Mark 16:19
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
So
G3303
μὲν
So
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
μετὰ
after
G3326
μετὰ
after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανὸν
heaven
G3772
οὐρανὸν
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
12 of 18
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκάθισεν
sat
G2523
ἐκάθισεν
sat
Strong's:
G2523
Word #:
14 of 18
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
ἐκ
on
G1537
ἐκ
on
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
15 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
δεξιῶν
the right hand
G1188
δεξιῶν
the right hand
Strong's:
G1188
Word #:
16 of 18
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
Cross References
1 Peter 3:22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.Hebrews 1:3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Psalms 110:1The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.Romans 8:34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.Acts 2:33Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.Hebrews 8:1Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;Colossians 3:1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.Hebrews 6:20Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.John 6:62What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
Historical Context
The ascension occurred forty days after resurrection (Acts 1:3), from Mount of Olives near Bethany (Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:9-12). Disciples witnessed Jesus rise into clouds, then angels announced His return (Acts 1:9-11). This bodily ascension demonstrated:
- Jesus' physical resurrection (not mere spirit)
- completion of earthly ministry
- beginning of heavenly session.
Early Christian creeds affirm ascension (Apostles' Creed: 'ascended into heaven, sitteth on the right hand of God'). The phrase 'right hand of God' appears throughout Scripture (Psalm 110:1; Matthew 26:64; Acts 2:33-34; 5:31; 7:55-56; Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22). Christ's exaltation vindicates His earthly humiliation and establishes His universal lordship.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' ascension to God's right hand signify about His authority, ongoing ministry, and completed atonement?
- How does Christ's present session in heaven (not merely future return) provide assurance and empower mission?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
After Jesus spoke to disciples, 'he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God' (ἀνελήμφθη εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ ἐκάθισεν ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ θεοῦ). The ascension completed Jesus' exaltation. The passive 'was received up' indicates the Father's action—Jesus returned to glory (John 17:5; Philippians 2:9-11). 'Sat on the right hand of God' fulfills Psalm 110:1 and Jesus' trial claim (Mark 14:62). The right hand signifies place of honor, power, and authority. Jesus now reigns as exalted Lord (Acts 2:33-36), intercedes for believers (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25), and will return in glory (Acts 1:11). The ascension wasn't disappearance but enthronement. Christ's session at God's right hand demonstrates His finished work, ongoing intercession, and sovereign rule. He governs creation and builds His church until His return.