New International VersionSome women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome.
New Living TranslationSome women were there, watching from a distance, including Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joseph), and Salome.
English Standard VersionThere were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.
Berean Standard BibleAnd there were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.
Berean Literal BibleAnd there were also women looking on from afar off, among whom also were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the least and of Joseph, and Salome,
King James BibleThere were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
New King James VersionThere were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome,
New American Standard BibleNow there were also some women watching from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome.
NASB 1995There were also some women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome.
NASB 1977And there were also some women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd there were also some women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome,
Amplified BibleNow some women also were watching from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome.
Christian Standard BibleThere were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThere were also women looking on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.
American Standard VersionAnd there were also women beholding from afar: among whom were both Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
English Revised VersionAnd there were also women beholding from afar: among whom were both Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSome women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary from Magdala, Mary (the mother of young James and Joseph), and Salome.
Good News TranslationSome women were there, looking on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of the younger James and of Joseph, and Salome.
International Standard VersionNow there were women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of young James and Joseph, and Salome.
NET BibleThere were also women, watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.
New Heart English BibleThere were also women watching from afar, among whom were both Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Josi, and Salome;
Webster's Bible TranslationThere were also women looking on at a distance, among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger, and of Joses, and Salome;
Weymouth New TestamentThere were also a party of women looking on from a distance; among them being both Mary of Magdala and Mary the mother of James the Little and of Joses, and Salome-- Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd there were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.
World English BibleThere were also women watching from afar, among whom were both Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd there were also women beholding far off, among whom was also Mary the Magdalene, and Mary of James the less, and of Joses, and Salome,
Berean Literal BibleAnd there were also women looking on from afar off, among whom also were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the least and of Joseph, and Salome,
Young's Literal Translation And there were also women afar off beholding, among whom was also Mary the Magdalene, and Mary of James the less, and of Joses, and Salome,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd women also were beholding from far: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary of James the small and the mother of Joses, and Salome; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd there were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joseph, and Salome:
Catholic Public Domain VersionNow there were also women watching from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome,
New American BibleThere were also women looking on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of the younger James and of Joses, and Salome.
New Revised Standard VersionThere were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThere were also women who were looking from afar, Mary of Magdala, and Mary the mother of James the young and of Joses, and Salome;
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishBut there were also women there from afar off, who were looking: Maryam Magdalitha and Maryam, mother of Yaqob The Small, and of Yose and Shalom. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd there were, at a distance, women also, looking on; among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome;
Godbey New TestamentAnd there were women looking on from a distance: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and Joses, and Salome;
Haweis New TestamentNow there were also women looking on at a distance; among whom also was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the small, and the mother of Joses, and Salome.
Mace New Testamentthere were likewise several women, who were spectators at a distance: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the minor, and of Joses and Salome:
Weymouth New TestamentThere were also a party of women looking on from a distance; among them being both Mary of Magdala and Mary the mother of James the Little and of Joses, and Salome--
Worrell New TestamentAnd there were also women, beholding from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome;
Worsley New TestamentThere were also women at a distance looking on: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Death of Jesus… 39When the centurion standing there in front of Jesus saw how He had breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” 40Andthere werealsowomenwatchingfroma distance.AmongthemwereMaryMagdalene,Marythemotherof Jamestheyoungerandof Joses,andSalome.41These women had followed Jesus and ministered to Him while He was in Galilee, and there were many other women who had come up to Jerusalem with Him.…
Cross References Matthew 27:55-56And many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to minister to Him. / Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
Luke 23:49But all those who knew Jesus, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching these things.
John 19:25Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene.
Matthew 27:61Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
Luke 8:2-3as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, / Joanna the wife of Herod’s household manager Chuza, Susanna, and many others. These women were ministering to them out of their own means.
John 20:1Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.
Matthew 28:1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.
Luke 24:10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles.
John 20:11-18But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent down to look into the tomb, / and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and the other at the feet. / “Woman, why are you weeping?” they asked. “Because they have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I do not know where they have put Him.” ...
Acts 1:14With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
Matthew 12:46-50While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him. / Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.” / But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” ...
Mark 3:31-35Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came and stood outside. They sent someone in to summon Him, / and a crowd was sitting around Him. “Look,” He was told, “Your mother and brothers are outside, asking for You.” / But Jesus replied, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” ...
John 2:12After this, He went down to Capernaum with His mother and brothers and His disciples, and they stayed there a few days.
Acts 12:12And when he had realized this, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered together and were praying.
Romans 16:6Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you.
