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.

MARK 16:1KJV
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Mark 16:1 (KJV)

What does Mark 16:1 mean?

Mark 16:1 describes how, after the Sabbath had ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought sweet spices so they could go and anoint Jesus’ body. This verse sets the scene for the women’s visit to Jesus’ tomb early on the first day of the week.

The verse is part of the resurrection account in Mark’s Gospel. It names three women who were followers of Jesus and who took practical steps to honor him after his death. The mention of buying spices shows their intention to care for Jesus’ body in accordance with Jewish burial customs, and it highlights their devotion even after his crucifixion.

The Greek behind Mark 16:1

  • σάββατον (sabbaton, G4521): This word means "Sabbath," referring to the Jewish day of rest. The verse notes that the women waited until the Sabbath was over, showing their respect for Jewish law.
  • ἀρώματα (arōmata, G759): This word means "spices" or "aromatic substances." These were used in burial practices to honor the deceased and help with the smell of decay, underlining the women’s care and reverence.
  • ἵνα (hina, G2443): This word is often translated as "that" or "so that," introducing the purpose of their actions. It makes clear that the women’s goal in buying spices was specifically to anoint Jesus.

Why Mark 16:1 matters

  • Mark 16:1 clarifies that the women waited until after the Sabbath to act, showing their observance of religious customs and their patience.
  • The verse highlights the role of women as the first to care for Jesus after his death, setting up their later role as the first witnesses to the empty tomb.
  • By naming the women and their actions, Mark 16:1 connects the events of Jesus’ burial and resurrection, emphasizing continuity and the devotion of his followers.

Where else these words appear

“Salome” Greek G4539 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 15:40 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;

“when” Greek G1230 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 25:13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
  • Acts 27:9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,

“spices” Greek G759 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
  • Luke 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
  • John 19:40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

“anoint” Greek G218 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 6:17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
  • Luke 7:38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
  • John 11:2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)