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.

MARK 16:6KJV
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Mark 16:6 (KJV)

What does Mark 16:6 mean?

Mark 16:6 describes an angel telling the women at Jesus’ tomb not to be afraid, explaining that Jesus of Nazareth, whom they are seeking, has risen from the dead and is no longer there; the angel points out the place where Jesus’ body had been laid. This verse announces that Jesus’ resurrection has already happened and confirms the empty tomb to the witnesses.

The scene takes place early on the first day of the week, after Jesus’ crucifixion. The women have come to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body, but instead they meet a messenger (described as a young man in white) who reassures them and explains the empty tomb. The verse is a turning point, shifting from mourning and confusion to the proclamation that Jesus is alive.

The Greek behind Mark 16:6

  • The word for “risen” is ἐγήγερται (egēgertai), which means “has been raised” or “has risen.” This word often carries the sense of someone being awakened or brought back to life, emphasizing that Jesus’ resurrection is an act done to him, not something he did alone.
  • The Greek word for “be not affrighted” is ἐκθαμβεῖσθε (ekthambeisthe), which means “do not be alarmed” or “do not be greatly amazed.” It suggests a deep, overwhelming fear or astonishment, showing how shocking the empty tomb was for the women.
  • The phrase “behold the place where they laid him” uses the word ἴδε (ide, “behold”), which is a strong invitation to look and see for themselves, underlining the reality and physical evidence of the resurrection.

Why Mark 16:6 matters

  • Mark 16:6 directly addresses the fear and confusion of the women, showing that the resurrection was unexpected even for Jesus’ closest followers and needed to be explained.
  • The verse highlights that the resurrection is a historical claim, grounded in the physical reality of the empty tomb and witnessed by real people.
  • This moment connects the story of Jesus’ death with the hope of new life, marking the central message of the Christian faith and setting the stage for the spread of this news to others.