Matthew 27:56
Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
Original Language Analysis
αἷς
which
G3739
αἷς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Μαρία
Mary
G3137
Μαρία
Mary
Strong's:
G3137
Word #:
4 of 20
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Μαρία
Mary
G3137
Μαρία
Mary
Strong's:
G3137
Word #:
8 of 20
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μήτηρ
the mother
G3384
μήτηρ
the mother
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
14 of 20
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μήτηρ
the mother
G3384
μήτηρ
the mother
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
17 of 20
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 19:25Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.Mark 16:9Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.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.Matthew 27:61And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.Matthew 13:55Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?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.John 20:18Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.Luke 24:10It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
Historical Context
Matthew carefully identifies these women by their relationships to men (standard practice in patriarchal society) yet elevates their role as witnesses. That the Gospel writers included women as primary sources—despite their testimony being legally invalid—argues for historical authenticity. No one fabricating a story would base it on 'unreliable' witnesses.
Questions for Reflection
- Why would God choose women as primary witnesses to the resurrection in a culture that dismissed their testimony?
- How does Mary Magdalene's transformation from demon-possessed to faithful disciple illustrate the gospel's power?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Mary Magdalene—from Magdala, delivered from seven demons (Luke 8:2), she became Jesus' devoted follower and would be the first resurrection witness (John 20:11-18). Mary the mother of James and Joses—likely the wife of Clopas (John 19:25), possibly Jesus' aunt, making James and Joses his cousins. The mother of Zebedee's children—Salome (Mark 15:40), mother of James and John, who had requested thrones for her sons (Matthew 20:20-21).
This threefold naming emphasizes eyewitness testimony—ancient legal documents required multiple witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15). These women's presence at cross, burial, and resurrection makes them foundational witnesses to the gospel events. Notably, women's testimony was generally inadmissible in Jewish courts, yet God chose them as primary witnesses, subverting human authority structures.