And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.

MARK 16:10KJV
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Mark 16:10 (KJV)

What does Mark 16:10 mean?

Mark 16:10 describes how Mary Magdalene went to the followers of Jesus, who were grieving and crying, and told them that she had seen Him alive. The verse highlights her role as the first messenger of the resurrection to those closest to Jesus.

Mary Magdalene is the "she" in this verse, and she is bringing news to the disciples—those who had been with Jesus during His ministry. The disciples are described as mourning and weeping, showing their deep sorrow after Jesus’ death. This moment sets the stage for the disciples to hear the first report of Jesus’ resurrection, even while they are still in the depths of their grief.

The Greek behind Mark 16:10

  • "Mourned" (ἐπενθοῦν, epenthoun) and "wept" (ἔκλαιον, eklaion) both emphasize the intensity of the disciples' sorrow. The Greek words suggest a deep, public expression of grief, not just quiet sadness.
  • "Told" (ἀπαγγέλλω, apangellō) is often used for reporting important news or making an announcement, underlining that Mary’s message is significant and urgent.

Why Mark 16:10 matters

  • Mark 16:10 clarifies that the first witnesses to the resurrection were not the male disciples but Mary Magdalene, highlighting her important role in the story.
  • The verse shows the emotional state of the disciples, emphasizing how unexpected and difficult the news of the resurrection was for them to believe.
  • This verse connects directly to the following verses, where the disciples’ initial disbelief is shown, making Mary’s announcement a turning point in the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“mourned” Greek G3996 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
  • 1 Corinthians 5:2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
  • Revelation 18:11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

“wept” Greek G2799 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Luke 19:41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
  • Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

“told” Greek G518 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 8:34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
  • Acts 12:14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

“went” Greek G4198 · used in 147 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 9:53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
  • Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.