Mark 16:5

And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

Mark 16:5 (KJV)

Context

Mark 16 is the final chapter of the Gospel of Mark, focusing on the events after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This verse is part of the account of the women who came to the tomb early on the first day of the week, expecting to anoint the body of Jesus. They had watched where He was buried, and now they came to complete their act of devotion.

Meaning

The women entered the sepulchre, a tomb large enough to walk into, consistent with Jewish burial practices of the time. Inside, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment. The Greek word for “young man” (neaniskos) and the description of the white robe point to a heavenly messenger, commonly identified as an angel, though Mark does not explicitly say so here. The right side often carries symbolic weight in Scripture, associated with honor and authority. The long white garment emphasizes the robe’s length and whiteness, underscoring the heavenly character of the messenger.

The women were affrighted—alarmed, amazed, and frightened. This reaction is a common human response to divine presence in the Bible. The unexpected nature of the encounter—coming to a tomb and finding a messenger of God—heightens their fear. Their response is not rebuked but is a natural awe before the supernatural.

Biblical connections

The young man’s white garment is a common description of angels in Scripture, as seen in Matthew 28:3 and Acts 1:10. This encounter sets the stage for the angelic announcement of Jesus’ resurrection in the following verse, confirming that Jesus is no longer dead but has risen, just as He predicted.

Application

The women came expecting to find a dead body, but instead they found an empty tomb and a messenger of God. This reminds us that God often acts beyond our expectations. When we approach Him with devotion, even in our grief or uncertainty, He may surprise us with His power and presence. The proper response to the reality of the resurrection is reverent fear and wonder, not complacency.

Reflection

The angel’s presence in the tomb signifies that Jesus is risen, fulfilling God’s plan for salvation. The women’s fear is a natural human reaction to the supernatural, but it also highlights the awe-inspiring nature of the resurrection. This verse invites us to consider the reality of the resurrection and to respond with humble faith, trusting that God’s victory over death is certain.