What does Mark 16:6 mean?

Explanation

Mark 16:6 is a significant verse located in the latter part of the Gospel of Mark, an account of the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as seen through the perspective of one of his followers.

In this particular verse, the angel addresses the women who have come to Jesus' tomb on the first day of the week following his crucifixion.

These women, anxious and mournful, arrive to find the stone rolled away from the sepulcher.

The angel's words serve to reassure and inform them: "Be not affrighted" is an exhortation to not fear, followed by the confirmation that they are in the right place, seeking Jesus of Nazareth who had been crucified.

The deeper meaning of this verse lies in the revelation that follows: "he is risen; he is not here." This statement attests to the central Christian claim of Jesus' resurrection from the dead, signifying victory over death and the fulfillment of prophecy.

The angel then directs the women to observe the place where Jesus had been laid, providing physical evidence that the tomb is indeed empty, and Jesus' body is no longer there.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Mark is thought to have been written between 60-70 AD, making it possibly the earliest of the four canonical gospels. The passage takes place on the first day of the week after Jesus' crucifixion, a time when Jerusalem was still under Roman occupation.

Jewish customs of the time required that bodies be anointed even after death, which is why the women were visiting the tomb.

Given the historical setting, the claim of resurrection would have been as shocking then as it would be today.

The message of resurrection presented in this verse, and throughout the Gospels, would have not only provided hope to the early followers of Jesus but would also have been a radical statement in a culture where crucifixion was a humiliating and definitive end to someone's life.

Theological Insights

This verse is pivotal for Christian theology as it encapsulates the doctrine of the resurrection, which is a cornerstone of faith for Christians worldwide.

From an orthodox Christian standpoint, this event symbolizes hope, renewal, and the promise of eternal life. The empty tomb serves as a representation of Jesus' triumph over sin and death.

From other theological perspectives, this verse has been subject to different interpretations.

Some liberal theologians may view the resurrection as symbolic rather than literal, highlighting the transformative power of Jesus' teachings and their ongoing life within the community of believers. Skeptical scholars may challenge the historicity of this event altogether.

Practical Applications

For believers, Mark 16:6 provides a source of comfort and assurance in the face of adversity and death.

It encourages followers of Christianity not to fear but to hold faith in the promises of their religion.

The message to not be afraid can be applied to various aspects of life, encouraging individuals to face challenges with courage and trust.

Another practical application of this verse is in dealing with grief and loss.

The verse reassures that, from a Christian perspective, death is not the end, and there is a hopeful future beyond it.

Cross-References

• Matthew 28:5-6: "And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.

Come, see the place where the Lord lay."

• Luke 24:5-6: "And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,"
• John 20:13-14: "And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him."
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words to explore include:

• "affrighted" (ἐκθαμβεῖσθαι - ekthambeisthai) which conveys being alarmed or struck with fear.
• "crucified" (ἐσταυρωμένον - estaurōmenon) referring to the act of being nailed to a cross, a Roman method of execution.
• "risen" (ἠγέρθη - ēgerthē) indicates to be raised up, usually from the dead, and is the key term validating Christian belief in the resurrection.

Exploring these terms gives insight into the gravity of the message being conveyed, transformation from a state of death to life, and the transition from fear to amazement.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this verse with other ancient myths, one might consider stories of gods dying and being reborn or resurrected, which are present in various mythologies. For example, the story of Osiris in Egyptian mythology has similarities with the idea of death and resurrection.

In religious contexts outside Christianity, views of the afterlife and resurrection differ significantly.

Judaism, for example, has diverse beliefs about the afterlife, and while there is a concept of resurrection, it is not universally emphasized.

In Islam, Jesus (Isa) is considered a prophet and his ascension to heaven is acknowledged, but not his crucifixion and resurrection in the same manner as Christianity.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, resurrection as described in Mark 16:6 contradicts the understood laws of biology and physics, as death is typically considered irreversible.

However, science does explore phenomena that challenge our understanding of life and death, such as near-death experiences and the revival of certain organisms after seeming death (cryptobiosis).

Some argue that there are metaphorical interpretations of resurrection in the context of cycles of nature, regeneration, and renewal, which can be paralleled with empirical observations.

However, the literal event of a bodily resurrection remains outside the purview of science.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have long debated and interpreted Mark 16:6.

• John Calvin comments on this verse with great emphasis on the comfort of the resurrection's announcement, spotlighting it as an event that should alleviate all fears.
• Matthew Henry's commentary acknowledges the amazement of the women and the importance of the angel's message, describing it as divine assurance for the distressed seekers of Jesus.
• William Barclay points out the practical character of the angel's message, directing the women to verify for themselves the reality of the empty tomb.

Diverse perspectives continue with some modern scholars questioning the historicity of Mark's ending and others affirming the theological import of the resurrection event encapsulated in this verse.