Mark 16:2 - Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.

Generated Verse: Mark 16:2

What does "Mark 16:2" mean?


This verse, Mark 16:2, is a simple but significant statement in the narrative of Jesus' resurrection. Let's break down its meaning:

"Very early on the first day of the week": This establishes the timing of the visit to the tomb. "The first day of the week" refers to Sunday, the day after the Jewish Sabbath. The phrase "very early" suggests that the women (mentioned in the previous verse) arrived while it was still dawn or just as the first light was appearing. It emphasizes their eagerness and devotion in wanting to visit Jesus' burial place.

"they came to the tomb": This indicates the purpose of their journey. They were going to the tomb where Jesus had been buried after his crucifixion.

"when the sun had risen": This further clarifies the timing. While it was early, the sun was already above the horizon. This detail can be interpreted in a few ways:
Natural Timing: It simply places the event in a specific timeframe.
Contrast with Darkness: The rising sun can be seen as symbolic of the new day, the new hope, and the dawning of the resurrection. It signifies the victory over darkness (both literal and metaphorical) that Jesus' resurrection represents.

In summary, Mark 16:2 sets the scene for the discovery of the empty tomb. It tells us that a group of women, motivated by love and devotion, visited Jesus' tomb early on Sunday morning, after the sun had already risen. The timing emphasizes the new beginning and the triumph over darkness that the resurrection symbolizes.

It's important to note that there are slight variations in the accounts of the resurrection in the different Gospels. Matthew's account, for example, mentions an earthquake and an angel descending to roll away the stone. Mark's account is more straightforward and focuses on the women's discovery of the empty tomb and the message they receive from a young man (or angel) inside. These differences don't invalidate the core message of the resurrection but offer different perspectives and details on the event.

What categories does "Mark 16:2" have?