There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

MARK 15:40KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 15:40 (KJV)

What does Mark 15:40 mean?

Mark 15:40 describes how several women, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome, were watching from a distance as Jesus was crucified. These women are named as witnesses who stayed near, even when most of Jesus’ other followers had scattered.

The verse is part of the account of Jesus’ crucifixion, where Mark notes who remained present at this critical moment. The mention of these women by name highlights their loyalty and presence, especially since the male disciples are not mentioned as being nearby. This detail sets the stage for their later role as witnesses to Jesus’ burial and resurrection.

Where else these words appear

“Salome” Greek G4539 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 16:1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

“Joses” Greek G2500 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 13:55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
  • Matthew 27:56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
  • Mark 15:47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

“Magdalene” Greek G3094 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 27:56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
  • Mark 15:47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.
  • Luke 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

“afar” Greek G3113 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 26:58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
  • Mark 11:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
  • Luke 22:54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.