Mark 16:7 (KJV)

What does Mark 16:7 mean?

Mark 16:7 tells the women at Jesus’s tomb to go and inform his disciples, especially Peter, that Jesus will go ahead of them to Galilee and they will see him there, just as he had promised. This verse highlights a message of hope and restoration after Jesus’s resurrection.

In this scene, an angel speaks to the women who have come to Jesus’s tomb and finds it empty. The angel instructs them to deliver a specific message to the disciples and singles out Peter by name, which is notable given Peter’s earlier denial of Jesus. The mention of Galilee points back to Jesus’s earlier words and assures the disciples that he will meet them again, fulfilling his promise.

The Greek behind Mark 16:7

• "ἀπάγετε" (G5217, apagete, "go your way"): This word is a command, urging the women to leave quickly with a purpose, not just to depart but to carry out an important task.
• "εἴπατε" (G2036, eipate, "tell"): This is another command, emphasizing the urgency and importance of delivering the message to the disciples.
• "καὶ Πέτρῳ" (G2532, G4074, kai Petrō, "and Peter"): The Greek specifically singles out Peter, highlighting his inclusion and perhaps his need for reassurance after his denial.
• "προάγει" (G4254, proagei, "goeth before"): This word often means to lead the way or go ahead, painting a picture of Jesus as a leader who is already waiting for them in Galilee.

Why Mark 16:7 matters

• Mark 16:7 clears up any doubt about Peter’s place among the disciples after his denial, showing that he is still included in Jesus’s plans.
• The verse emphasizes that Jesus’s resurrection is not the end but a new beginning, as he promises to meet his followers again.
• Mark 16:7 connects back to Jesus’s earlier predictions and reassures the disciples that his words can be trusted, even after the trauma of the crucifixion.