Matthew 27:55
And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
Original Language Analysis
πολλαὶ
many
G4183
πολλαὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
5 of 17
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἀπὸ
afar off
G575
ἀπὸ
afar off
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
6 of 17
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
θεωροῦσαι
beholding
G2334
θεωροῦσαι
beholding
Strong's:
G2334
Word #:
8 of 17
to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))
αἵτινες
which
G3748
αἵτινες
which
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
9 of 17
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
ἠκολούθησαν
followed
G190
ἠκολούθησαν
followed
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
12 of 17
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἀπὸ
afar off
G575
ἀπὸ
afar off
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
13 of 17
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Γαλιλαίας
Galilee
G1056
Γαλιλαίας
Galilee
Strong's:
G1056
Word #:
15 of 17
galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine
Historical Context
Women in first-century Judaism had limited public religious roles, yet they formed crucial support networks for Jesus' ministry. Their financial support (Luke 8:2-3) and loyal presence were essential. Roman law generally forbade close approach to crucifixion sites except for soldiers and officials, explaining 'afar off.'
Questions for Reflection
- What does the women's faithfulness reveal about authentic discipleship versus mere profession?
- How does Jesus' treatment of women as valued disciples challenge both ancient and modern gender prejudices?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Many women were there beholding afar off (ἀπὸ μακρόθεν θεωροῦσαι)—while the eleven disciples fled (except John), faithful women remained. The Greek theorousai (beholding) means sustained, careful watching, not casual glancing. These women had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him (διακονοῦσαι)—the same word for 'deacon' service.
Their presence fulfills Jesus' teaching that 'whoever wants to be first must be servant of all' (Mark 10:44). These women exemplified discipleship through service and steadfast loyalty. Though Roman custom kept them at a distance from crucifixion sites, they remained as close as possible—contrasting sharply with the absent male disciples who had promised 'we will never forsake you' (Matthew 26:35).