Matthew 27:61
And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
Original Language Analysis
Μαρία
Mary
G3137
Μαρία
Mary
Strong's:
G3137
Word #:
4 of 14
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 14
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 #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Μαρία
Mary
G3137
Μαρία
Mary
Strong's:
G3137
Word #:
10 of 14
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
καθήμεναι
sitting
G2521
καθήμεναι
sitting
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
11 of 14
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
ἀπέναντι
over against
G561
ἀπέναντι
over against
Strong's:
G561
Word #:
12 of 14
from in front, i.e., opposite, before or against
Historical Context
Jewish mourning customs included sitting with the dead. The women couldn't enter the sealed tomb but remained as close as possible. Their vigil until sundown reflected both devotion and grief. Roman guards weren't yet posted (v. 62-66 occurred the next day), so the women could approach freely. Their presence also ensured proper respect for the deceased.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the women's vigil teach about faithful presence in seasons of apparent defeat?
- How did their grief-driven watching position them to become the first resurrection witnesses?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre (καθήμεναι ἀπέναντι τοῦ τάφου)—the Greek kathemenai indicates extended sitting, not brief observation. These faithful women remained while others left, their grief expressed through presence. Their sitting over against suggests they faced the tomb directly, keeping vigil.
This detail serves legal testimony—they knew exactly where Jesus was buried, refuting later claims of wrong tomb or confused location. Their witness would be essential Sunday morning when they'd return with spices. While male disciples hid behind locked doors (John 20:19), these women kept watch, embodying the persistent faith Jesus praised (Luke 18:1-8). Love compelled them to remain near the body when fear drove others away.