Mark 16:5
And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μνημεῖον
the sepulchre
G3419
μνημεῖον
the sepulchre
Strong's:
G3419
Word #:
5 of 16
a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)
εἶδον
they saw
G1492
εἶδον
they saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
6 of 16
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
καθήμενον
sitting
G2521
καθήμενον
sitting
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
8 of 16
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεξιοῖς
the right side
G1188
δεξιοῖς
the right side
Strong's:
G1188
Word #:
11 of 16
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
περιβεβλημένον
clothed
G4016
περιβεβλημένον
clothed
Strong's:
G4016
Word #:
12 of 16
to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)
στολὴν
garment
G4749
στολὴν
garment
Strong's:
G4749
Word #:
13 of 16
equipment, i.e., (specially), a "stole" or long-fitting gown (as a mark of dignity)
Historical Context
Angels at crucial moments in Jesus' story frame Mark's gospel (announced birth in Matthew/Luke, ministered after temptation in Mark 1:13, now announce resurrection). White-robed figures appear throughout Scripture at divine visitations (Daniel 7:9, Revelation 4:4). First-century readers would recognize this as a theophanic appearance.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does encountering God's messengers produce fear rather than mere curiosity or comfort?
- How does the angel's "sitting" position (confident, restful) contrast with the women's frantic urgency?
- What does it mean to seek Jesus in a tomb (among the dead) rather than expecting resurrection life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A young man sitting on the right side (νεανίσκον καθήμενον ἐν τοῖς δεξιοῖς, neaniskon kathēmenon en tois dexiois)—Mark calls him a "young man" though other gospels identify him as an angel (Matthew 28:5, Luke 24:4). His position on the right side indicates honor and authority. Clothed in a long white garment (περιβεβλημένον στολὴν λευκήν) signifies heavenly glory—white garments mark divine messengers and eschatological victory.
They were affrighted (ἐξεθαμβήθησαν, exethambēthēsan)—Mark's characteristic term for overwhelming astonishment mixed with fear. This terror before the angelic herald prepares for their even greater fear at the resurrection message itself (v.8). The women sought a dead Jesus but encountered the ambassadors of the Living One.