Mark 15:33
And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
Original Language Analysis
ἐγένετο
there was
G1096
ἐγένετο
there was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 13
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
σκότος
darkness
G4655
σκότος
darkness
Strong's:
G4655
Word #:
5 of 13
shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)
ἐγένετο
there was
G1096
ἐγένετο
there was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
6 of 13
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἐφ'
over
G1909
ἐφ'
over
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
7 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
ὅλην
the whole
G3650
ὅλην
the whole
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
8 of 13
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆν
land
G1093
γῆν
land
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
10 of 13
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
Historical Context
Multiple ancient historians noted unusual darkness at this time, though accounts vary. The historian Thallus (52 AD) mentioned darkness during Passover in Jesus' era, which Julius Africanus (221 AD) cited. The darkness occurred during peak daylight hours when activity in Jerusalem would be maximal—Passover preparation was underway. The supernatural darkness would have terrified a population familiar with darkness as divine judgment. This was the hour when Passover lambs were being slaughtered in the Temple for the evening meal.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the darkness at Christ's crucifixion illuminate the gravity of God's wrath against sin?
- What does creation's response (darkness) to Jesus' death reveal about His cosmic significance as Creator?
- In what ways should understanding Christ bore 'outer darkness' for you affect your worship and gratitude?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour—From noon (hōra hektē, ὥρα ἕκτη, sixth hour) until 3 PM (hōra enatē, ὥρα ἐνάτη, ninth hour), supernatural darkness (skotos, σκότος) covered holēn tēn gēn (ὅλην τὴν γῆν)—debated whether 'whole land' (Judea) or 'whole earth' (cosmic). The preposition epi (ἐπὶ, 'over/upon') suggests comprehensive covering.
This wasn't a natural eclipse—impossible during Passover's full moon. The darkness was theophanic judgment, recalling the ninth plague (Exodus 10:21-23). As Jesus bore humanity's sin, the Father judicially 'made Him to be sin' (2 Corinthians 5:21), and darkness symbolized divine judgment falling on the sin-bearer. The Light of the World (John 8:12) was shrouded in darkness, bearing the outer darkness humanity deserved. Amos 8:9 prophesied: 'I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day.' The darkness proclaimed cosmic significance: creation's King was dying.