And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

LUKE 23:55KJV
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Luke 23:55 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:55 mean?

Luke 23:55 describes how the women who had traveled with Jesus from Galilee followed after his body and carefully observed the tomb and the way his body was laid there. These women were witnesses to exactly where and how Jesus was buried.

The verse takes place after Jesus’ crucifixion, as his body is being placed in the tomb. The women mentioned are followers of Jesus who had come with him from Galilee, and they are quietly watching to see where his body is laid. This detail sets up their return after the Sabbath to anoint his body, showing their devotion and ensuring they knew the exact location of the tomb.

The Greek behind Luke 23:55

  • γυναῖκες (gynaikes, "women"): This word refers specifically to adult women, highlighting that it was the female followers of Jesus who were present and attentive at his burial.
  • ἐθεάσαντο (etheasanto, "beheld"): This Greek word carries the sense of looking carefully or observing attentively, not just a casual glance. The women were paying close attention to both the tomb and how Jesus’ body was placed.
  • μνημεῖον (mnēmeion, "sepulchre"): This word means a tomb or burial place, clarifying that Jesus was placed in a proper burial site, not left exposed.

Why Luke 23:55 matters

  • Luke 23:55 makes clear that the women were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ burial, which is important for the credibility of the resurrection account—they knew exactly where he was laid.
  • The verse emphasizes the faithfulness and devotion of the women, who stayed with Jesus even after his death when many others had left.
  • By noting how the body was laid, Luke sets up the following events, showing that the women were prepared to return after the Sabbath to care for Jesus’ body, connecting this verse directly to the resurrection story.

Where else these words appear

“after” Greek G2628 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 16:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

“beheld” Greek G2300 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
  • Luke 7:24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
  • Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

“came” Greek G4905 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Acts 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
  • Acts 21:22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

“sepulchre” Greek G3419 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 8:28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
  • Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
  • John 11:31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.