Mark 16:8

And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.

Mark 16:8 (KJV)

Context

Mark 16:8 concludes the account of the women discovering the empty tomb. After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body (Mark 16:1). They found the stone rolled away and a young man in a white robe who told them Jesus had risen and instructed them to tell the disciples, including Peter, that Jesus would meet them in Galilee (Mark 16:5-7).

Meaning

In this verse, the women leave quickly and flee from the tomb, seized by trembling and amazement. The Greek words used here—tromos (trembling) and ekstasis (astonishment)—indicate a profound emotional and physical reaction. Their fear is a natural human response to the supernatural revelation of the resurrection. The verse ends with the note that they said nothing to anyone because they were afraid, leaving the reader with their silence.

This silence seems to contradict the angel’s command to go and tell the disciples. However, it is important to note that Mark’s Gospel ends abruptly at this verse in the earliest manuscripts. Some scholars believe the original ending may have been lost or intentionally left unfinished. Various alternative endings were added in later manuscripts, and the KJV includes the longer ending (verses 9-20) rather than ending at Mark 16:8.

There are a few possible explanations for the women’s silence. One is that they were so overwhelmed by the extraordinary events that they were initially unable to find words to describe them. Another is that they feared potential consequences or disbelief from others. Regardless of the reason, the silence is temporary, as the following verses (Mark 16:9-13) record that Mary Magdalene did go and tell the disciples, though they did not believe her.

Biblical connections

The parallel account in Matthew 28:8 describes the women leaving the tomb with fear and great joy, running to bring the disciples the news. This shows that fear and joy were intertwined in their response. The women’s reaction highlights the awe and fear that accompany encounters with the divine, and their initial silence underscores the overwhelming nature of the resurrection message.

Application

Mark 16:8 reflects the reality of the disciples’ experience. It highlights the initial disbelief and confusion they faced, which gradually transformed into resolute faith as they encountered the risen Christ. This verse emphasizes the importance of personal encounters with the resurrected Jesus and the subsequent transformation of one’s faith. Fear, while real, does not ultimately prevent the message from being delivered.

Reflection

It’s important to approach Mark 16:8 with an understanding that the Gospel of Mark, as a whole, is a powerful testimony to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. While this verse raises questions, it does not undermine the significance of the resurrection or the subsequent spread of the Good News by the disciples and early Christians. Interpretations of specific verses may vary among individuals and Christian denominations.