Luke 24:22
Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
Yea
G235
ἀλλὰ
Yea
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
5 of 13
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἐξέστησαν
astonished
G1839
ἐξέστησαν
astonished
Strong's:
G1839
Word #:
7 of 13
to put (stand) out of wits, i.e., astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane
γενόμεναι
which were
G1096
γενόμεναι
which were
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
9 of 13
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἐπὶ
at
G1909
ἐπὶ
at
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Historical Context
Women visiting tombs at dawn to complete burial rites was customary Jewish practice, as the Sabbath had prevented proper preparation. However, women's testimony carried no legal weight in Jewish or Roman courts. Luke's emphasis on female witnesses demonstrates the gospel's counter-cultural elevation of women and historical authenticity—no fabricated account would feature women as primary witnesses.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did God choose women as the first resurrection witnesses despite cultural dismissal of their testimony?
- How does the disciples' astonishment without belief reflect modern skepticism toward miracle claims?
- What does the women's early morning devotion teach about prioritizing Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Certain women also of our company made us astonished (γυναῖκές τινες ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐξέστησαν ἡμᾶς, gynaikes tines ex hēmōn exestēsan hēmas)—The verb existēmi (astonished/amazed) literally means 'to stand outside oneself,' indicating overwhelming bewilderment rather than believing joy. Luke emphasizes the women's early arrival (which were early at the sepulchre, ὀρθριναὶ ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον, orthrinai epi to mnēmeion), contrasting their faithfulness with male disciples' absence.
The phrase of our company (ἐξ ἡμῶν, ex hēmōn) acknowledges these women as full members of Jesus' disciple community—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James (24:10). Yet the men's response was skeptical dismissal (v. 11: 'idle tales'). The women's testimony, though legally inadmissible in first-century courts, became the resurrection's first proclamation.