounded like madness to those who first heard it.
Ironically, the disciples' initial shock and disbelief actually serve as powerful evidence for the resurrection's truth.
Ask a follow-up
Think about it: if the resurrection was a hoax, wouldn't the story be different? Wouldn't the disciples have been in on it from the start, eager to promote the narrative?
The Unscripted Reaction
Instead, the Gospels honestly portray the closest followers of Jesus as confused, frightened, and utterly skeptical. They weren't primed to believe; they had to be convinced.
Understand the original words
rhēma · Greek Noun
A report, narrative, or proclamation. In a biblical context, it often refers to the spoken message of God or the report of events related to His works.
lēros · Greek Noun
Literally 'nonsense' or 'absurd talk.' It refers to a report that is regarded as lacking truth, seriousness, or credibility.
pisteuō · Greek Verb
A firm conviction or trust in the truth of something. Biblically, it signifies not just intellectual assent but reliance upon God's word and testimony.
The disciples' initial disbelief highlights the shock value of the resurrection; it was so unexpected and radical that even those closest to Jesus struggled to accept it, underscoring the transformative power of the event once faith finally took hold.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus
Jesus is crucified by Roman authorities and buried in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea.
Early Sunday morning, c. 30 AD
Discovery of the Empty Tomb
Women, including Mary Magdalene, visit Jesus' tomb to anoint his body but find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.
Sunday morning, c. 30 AD— this verse
Women Report the Resurrection
The women, having encountered angels and/or Jesus himself, rush to tell the disciples the news of the resurrection.
Sunday, c. 30 AD
Peter Investigates the Tomb
Peter, upon hearing the women's report, runs to the tomb himself and sees the empty grave cloths.
Sunday, c. 30 AD
Jesus Appears to Disciples
Jesus reveals himself to his disciples, gradually dispelling their disbelief and fear.
This passage details the appearances of the resurrected Christ to various individuals and groups, underscoring the historical reality of the resurrection that the disciples initially struggled to believe.
John 20:24-29It highlights Thomas's initial disbelief and his eventual faith upon seeing Jesus, mirroring the disciples' broader struggle to accept the resurrection news as more than 'idle tales'.
Mark 16:10-13This passage describes the disciples' reaction to the report of the resurrection, showing their disbelief and how Jesus later rebuked them for it, reinforcing the theme of their initial incredulity.
Matthew 27:62-66This shows the religious leaders' awareness of the prophecy of resurrection and their attempts to prevent belief in it, contrasting with the disciples' own disbelief stemming from shock and lack of understanding.
pulpitLuke 24:11: "And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not."
Verse 11. - And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. The utter incredulity of the friends of Jesus when these reports of his resurrection were brought to them is remarkable when contrasted with the evident dread of the Sanhedrin that something of grave moment would happen after three days had elapsed. The disciples were evidently amazed at their Master's rising from the dead.…
ellicottLuke 24:11: "And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not."
(11) Idle tales. —The one Greek word which is thus rendered occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It is applied strictly to the trifling, half-idiotic babble of dotage.
The disciples' reaction isn't just disbelief; the original Greek word used for "idle tales" specifically means nonsensical, delirious babble, like the talk of someone in a fever dream. This highlights how utterly alien and unbelievable the concept of Jesus' resurrection truly was to them, even after all He had told them.
The women, having discovered the empty tomb and encountered angels, rushed to tell the male disciples about Jesus' resurrection, but their report was met with stunned disbelief. The disciples considered the women's words utter nonsense, like a deluded fantasy, and simply dismissed it, showing how completely unprepared and shocked they were by the very event their Master had predicted.
The women, having discovered the empty tomb and encountered angels, rushed to tell the male disciples about Jesus' resurrection, but their report was met with stunned disbelief. The disciples considered the women's words utter nonsense, like a deluded fantasy, and simply dismissed it, showing how completely unprepared and shocked they were by the very event their Master had predicted.
"but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them." — The disciples' reaction isn't just disbelief; the original Greek word used for "idle tales" specifically means nonsensical, delirious babble, like the talk of someone in a fever dream. This highlight…
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Last reviewed October 2026