Mark 16:3
And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔλεγον
they said
G3004
ἔλεγον
they said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
πρὸς
among
G4314
πρὸς
among
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 14
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ἑαυτάς
themselves
G1438
ἑαυτάς
themselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
4 of 14
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
Τίς
Who
G5101
Τίς
Who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
5 of 14
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 14
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θύρας
the door
G2374
θύρας
the door
Strong's:
G2374
Word #:
12 of 14
a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
Wealthy Jews used disc-shaped stones in grooved tracks to seal rock-hewn tombs (Joseph of Arimathea was rich, 15:43). Roman seals (Matthew 27:66) and guards made opening it not just physically impossible but legally treasonous. The women's willingness to attempt this displays extraordinary courage.
Questions for Reflection
- What "stone" (seemingly immovable obstacle) keeps you from fully encountering the risen Christ?
- How does the women's determination despite insurmountable barriers challenge your own faith-filled action?
- In what ways do you approach God's promises while simultaneously doubting their fulfillment?
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Analysis & Commentary
Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? (τίς ἀποκυλίσει ἡμῖν τὸν λίθον, tis apoklysei hēmin ton lithon)—the women's practical concern reveals faith overcoming obstacles: they came despite knowing they couldn't open the tomb. The stone (λίθος) was likely a massive disc weighing 1-2 tons, rolled in a groove across the entrance.
This question mirrors our spiritual condition: we cannot roll away sin's barrier to God. The women's helplessness before the stone pictures humanity's inability to conquer death. Yet they came anyway—faith acts on devotion even when the way seems blocked. Their question, asked among themselves (πρὸς ἑαυτάς), shows mutual encouragement overcoming doubt.