And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.

MARK 16:13KJV
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Mark 16:13 (KJV)

What does Mark 16:13 mean?

Mark 16:13 says that when some followers of Jesus went and told the rest of the disciples that they had seen Him alive, the others did not believe them. This verse highlights the ongoing doubt and disbelief among Jesus’ closest followers after His resurrection.

The setting is after Jesus’ resurrection, when two disciples (often understood as those who met Jesus on the road to Emmaus) reported their experience to the remaining group of disciples. Despite hearing firsthand accounts from trusted friends, the group still struggled to accept that Jesus had truly risen from the dead. This moment shows the real human difficulty in believing something so unexpected, even from reliable witnesses.

The Greek behind Mark 16:13

  • "residue" (οἱ λοιποί, hoi loipoi; transliteration: loipoi): This word refers to "the rest" or "the remaining ones," meaning the other disciples who had not yet seen Jesus themselves. It emphasizes that the message was brought to the whole group, not just a few.
  • "neither" (οὐδὲ, oude; transliteration: oude): This word means "not even" or "neither," showing that just as with earlier reports, these disciples also did not believe. It stresses the repeated disbelief, not just a one-time reaction.
  • "they believed" (ἐπίστευσαν, episteusan; transliteration: episteusan): This is the verb for "to believe" or "to trust." Here, it is used in the negative, underlining that the disciples did not accept the testimony, even from people they knew.

Why Mark 16:13 matters

  • Mark 16:13 clears up the idea that Jesus’ disciples were easily convinced about the resurrection; instead, it shows their honest skepticism and need for personal experience.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by building tension—multiple reports of Jesus’ resurrection are met with disbelief, setting up Jesus’ later appearance and rebuke for their lack of faith.
  • This verse helps readers see that faith in the resurrection was not automatic, even for those closest to Jesus, making their eventual belief more significant.

Where else these words appear

“they” Greek G2548 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
  • Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
  • John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

“residue” Greek G3062 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 22:6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
  • Acts 27:44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.
  • Philippians 1:13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

“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 G565 · used in 118 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 5:17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
  • Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.