(Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

MARK 15:41KJV
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Mark 15:41 (KJV)

What does Mark 15:41 mean?

Mark 15:41 describes how several women who had followed Jesus in Galilee also came with him to Jerusalem and cared for his needs. The verse points out that these women were present and supportive throughout Jesus’s ministry, not just at the end.

This verse is part of the story of Jesus’s crucifixion, where Mark notes who was present. The writer highlights that many women, not just the well-known disciples, had been following Jesus for some time. Their role included both traveling with him and providing practical help, showing their ongoing commitment and involvement.

The Greek behind Mark 15:41

  • The word “ministered” (διηκόνουν, diēkonoun) means to serve or care for someone’s needs. In this context, it suggests these women were actively supporting Jesus, likely providing food, resources, or other help during his travels.
  • The phrase “came up with him” uses the Greek word (συνανέβησαν, synanebēsan), which means to go up together. This points to the idea that these women journeyed alongside Jesus and his followers, emphasizing their presence as part of the group traveling to Jerusalem.

Why Mark 15:41 matters

  • Mark 15:41 highlights that women played a significant and ongoing role in Jesus’s ministry, not just as bystanders but as active supporters and followers.
  • The verse corrects the common impression that only the male disciples were close to Jesus, showing that many women were also deeply involved.
  • By mentioning these women at the crucifixion, Mark sets up their later role as witnesses to Jesus’s resurrection, connecting their faithfulness throughout his ministry to the events that follow.

Where else these words appear

“up” Greek G4872 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 13:31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

“ministered” Greek G1247 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
  • Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

“Jerusalem” Greek G2414 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Luke 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
  • Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

“Galilee” Greek G1056 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 1:39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
  • Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.