And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

MARK 15:42KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 15:42 (KJV)

What does Mark 15:42 mean?

Mark 15:42 explains that evening had arrived, and it was the day of preparation—the day before the Sabbath. This detail sets the timing for the events that follow, showing that Jesus’ crucifixion happened just before the Jewish Sabbath began.

The verse is part of Mark’s account of Jesus’ death. Mark is narrating to his readers, giving them the context that Jewish law required certain things to be done before the Sabbath, a day of rest. This timing is important because it explains why those involved hurried to bury Jesus before sunset, when the Sabbath would start and work would be forbidden.

The Greek behind Mark 15:42

  • παρασκευή (paraskeuē, “preparation”): This word refers to the day before the Sabbath, when Jewish people would get everything ready because no work could be done on the Sabbath itself. Mark uses this term to help readers unfamiliar with Jewish customs understand why there was urgency.
  • σάββατον (sabbaton, “Sabbath”): This is the weekly day of rest in Jewish tradition, beginning at sunset on Friday. Mentioning it here highlights the religious and cultural setting, explaining the rush to complete burial before the Sabbath began.

Why Mark 15:42 matters

  • Mark 15:42 clarifies the timeline of Jesus’ death and burial, helping readers understand why there was a rush to act before sunset.
  • The verse shows Mark’s effort to explain Jewish customs to a broader audience, making the narrative accessible to non-Jewish readers.
  • This detail connects directly to the following verses, setting up the actions of Joseph of Arimathea and others who sought to bury Jesus before the Sabbath restrictions took effect.

Where else these words appear

“preparation” Greek G3904 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 27:62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
  • Luke 23:54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
  • John 19:31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day,(for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

“that” Greek G3603 · used in 11 verses

  • Mark 3:17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:
  • Mark 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
  • Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

“even” Greek G3798 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
  • Matthew 20:8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
  • Mark 6:47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

“because” Greek G1893 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 18:32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
  • Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
  • Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;