Treasury of Scripture There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; women. Psalm 38:11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off. Matthew 27:55,56 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: … Luke 23:49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things. Mary Magdalene. Mark 16:9 Now whenJesus was risen early the firstday of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. Matthew 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the firstday of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. Luke 8:2,3 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, … Mary the. Mark 15:47 And Mary Magdalene and Marythe mother of Joses beheld where he was laid. Mark 16:1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary themother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. Matthew 13:55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? Salome. Mark 16:1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary themother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. Jump to Previous AfarBeholdingDistanceJamesJosesLessMagdalaMagdaleneMag'daleneMaryMotherPartySalomeSalo'meWatchingWomenYoungerJump to Next AfarBeholdingDistanceJamesJosesLessMagdalaMagdaleneMag'daleneMaryMotherPartySalomeSalo'meWatchingWomenYoungerMark 15 1.Jesus brought bound, and accused before Pilate.6.Upon the clamor of the people, the murderer Barabbas is released,12.and Jesus delivered up to be crucified.16.He is crowned with thorns, spit on, and mocked;21.faints in bearing his cross;27.hangs between two thieves;29.suffers the triumphing reproaches of the crowd;39.but is confessed by the centurion to be the Son of God;42.and is honorably buried by Joseph.And there were also women watching from a distance.This phrase highlights the presence of women at the crucifixion of Jesus, emphasizing their loyalty and courage. In a cultural context where women often had limited roles, their presence is significant. These women, unlike many of the male disciples who fled, remained near Jesus during His crucifixion, demonstrating their devotion. Watching from a distance may indicate both their desire to be near Jesus and the restrictions placed on them by the Roman authorities or the crowd. This scene fulfills the prophecy of Psalm 38:11, where the psalmist speaks of friends and companions standing aloof during times of distress. Among them were Mary Magdalene,
Mary Magdalene is a prominent figure in the Gospels, known for her deliverance from seven demons by Jesus (Luke 8:2). Her presence at the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection underscores her significant role in Jesus' ministry. Her loyalty and dedication are evident as she is one of the first to witness the resurrected Christ (John 20:11-18). Her inclusion here highlights the transformative power of Jesus' ministry and the important role women played in the early church. Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses,
This Mary is often identified as Mary, the wife of Clopas (John 19:25), and possibly the sister-in-law of Mary, the mother of Jesus. James the younger, also known as James the Less, was one of the twelve apostles (Mark 3:18). The mention of her sons connects her to the early Christian community and highlights the familial ties within the group of Jesus' followers. Her presence at the crucifixion indicates her steadfast faith and support for Jesus' ministry. and Salome.
Salome is traditionally understood to be the mother of the sons of Zebedee, James and John (Matthew 27:56). Her presence at the crucifixion, along with her sons' close association with Jesus, suggests her active involvement in His ministry. Salome's request for her sons to sit at Jesus' right and left in His kingdom (Mark 10:35-37) shows her belief in Jesus' messianic role, despite her misunderstanding of His mission. Her presence here reflects her continued support and faithfulness to Jesus, even in His suffering. Persons / Places / Events 1. Mary MagdaleneA devoted follower of Jesus, from whom He cast out seven demons. She is often noted for her unwavering support and presence during Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. 2. Mary, the mother of James the younger and of JosesThis Mary is distinguished by her sons, James the younger (also known as James the Less) and Joses. She is one of the women who followed Jesus and supported His ministry. 3. SalomeAnother follower of Jesus, often identified as the mother of the sons of Zebedee (James and John). She is noted for her presence at the crucifixion and later at the tomb. 4. The CrucifixionThe event where Jesus was crucified, a pivotal moment in Christian theology representing the atonement for sin. 5. GolgothaThe place where Jesus was crucified, also known as "The Place of the Skull." Teaching Points Faithful WitnessesThe presence of these women at the crucifixion highlights their courage and faithfulness. Despite the danger and despair, they remained with Jesus, serving as a model of steadfast faith. Role of Women in MinistryThis passage underscores the significant role women played in Jesus' ministry. They were not only followers but also active participants and supporters, challenging cultural norms of the time. Observing from a DistanceSometimes, believers may feel like they are on the sidelines, watching from a distance. This passage encourages us to remain faithful and engaged, even when we feel removed from the action. Identifying with Christ in SufferingThe women’s presence at the crucifixion teaches us about identifying with Christ in His suffering. It calls us to stand firm in our faith, even in times of trial and persecution. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Mark 15:40?
2.How does Mark 15:40 highlight the role of women in Jesus' ministry?
3.What can we learn from the women's faithfulness in Mark 15:40?
4.How does Mark 15:40 connect with Proverbs 31:30 about fearing the Lord?
5.How can we emulate the dedication shown by the women in Mark 15:40?
6.Why is it significant that women witnessed Jesus' crucifixion in Mark 15:40?
7.Who were the women mentioned in Mark 15:40, and why were they significant?
8.Why did Mark specifically mention these women as witnesses to the crucifixion?
9.How does Mark 15:40 challenge traditional views on the role of women in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 15?
11.Who was Salome in the Bible?
12.Why do the Gospel resurrection accounts contradict each other in details such as who arrived at the tomb?
13.What is the number of Marys in the Bible?
