Mark 16:1
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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These women weren't just passively waiting for dawn; they were actively preparing for a task of love, seeking to complete the burial rites that had been rushed due to the Sabbath. Their purchase of spices reveals a deep devotion, yet their intention to anoint his body highlights how, even in their affection, they had forgotten or disbelieved Jesus' words about his resurrection.
The Sabbath has just ended, and Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, filled with devotion, are heading to Jesus' tomb. They had prepared spices beforehand, but rushed by the impending Sabbath, they now return to complete the anointing of Jesus' body, unaware that their beloved teacher has been resurrected.
Why did these women wait until after the Sabbath to anoint Jesus? Discover the layers of meaning behind their actions.
The text tells us these women bought spices "when the Sabbath was past." This detail isn't just about scheduling; it highlights their deep affection and respect for Jewish law.
A Hasty Burial
Jesus' burial happened quickly on Friday evening as the Sabbath was about to begin. The women, observing this, noticed that the burial rites were incomplete.
Love's Promise
They couldn't perform the full anointing and embalming before the Sabbath started. So, they prepared the spices beforehand and waited, showing their commitment to honoring Jesus even in death, according to custom. Their intention was to complete the task as soon as it was permissible.
These women brought spices, but their mission was fueled by something far more precious. What truly motivated them?
The women's purchase of spices was an act of profound love and devotion. They wanted to anoint Jesus' body, a final act of care for their beloved teacher.
A Labor of Love
Despite Jesus having told them about his resurrection, the commentaries suggest they seemed to have forgotten this, focusing instead on the physical act of preparing his body. Their motivation was deeply personal, driven by grief and a desire to honor Him.
Unforeseen Purpose
Little did they know, their loving gesture would coincide with the most incredible event in history. They were coming to anoint a corpse, but instead, they would be the first to encounter the living Christ.
Understand the original words
shabbath · Hebrew Noun
The seventh day of the Jewish week, set apart by God in the Decalogue as a day of rest and holiness, commemorating God's creation and deliverance from Egypt. In the New Testament, it marks the end of the old covenant order before the resurrection of Christ.
arōma · Greek Noun
Aromatic substances used in antiquity for burials to mask the odor of decay and as a mark of honor for the deceased. In this context, they signify the women's devotion and their expectation of finding a dead body.
aleiphō · Greek Verb
To smear or rub with oil or ointment. Biblically, it was a common practice for burial, but also a ritual act for setting apart kings, priests, and prophets for divine service.
The women's plan to anoint Jesus' body highlights their devotion but also their lack of expectation for his resurrection, underscoring the shocking nature of the discovery at the empty tomb.
Friday afternoon, c. AD 30
Jesus is crucified and buried
After a rapid trial and execution, Jesus is crucified and hastily buried in a tomb by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus before the start of the Sabbath. The women observe where he is laid.
Friday evening, c. AD 30— this verse
Women purchase spices
Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome buy spices and perfumes to properly anoint Jesus' body, but they must finish before the Sabbath begins at sunset.
Saturday, c. AD 30
The Sabbath Day
Jewish law prohibits work on the Sabbath. The women rest and wait for the Sabbath to end at sunset, unable to prepare Jesus' body as they intended.
Sunday morning, c. AD 30
Women return to the tomb
As soon as the Sabbath is over, the women go to the tomb with the spices to complete the embalming process, only to discover the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.
This passage shows the women preparing spices *before* the Sabbath, highlighting their persistent devotion and setting the stage for their actions after the Sabbath ended in Mark 16:1.
John's account of Nicodemus bringing spices to anoint Jesus' body shows another instance of anointing, emphasizing the loving and hurried burial preparations that the women in Mark intended to complete.
Matthew 28:1Matthew's parallel account names slightly different women and specifies the time as 'late on the Sabbath day' or 'as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week,' complementing Mark's timing and the identity of the mourners.
Mark 16:3-5These verses immediately follow Mark 16:1, showing the women's concern about rolling away the stone and their eventual discovery of the empty tomb, which directly flows from their purpose stated in verse 1.
wesleyMark 16:1: "And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him."
16:1 Mt 28:1; Lu 24:1; John 20:1.
gillMark 16:1: "And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him."
And when the sabbath was past,.... "In the end of it", as Matthew says, Matthew 28:1 ; not "when it was the sabbath", as the Arabic version reads; for it was not lawful to buy spices, and anoint with on the sabbath day; See Gill on Matthew 28:1 . Mary Magdalene, and Mary, the mother of James, and Salome; who was the wife of Zebedee,…
These women weren't just passively waiting for dawn; they were actively preparing for a task of love, seeking to complete the burial rites that had been rushed due to the Sabbath. Their purchase of spices reveals a deep devotion, yet their intention to anoint his body highlights how, even in their affection, they had forgotten or disbelieved Jesus' words about his resurrection.
The Sabbath has just ended, and Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, filled with devotion, are heading to Jesus' tomb. They had prepared spices beforehand, but rushed by the impending Sabbath, they now return to complete the anointing of Jesus' body, unaware that their beloved teacher has been resurrected.
"When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him." — These women weren't just passively waiting for dawn; they were actively preparing for a task of love, seeking to complete the burial rites that had been rushed due to the Sabbath. Their purchase of s…
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