Mark 16:8 - They went out, and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come on them. They said nothing to anyone; for they were afraid.
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What does "Mark 16:8" mean?
Mark 16:8, "They went out, and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come on them. They said nothing to anyone; for they were afraid," is a powerful and somewhat unsettling verse. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and implications:
"They went out, and fled from the tomb..." This refers to the women (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome) who had gone to anoint Jesus' body. After finding the tomb empty and hearing the announcement from the young man (angel), their immediate reaction is not one of joy or understanding, but of fear.
"...for trembling and astonishment had come on them." This describes their emotional and physical state. "Trembling" suggests a physical manifestation of their fear, a shaking or quivering. "Astonishment" indicates a state of overwhelming surprise and bewilderment. They are completely overwhelmed by what they have witnessed. It's not just a little surprise; it's a profound shock to their system.
"They said nothing to anyone; for they were afraid." This is the most debated part of the verse. Their silence is attributed to their fear. This fear could stem from several sources:
Fear of the Unknown: They don't understand what has happened. The resurrection is unprecedented, and their minds can't process it. They are confronted with something beyond their comprehension.
Fear of Disbelief: They might be afraid that no one will believe them. Their story is so outlandish that they fear ridicule or rejection. In that cultural context, women's testimony held less weight.
Fear of the Authorities: Remembering Jesus's persecution, they might fear being associated with him and facing the same fate from the Roman or Jewish authorities. The whole situation is politically charged, and to announce Jesus' resurrection could be viewed as a rebellious act.
Overwhelmed Awe: The fear is not just a negative terror, but also a sense of awe and reverence in the presence of the divine. They are encountering something so powerful and miraculous that it silences them.
Implications and Significance:
A Raw and Honest Portrayal: This ending is stark and unflinching. It doesn't gloss over the women's initial reaction with triumphant joy. Instead, it presents a realistic and human response to an extraordinary event.
An Invitation to Faith: The abrupt ending can be seen as an invitation to the reader to grapple with the meaning of the resurrection. It challenges us to consider how we would react in a similar situation and to move beyond fear to faith.
Textual Debate: Mark 16:8 is a point of contention among biblical scholars. The oldest and most reliable manuscripts of Mark end at verse 8. The longer endings (verses 9-20) are believed to be later additions, likely written to provide a more conventional conclusion. The shorter ending (found in some manuscripts) also attempts to provide a more satisfying ending. The abruptness of verse 8 has led to questions about whether the original ending of Mark has been lost.
Emphasizing the Resurrection's Impact: The women's fear and silence highlight the immense impact of the resurrection. It was not just a minor event, but a world-altering occurrence that left people speechless and terrified.
Acknowledging doubt and disbelief: The account acknowledges that acceptance of such an improbable event might be difficult.
In summary, Mark 16:8 portrays the women's initial reaction to the empty tomb as one of fear, astonishment, and silence. This ending, whether intentional or incomplete, emphasizes the raw and overwhelming power of the resurrection and invites the reader to engage with its implications.
Mark 16:8 - They went out, and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come on them. They said nothing to anyone; for they were afraid.
What does "Mark 16:8" mean?
Mark 16:8, "They went out, and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come on them. They said nothing to anyone; for they were afraid," is a powerful and somewhat unsettling verse. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and implications:
"They went out, and fled from the tomb..." This refers to the women (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome) who had gone to anoint Jesus' body. After finding the tomb empty and hearing the announcement from the young man (angel), their immediate reaction is not one of joy or understanding, but of fear.
"...for trembling and astonishment had come on them." This describes their emotional and physical state. "Trembling" suggests a physical manifestation of their fear, a shaking or quivering. "Astonishment" indicates a state of overwhelming surprise and bewilderment. They are completely overwhelmed by what they have witnessed. It's not just a little surprise; it's a profound shock to their system.
"They said nothing to anyone; for they were afraid." This is the most debated part of the verse. Their silence is attributed to their fear. This fear could stem from several sources:
Fear of the Unknown: They don't understand what has happened. The resurrection is unprecedented, and their minds can't process it. They are confronted with something beyond their comprehension.
Fear of Disbelief: They might be afraid that no one will believe them. Their story is so outlandish that they fear ridicule or rejection. In that cultural context, women's testimony held less weight.
Fear of the Authorities: Remembering Jesus's persecution, they might fear being associated with him and facing the same fate from the Roman or Jewish authorities. The whole situation is politically charged, and to announce Jesus' resurrection could be viewed as a rebellious act.
Overwhelmed Awe: The fear is not just a negative terror, but also a sense of awe and reverence in the presence of the divine. They are encountering something so powerful and miraculous that it silences them.
Implications and Significance:
A Raw and Honest Portrayal: This ending is stark and unflinching. It doesn't gloss over the women's initial reaction with triumphant joy. Instead, it presents a realistic and human response to an extraordinary event.
An Invitation to Faith: The abrupt ending can be seen as an invitation to the reader to grapple with the meaning of the resurrection. It challenges us to consider how we would react in a similar situation and to move beyond fear to faith.
Textual Debate: Mark 16:8 is a point of contention among biblical scholars. The oldest and most reliable manuscripts of Mark end at verse 8. The longer endings (verses 9-20) are believed to be later additions, likely written to provide a more conventional conclusion. The shorter ending (found in some manuscripts) also attempts to provide a more satisfying ending. The abruptness of verse 8 has led to questions about whether the original ending of Mark has been lost.
Emphasizing the Resurrection's Impact: The women's fear and silence highlight the immense impact of the resurrection. It was not just a minor event, but a world-altering occurrence that left people speechless and terrified.
Acknowledging doubt and disbelief: The account acknowledges that acceptance of such an improbable event might be difficult.
In summary, Mark 16:8 portrays the women's initial reaction to the empty tomb as one of fear, astonishment, and silence. This ending, whether intentional or incomplete, emphasizes the raw and overwhelming power of the resurrection and invites the reader to engage with its implications.