14.Who is the author of the Book of James?What Does Mark 15:40 Mean And there were also women watching from a distance- “And there were also women watching from a distance” (Mark 15:40). Although most male disciples had fled (Mark 14:50), these faithful women remained. - Their stance “from a distance” fulfilledPsalm 38:11, “My friends and companions stand aloof because of my plague; my neighbors stand afar off,” foreshadowing Messiah’s abandonment. -Luke 23:49 notes that “all who knew Him, including the women… stood at a distance, watching these things,” confirming the literal scene. - Their presence demonstrates courage, devotion, and God-ordained eyewitness testimony, preparing them to become first heralds of the resurrection (Mark 16:1–6).
Among them were Mary Magdalene- Named first, Mary Magdalene appears in all four Gospel passion narratives (Matthew 27:56;Luke 23:49;John 19:25). -Mark 16:9 reports that Jesus later appeared “first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had driven out seven demons,” underscoring grace that transforms a life into bold witness. - Her steadfastness contrasts the scattered disciples, reminding believers that past bondage never disqualifies present faithfulness (cf.2 Corinthians 5:17).
Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses- This Mary is likely the wife of Clopas (John 19:25) and mother of “James the younger,” distinguishing him from James the son of Zebedee. -Mark 15:41 states these women had “followed Jesus and ministered to Him in Galilee.” Their long-term service verifies the authenticity of their testimony. - The mention of her sons roots the account in real families and real history, reinforcingLuke 1:1–4’s emphasis on “certainty” regarding the events recorded.
and Salome- Salome is identified byMatthew 27:56 as “the mother of Zebedee’s sons,” making her mother to James and John. - She once sought places of honor for her sons (Matthew 20:20–23); now she humbly stands near the cross, illustrating growth in discipleship. - Along with Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, Salome brought spices to the tomb (Mark 16:1), exhibiting ongoing devotion even when hope seemed lost.
summaryMark 15:40 highlights the faithful presence of women at the crucifixion—Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and Salome—who, though watching “from a distance,” remained closer in courage and loyalty than most. Their eyewitness testimony anchors the historical reliability of the Gospel accounts, shows God’s honor toward those society often overlooks, and calls believers to steadfast devotion whatever the cost. (40) Among whom was Mary Magdalene.--The list is the same as that in Matthew 27:56, with the exceptions (1) of the epithet "less," or better, little, as applied to James, and (2) the name of Salome instead of "the mother of Zebedee's children." Verse 40. - And there were also women holding from afar ( ἀπὸ μακρόθεν θεωροῦσαι). St. Matthew ( Matthew 27:55) says that there were many. Amongst them were Mary Magdalene,and Mary the wife of Clopas, or Alphaeus, and mother of James the less and of Joses, called brethren of our Lord, and the mother of Zebedee's children, that is, Salerno. The mother of our Lord had been there until the time when, having with St. John crept as near the cross of Jesus as she might venture, she was consigned by our Lord to St. John's care, and taken away by him. St. Mark mentions this to show the faith and love of these holy women, because in the very presence of the enemies of Christ they dared to stand by his cross, and shrank not from testifying their piety and devotion. St. John says that they stood near. He must have known; for at one time at least he was standing near. St. Matthew and St. Mark speak of them as at a distance. They were at a distance, no doubt, for the most part, as compared with the soldiers, whose duty it was to be in close attendance and to keep the people off. But these devoted women came as near as they could, so as to see and hear their Lord. Perhaps they were sometimes further off and sometimes nearer, as they saw opportunity, or as the humor of the officials suffered them.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Andδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.there wereἮσαν(Ēsan)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.alsoκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.womenγυναῖκες(gynaikes)Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1135:A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.watchingθεωροῦσαι(theōrousai)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2334:From a derivative of theaomai; to be a spectator of, i.e. Discern, (experience) or intensively (acknowledge).fromἀπὸ(apo)Preposition
Strong's 575:From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.a distance.μακρόθεν(makrothen)Adverb
Strong's 3113:From a (long) distance, afar. Adverb from makros; from a distance or afar.Amongἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.themαἷς(hais)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.[were]καὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.MaryΜαρία(Maria)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3137:Or Mariam of Hebrew origin; Maria or Mariam, the name of six Christian females.Magdalene,Μαγδαληνὴ(Magdalēnē)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3094:Magdalene, a woman of Magdala. Feminine of a derivative of Magdala; a female Magdalene, i.e. Inhabitant of Magdala.MaryΜαρία(Maria)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3137:Or Mariam of Hebrew origin; Maria or Mariam, the name of six Christian females.theἡ(hē)Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.motherμήτηρ(mētēr)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3384:A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'.of JamesἸακώβου(Iakōbou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2385:The same as Iakob Graecized; Jacobus, the name of three Israelites.theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.youngerμικροῦ(mikrou)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3398:Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.of Joseph,Ἰωσῆτος(Iōsētos)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2500:Perhaps for Ioseph; Joses, the name of two Israelites.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.Salome.Σαλώμη(Salōmē)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4539:Salome, wife of Zebedee and mother of James and John, the apostles. Probably of Hebrew origin; Salome, an Israelitess.
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NT Gospels: Mark 15:40 There were also women watching from afar (Mar Mk Mr) |
