What is the meaning of Mark 16:8? So the women left the tomb The same faithful women who had watched Jesus die (Mark 15:40–41) and seen where He was laid (Mark 15:47) now respond to the angelic announcement of His resurrection (Mark 16:6–7). Their immediate departure shows: • Obedience to divine instruction—“But go, tell His disciples and Peter” (Mark 16:7). • Confidence that the tomb is truly empty; they have no further reason to stay. • A living illustration of Proverbs 3:5–6, stepping out before they fully understand. Cross reference: Matthew 28:8 describes the same moment, noting they left “with fear and great joy.” and ran away Running underscores urgency and priority. The news of resurrection demands swift action, mirroring: • John 20:2, where Mary Magdalene “ran” to Peter and John. • Acts 17:3–4, where the gospel spreads quickly once proclaimed. Their pace signals that the resurrection is not a casual matter but the single greatest event in history, meant to be shared without delay. trembling “Trembling” captures holy awe rather than panic alone. Scripture often pairs divine encounters with physical trembling: • Exodus 19:16—Israel trembles at God’s presence on Sinai. • Mark 5:33—another woman trembles after encountering Jesus’ power. Their shaking bodies reflect reverent fear, reminding believers that the Almighty’s works are never ordinary (Psalm 2:11). and bewildered Bewilderment (astonishment) reflects honest human limitation when confronted with God’s supernatural acts. Similar responses appear in: • Luke 24:12—Peter is “wondering to himself” after examining the empty tomb. • Acts 2:12—crowds are “perplexed” at Pentecost. The women’s confusion does not signify doubt of God’s word, but recognition that His ways surpass human reasoning (Isaiah 55:8–9). And in their fear they did not say a word Silence is temporary, a snapshot of the first overwhelming moments. Consider: • Daniel 10:15—Daniel is speechless after a vision until strengthened. • Revelation 1:17—John falls “as though dead” before the risen Christ until reassured. God often allows a pause so that fear can turn into faith-filled proclamation (Jeremiah 1:6–9). to anyone The phrase highlights the initial hush, not permanent secrecy. Other Gospel witnesses confirm they soon do speak: • “They hurried to tell His disciples.” (Matthew 28:8) • “She went and told those who had been with Him.” (Mark 16:10) The progression from silence to testimony encourages believers today: first absorb the wonder, then proclaim it (2 Corinthians 5:14). summary Mark 16:8 captures the very first human reaction to the resurrection—obedient movement, urgent speed, holy trembling, honest bewilderment, momentary silence. Far from weakness, these responses reveal the awe-filled transition from seeing death’s apparent victory to realizing Christ’s triumph. The verse invites every reader to encounter the empty tomb with the same reverence, to let amazement settle in, and then to run and share the good news that Jesus is alive. |
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