And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

MARK 16:5KJV
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Mark 16:5 (KJV)

What does Mark 16:5 mean?

Mark 16:5 describes how the women who came to Jesus’ tomb entered and saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a long white robe, which frightened them. The verse sets the scene for the discovery that Jesus’ body is not in the tomb, highlighting the women’s surprise and fear at seeing this unexpected figure.

The setting is early Sunday morning after Jesus’ crucifixion. Several women, including Mary Magdalene, have come to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. Instead of finding the body, they see a young man in white clothing sitting inside. The verse emphasizes their shock and fear, preparing the reader for the announcement that Jesus has risen.

The Greek behind Mark 16:5

  • The word for "sepulchre" is τάφος (taphos, G3419), meaning a tomb or burial place. This clarifies that the women are entering an actual burial chamber, not just approaching a grave.
  • The word for "young man" is νεανίσκος (neaniskos, G3495), often used for a young adult male. The description does not call him an angel here, but the white garment and the context suggest something supernatural or extraordinary.
  • The word for "affrighted" is ἐκθαμβέω (ekthambeō, G1568), which means to be greatly amazed or alarmed, not just mildly surprised. This word choice shows the women’s intense emotional reaction to what they saw.

Why Mark 16:5 matters

  • Mark 16:5 highlights the women’s initial reaction of fear and astonishment, which is a common response in the Bible when people encounter the divine or the unexpected.
  • The verse sets up the dramatic revelation that Jesus is no longer in the tomb, making the resurrection announcement more striking.
  • By describing the young man in a white robe, Mark hints at a heavenly messenger, even before any words are spoken, inviting the reader to pay close attention to what follows.

Where else these words appear

“affrighted” Greek G1568 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 9:15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.
  • Mark 14:33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;
  • Mark 16:6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

“garment” Greek G4749 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 12:38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
  • Luke 20:46 Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;
  • Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

“man” Greek G3495 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
  • Mark 14:51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
  • Acts 5:10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

“white” Greek G3022 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
  • Acts 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
  • Revelation 6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.