What does Mark 15:47 mean?

Explanation

Mark 15:47 describes the actions of two women, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses, as they witness the burial of Jesus.

This verse is the closing scene of Mark 15 and sets up the discovery of the empty tomb in Mark 16.

It notes that these women observed the location where Jesus was laid to rest after his crucifixion.

This detail is significant because it establishes that these women could attest to Jesus's death and burial site, which later becomes crucial to the claims of his resurrection.

Historical Context

This verse is set in the context of first-century Judea, under Roman control.

Crucifixion was a common Roman practice for executing criminals and those considered rebels against the empire.

After Jesus's crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish council, requests Pilate for Jesus's body to provide a proper burial.

The inclusion of women as witnesses to the burial reflects the social context where women's testimony was not highly valued in legal matters, which suggests that the Gospel writer saw their testimony as truthful and unembellished.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the presence of these women at the tomb is significant.

It shows their devotion to Jesus and provides an eyewitness account, which is important for Christian claims about the resurrection.

Some theological interpretations also suggest that the role of the women as witnesses may indicate a progressive view of women's roles in the early Christian community.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire modern believers to be like Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, who stayed devoted to Jesus even after his death. It could signify the importance of faithfulness and the strength to stay present even in the most challenging times.

Moreover, it could encourage believers to seek and witness truth in their own lives, just as these women did.

Cross-References

• Matthew 27:61 – "And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre."
• Luke 23:55 – "And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid."
• John 19:38-42 – Describes Joseph of Arimathea asking Pilate for Jesus’s body and mentions Nicodemus helping to prepare the body for burial.

Language Study

Key terms in the original Greek text include:

• "Mary Magdalene" (Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνή): Refers to Mary from Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.
• "Mary the mother of Joses" (Μαρία ἡ τοῦ Ἰωσῆτος): This Mary is identified by her son Joses, distinguishing her from Mary Magdalene.
• "Beheld" (θεωρέω): This Greek verb means to observe carefully or contemplate, implying that the women took particular notice of the burial location.
• "Laid" (τίθημι): This Greek verb is often used in a context of laying down or placing something (or someone), in this case, Jesus's body in the tomb.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions and myths, burial rites and the role of women are significant as well.

For example, in Greek mythology, women like Antigone play crucial roles in providing proper burial rites.

In this context, the active participation of women in Jesus's burial also highlights their importance in the narrative, which stands in contrast with the patriarchal norms of that era.

Scientific Perspectives

From an archaeological standpoint, first-century Jewish burial practices involved laying the body in a tomb carved out of rock, which was then sealed.

The historical and archaeological evidence of tombs around Jerusalem from this period provides context to understand that Jesus's burial was consistent with contemporary customs.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse often emphasize the reliability of the women's testimony.

Scholars like R.T.

France note that the presence of the women witnesses is a recurring motif, and their testimony gains credibility precisely because they are present at both the crucifixion and the burial of Jesus.

Other commentaries may discuss the role of women in the Gospel of Mark as whole, pointing out how Mark frequently presents women as understanding and faithfully responding to Jesus in contrast to the male disciples who often fail to understand his mission.