Mark 16:4 - for it was very big. Looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back.
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What does "Mark 16:4" mean?
Mark 16:4 is a pivotal verse in the account of the resurrection of Jesus. Let's break it down:
"for it was very big." This refers to the stone that sealed the entrance to Jesus' tomb. Mark emphasizes its size to underscore the enormity of the task involved in moving it. This detail highlights the impossibility of humans easily removing it and suggests a supernatural element in its removal.
"Looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back." The women (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome) went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body with spices. Their initial concern (Mark 16:3) was how they would move the massive stone. But upon arrival, they discovered the stone had already been rolled away. This is significant for a few reasons:
Visual Evidence: The rolled-away stone provided visual evidence that something extraordinary had occurred. It refuted any claims that the tomb had been robbed by humans (since a large group would have difficulty moving the stone without notice).
Entrance: It allowed the women to enter the tomb and discover further evidence of the resurrection (as described in the following verses).
Symbolic Meaning: Some interpret the rolled-away stone as a symbolic representation of the removal of the barrier between humanity and God, made possible through Jesus' resurrection.
In essence, Mark 16:4 describes the women's discovery of the impossible having happened: the enormous stone was moved, opening the way for them to witness the empty tomb and the news of Jesus' resurrection. The verse emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the event and sets the stage for the rest of the resurrection narrative.
Mark 16:4 - for it was very big. Looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back.
What does "Mark 16:4" mean?
Mark 16:4 is a pivotal verse in the account of the resurrection of Jesus. Let's break it down:
"for it was very big." This refers to the stone that sealed the entrance to Jesus' tomb. Mark emphasizes its size to underscore the enormity of the task involved in moving it. This detail highlights the impossibility of humans easily removing it and suggests a supernatural element in its removal.
"Looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back." The women (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome) went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body with spices. Their initial concern (Mark 16:3) was how they would move the massive stone. But upon arrival, they discovered the stone had already been rolled away. This is significant for a few reasons:
Visual Evidence: The rolled-away stone provided visual evidence that something extraordinary had occurred. It refuted any claims that the tomb had been robbed by humans (since a large group would have difficulty moving the stone without notice).
Entrance: It allowed the women to enter the tomb and discover further evidence of the resurrection (as described in the following verses).
Symbolic Meaning: Some interpret the rolled-away stone as a symbolic representation of the removal of the barrier between humanity and God, made possible through Jesus' resurrection.
In essence, Mark 16:4 describes the women's discovery of the impossible having happened: the enormous stone was moved, opening the way for them to witness the empty tomb and the news of Jesus' resurrection. The verse emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the event and sets the stage for the rest of the resurrection narrative.