Mark 16:4
And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀναβλέψασαι
when they looked
G308
ἀναβλέψασαι
when they looked
Strong's:
G308
Word #:
2 of 11
to look up; by implication, to recover sight
θεωροῦσιν
they saw
G2334
θεωροῦσιν
they saw
Strong's:
G2334
Word #:
3 of 11
to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 11
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Historical Context
Matthew 28:2 records an earthquake and angel rolling the stone—Mark focuses on the women's perspective, what they discovered. Early Christians saw the empty tomb as central proof of resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The stone's removal provided physical evidence that couldn't be explained by theft (guards prevented that) or hallucination (an empty tomb is objective reality).
Questions for Reflection
- What "very great" obstacles has God removed in your life when you stepped forward in faith?
- How does the already-rolled stone demonstrate that God works ahead of our arrival?
- Why was physical evidence (empty tomb, rolled stone) important for resurrection faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away (ἀνακεκύλισται ὁ λίθος, anakekylistai ho lithos—perfect tense, "stands rolled back")—God solved their problem before they arrived. The passive voice suggests divine action: the stone didn't roll itself. For it was very great (ἦν γὰρ μέγας σφόδρα) emphasizes the impossibility they faced and the magnitude of God's intervention.
This detail typifies Mark's vivid eyewitness style—Peter likely supplied this detail to Mark. The rolled stone didn't let Jesus out (He passed through grave clothes, John 20:5-7) but let witnesses in. Resurrection power removes obstacles we cannot budge: our tomb-stone of death has been rolled away in Christ.