And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

MATTHEW 27:61KJV
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Matthew 27:61 (KJV)

What does Matthew 27:61 mean?

Matthew 27:61 describes Mary Magdalene and another woman named Mary sitting across from the tomb where Jesus had just been buried, watching what was happening. This verse shows that these two women were present and attentive at the burial site after Jesus’s crucifixion.

The scene takes place just after Jesus’s body has been placed in the tomb by Joseph of Arimathea. Matthew is careful to name Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” (likely the mother of James and Joseph) as witnesses, highlighting their presence and attention. The verse sets up their later role as the first to discover the empty tomb, emphasizing their faithfulness and involvement in these key moments.

The Greek behind Matthew 27:61

  • The word “sitting” (καθεζόμεναι, kathezomenai) means to be seated or to remain in place. The Greek here suggests the women were not just passing by but were deliberately staying and watching, showing their commitment.
  • The phrase “over against” (ἀπέναντι, apenanti) means directly opposite or facing. This detail shows the women had a clear view of the tomb, making them reliable witnesses to what happened.
  • “Sepulchre” (τάφος, taphos) means a tomb or burial place. The use of this word makes clear that this was a real, physical location, not a symbolic one.

Why Matthew 27:61 matters

  • This verse clears up any question about whether Jesus’s followers knew where he was buried, since Matthew names specific women who witnessed the location.
  • By highlighting the women’s presence, Matthew shows their importance as witnesses to both Jesus’s burial and, later, his resurrection.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by setting up the narrative for the discovery of the empty tomb, emphasizing continuity and reliability in the story.

Where else these words appear

“against” Greek G561 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 21:2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
  • Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
  • Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

“sepulchre” Greek G5028 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
  • Matthew 27:64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
  • Matthew 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

“Magdalene” Greek G3094 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 27:56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
  • Mark 15:47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.
  • Luke 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

“Mary” Greek G3137 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
  • Luke 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
  • John 11:19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.