At what time of day did the women visit the tomb? Toward the dawn (Matthew 28: 1) When the sun had risen (Mark 16:2)

Historical Context and Gospel Accounts

The Gospel records in Matthew and Mark describe the timing of the women’s visit to the tomb following the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. According to Matthew 28:1: “After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.” Mark 16:2 states: “Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they went to the tomb.” At face value, Matthew’s phrase “at dawn” and Mark’s phrase “just after sunrise” initially seem slightly different.

Terminology and Language in the Original Text

In the original Greek, Matthew 28:1 uses a phrase often rendered “toward the dawn,” while Mark 16:2 uses language describing the sun having just come up. Ancient timekeeping was less precise than modern standards; observers used the sight of first light or the position of the sun on the horizon to note morning’s arrival. It is consistent to see Matthew speaking of the early approach while Mark highlights the sun’s presence above the horizon. Both describe an early morning moment when the night was just giving way to daylight.

Reconciliation of “Toward the Dawn” and “When the Sun Had Risen”

1. Progressive Journey: Their departure may have begun while it was still dark, with the women arriving at or near sunrise. One Gospel could emphasize the departure time (“toward the dawn”), while the other focuses on the arrival time (“when the sun had risen”).

2. Ancient Time Markers: In a world without precise clocks, “early in the morning,” “toward dawn,” and “when the sun had risen” could all be used interchangeably for the twilight-to-sunrise span.

Corroboration from Additional Records

Luke 24:1 also mentions “very early in the morning,” aligning with the idea of a dawn visit. John 20:1 observes that Mary Magdalene came to the tomb “early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark.” These descriptions together suggest the women were on the move during the twilight or just at daybreak, arriving by the time the sun had emerged.

Early Manuscript Evidence

Examination of early manuscripts, including fragments such as Papyrus 45 (3rd century) and Codex Sinaiticus (4th century), shows the consistency of this dawn-time detail across the Gospel traditions. Textual critics note that scribes preserved these slight variances, indicating independent witness rather than a uniform, edited account—lending historical weight to the authenticity of the story.

Ancient Cultural Sunrise Understanding

In the first century, sunrise was not pinpointed to the minute. Various writings—including Jewish texts and Roman accounts—used overlapping phrases to describe dawn. From a historical standpoint, references to “dawn” or “while still dark” often overlapped within a short span of time. This helps readers appreciate that Matthew and Mark focus on the same approximate moment: the first light of day and its immediate aftermath.

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological findings in and around Jerusalem confirm that tombs from the Second Temple period, such as the one described in the Gospels, were often located just outside city walls. The close proximity of tombs to living quarters means the women could reach the location not long after leaving their homes at first light. Excavations around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre site and the Garden Tomb further illustrate typical burial structures consistent with the accounts of a stone-sealed tomb.

Harmonizing the Descriptions

1. Same Event, Different Emphases: Both Matthew and Mark effectively convey the same event, from slightly distinct vantage points.

2. No Genuine Contradiction: The shift from “at dawn” to “when the sun had risen” is naturally explained by the women’s walk or by the broad meaning of “early morning.”

3. Unified Picture: With all four Gospels taken together, the women’s visit was unmistakably early in the morning on the first day of the week, highlighting both the consistency and complementary perspectives of the accounts.

Application and Theological Significance

The early morning arrival underscores watchfulness and urgency. The women’s devotion led them to the tomb at the earliest possible moment. The Scriptures record that they found the tomb empty at this transitional time between darkness and light—symbolizing both the literal dawn and the dawning of the resurrection reality.

Conclusion

The visit to the tomb took place in the very early morning, bridging the period that Matthew calls “toward the dawn” and Mark describes as “when the sun had risen.” This is an understandable overlap within the short window of time that marks the change from dark to light. Far from contradiction, these accounts converge to affirm a coherent story of the earliest morning hours of the resurrection day.