Luke 24:10 (KJV)

What does Luke 24:10 mean?

Luke 24:10 identifies the women who first reported Jesus’ resurrection to the apostles: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and other women with them. These women were the first to share the news of the empty tomb and what they had seen and heard.

This verse comes right after the discovery of the empty tomb on the first Easter morning. The women listed here had gone to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body, but instead found it empty and were told by angels that Jesus had risen. Luke names these women to show their role as the first witnesses to the resurrection, highlighting their importance in the story and in the early Christian community.

The Greek behind Luke 24:10

• ἀπόστολοι (apostoloi, G652): This word means "apostles" or "sent ones." Luke uses it here to show that the women brought their message specifically to the core group of Jesus’ followers, emphasizing the official and foundational nature of their testimony.
• ἕτεραι (heterai, G3062): Translated as "other," this word indicates that more women were present than just the three named. Luke’s mention of "other women" broadens the group of witnesses, suggesting a larger circle of female disciples who played a key role in these events.
• εἶπαν (eipan, G3004): This is the Greek word for "told" or "said." The verb here carries the sense of reporting or announcing important news, underlining the significance of what the women communicated to the apostles.

Why Luke 24:10 matters

• Luke 24:10 clarifies that women were the first to witness and report the resurrection, which was unusual in a culture where women’s testimony was often undervalued.
• By naming specific women and mentioning others, Luke underscores their credibility and importance, challenging assumptions about who could be a reliable witness.
• This verse connects the discovery of the empty tomb to the apostles’ later actions, showing how the resurrection message began to spread among Jesus’ followers.