Mark 16:11
And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 9
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐθεάθη
had been seen
G2300
ἐθεάθη
had been seen
Strong's:
G2300
Word #:
6 of 9
to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit
ὑπ'
of
G5259
ὑπ'
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
7 of 9
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
Cross References
Luke 24:11And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.Mark 9:19He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.Job 9:16If I had called, and he had answered me; yet would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice.Exodus 6:9And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.
Historical Context
First-century Jews had diverse resurrection beliefs: Pharisees expected general resurrection at the end of the age; Sadducees rejected it entirely (12:18). No one expected an individual to rise bodily in the middle of history. This conceptual impossibility, not mere skepticism, explains the disciples' disbelief. Pagan culture mocked bodily resurrection as absurd (Acts 17:32).
Questions for Reflection
- What truths about Christ do you intellectually affirm but functionally disbelieve through your actions?
- How does the disciples' skepticism challenge modern claims that resurrection faith was naive credulity?
- Why is personal encounter with the risen Christ necessary beyond merely hearing testimony?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not (ἤκουσαν ὅτι ζῇ καὶ ἐθεάθη ὑπ' αὐτῆς ἠπίστησαν, ēkousan hoti zē kai etheathe hyp' autēs ēpistēsan)—believed not (ἠπίστησαν, apisteo) means active disbelief or refusal to believe. Despite Jesus' repeated predictions (8:31, 9:31, 10:34), resurrection seemed impossible. Their skepticism actually strengthens the historical case: disciples weren't credulous fools ready to believe anything.
The phrase he was alive (ζῇ, zē—present tense, "He is living") emphasizes ongoing life, not mere resuscitation. The disciples' unbelief mirrors our own resistance to truths that overturn our assumptions. Faith doesn't come from human testimony alone but requires the Holy Spirit's conviction (John 16:8) and personal encounter (v.14).