Mark 16:2
And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρωῒ
early in the morning
G4404
πρωῒ
early in the morning
Strong's:
G4404
Word #:
3 of 13
at dawn; by implication, the day-break watch
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαββάτων
day of the week
G4521
σαββάτων
day of the week
Strong's:
G4521
Word #:
6 of 13
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
ἔρχονται
they came
G2064
ἔρχονται
they came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
7 of 13
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἐπὶ
unto
G1909
ἐπὶ
unto
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
8 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
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μνημεῖον
the sepulchre
G3419
μνημεῖον
the sepulchre
Strong's:
G3419
Word #:
10 of 13
a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)
Cross References
John 20:1The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.Matthew 28:1In 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.Luke 24:1Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
Historical Context
Roman guards watched tombs until the third day (when Jews believed the soul finally departed). The women risked arrest approaching a sealed, guarded tomb. Early Christians soon worshiped on "the Lord's Day" (Revelation 1:10) instead of the Jewish Sabbath, commemorating this resurrection morning.
Questions for Reflection
- How does "the first day of the week" as resurrection day transform your understanding of Sunday worship?
- What fears or obstacles do you face in coming to Christ early, before the day's distractions arise?
- How does the "rising of the sun" metaphor illuminate Christ as light conquering death's darkness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Very early in the morning the first day of the week (λίαν πρωῒ τῇ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων, lian prōi tē mia tōn sabbatōn)—literally "very early on the first of the Sabbaths," marking Sunday as the new Christian worship day. At the rising of the sun (ἀνατείλαντος τοῦ ἡλίου) carries symbolic weight: as the sun rose physically, the "Sun of Righteousness" (Malachi 4:2) had already risen from death's darkness.
Mark emphasizes their urgency—despite danger from Roman guards and Jewish authorities, love compelled them at dawn's earliest light. This contrasts sharply with the male disciples hiding in fear (14:50). The women's courage makes their subsequent terror at the angel (v.8) all the more striking—resurrection glory exceeds even death's horror.