Mark 16:2
And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While the text states the women arrived "at the rising of the sun," it also notes "very early in the morning." This subtle timing suggests their journey began in darkness and they arrived precisely as the dawn broke, highlighting their eager haste to find Jesus even before full daylight.
The women, having waited through the Sabbath, set out very early on Sunday morning to visit Jesus' tomb with spices for anointing. As the sun begins to rise, they arrive, only to find the stone already rolled away and the tomb empty, setting the stage for the incredible revelation of the resurrection.
Why did these women brave the darkness and the risks to reach the tomb so early?
The text highlights a deep sense of urgency and devotion. 'Very early in the morning,' and 'when the sun had risen' paint a picture of a journey undertaken with haste, as soon as the Sabbath restrictions were lifted.
A Love That Couldn't Wait
Why is the timing of their visit – the 'first day of the week' – so significant?
The 'first day of the week' marks a profound turning point in history. It's not just another day; it's the day that signals a new creation, a new covenant, and a new hope.
The Dawn of a New Era
Understand the original words
mnēmeion · Greek Noun
A place of burial; a grave. In the Gospels, it refers to a rock-hewn chamber where the body of Jesus was placed, serving as the site of his death and subsequent resurrection.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion and Burial
Following his trial, Jesus is crucified and buried in a tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea. This event is the central tragedy and catalyst for the events that follow.
c. AD 30
Jewish Sabbath Observance
The Sabbath, from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, was a strict day of rest. This meant no work, including traveling long distances or performing tasks like anointing a body, could be done. The women had to wait until after sunset on Saturday to begin preparations.
c. AD 30
Preparation of Spices
After the Sabbath ended at sunset, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome purchased additional spices. They intended to anoint Jesus' body more fully, a task that could not be completed before his hasty burial.
c. AD 30
Journey to the Tomb
Sometime after the Sabbath ended and before dawn on Sunday, the women set out for the tomb. Different Gospel accounts suggest varying stages of light and timing for their arrival.
This passage describes Mary Magdalene arriving at the tomb 'while it was still dark,' complementing Mark's account of the women arriving 'when the sun had risen' by highlighting the different stages of dawn and the women's early departure.
Luke 24:1This verse states that the women came to the tomb 'very early in the morning,' echoing Mark's description and emphasizing their eagerness and the newness of the day of resurrection.
Matthew 28:1This passage also mentions the 'end of the Sabbath' as the time the women set out, underscoring the significance of the transition from the Sabbath day to the first day of the week, the day of Christ's resurrection.
Psalm 22:1The title of this Psalm, referring to the 'hind of the morning,' is often interpreted metaphorically as a reference to the dawning of a new day or the arrival of salvation, which beautifully aligns with the dawn of the resurrection morning.
clarkeMark 16:2: "And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun."
Very early in the morning, - This was the time they left their own houses, and by the rising of the sun they got to the tomb. As the preceding day was the Sabbath, they could not, consistently with the observances of that day, approach the tomb. See the concluding notes at the end of John. The following observations from Lightfoot will serve to illustrate this subject. "T…
gillMark 16:2: "And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun."
And very early in the morning, the first day of the week,.... See Gill on Matthew 28:1 . They came to the sepulchre at the rising of the sun; of the sun of righteousness, as Mr. Mede observes; or rather, of the natural sun: for though it was dark when they set out, and when it dawned towards the first day, yet by that time that they all got to the sepulchre, the sun was r…
While the text states the women arrived "at the rising of the sun," it also notes "very early in the morning." This subtle timing suggests their journey began in darkness and they arrived precisely as the dawn broke, highlighting their eager haste to find Jesus even before full daylight.
The women, having waited through the Sabbath, set out very early on Sunday morning to visit Jesus' tomb with spices for anointing. As the sun begins to rise, they arrive, only to find the stone already rolled away and the tomb empty, setting the stage for the incredible revelation of the resurrection.
The women, having waited through the Sabbath, set out very early on Sunday morning to visit Jesus' tomb with spices for anointing. As the sun begins to rise, they arrive, only to find the stone already rolled away and the tomb empty, setting the stage for the incredible revelation of the resurrection.
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"And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb." — While the text states the women arrived "at the rising of the sun," it also notes "very early in the morning." This subtle timing suggests their journey began in darkness and they arrived precisely a…
