Mark 16:5

When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

Study Bible

As they entered the tomb
The act of entering the tomb signifies a moment of transition from despair to revelation. The Greek word for "entered" (εἰσελθόντες, eiselthontes) implies a deliberate action, suggesting the women’s courage and determination to honor Jesus despite their grief. The tomb, a place of death, becomes a setting for divine encounter, symbolizing the transition from the old covenant of law and death to the new covenant of grace and life through Christ’s resurrection.

they saw a young man
The "young man" (νεανίσκος, neaniskos) is traditionally understood to be an angelic being. In biblical narratives, angels often appear as young men, signifying purity, strength, and divine presence. This appearance aligns with other scriptural accounts where angels serve as messengers of God, bringing news of great importance. The presence of the angel underscores the divine orchestration of the resurrection event.

dressed in a white robe
The "white robe" (στολὴν λευκήν, stolēn leukēn) is emblematic of purity, holiness, and heavenly origin. White garments in scripture often denote righteousness and divine approval. This imagery connects to the transfiguration of Jesus (Mark 9:3), where His garments became dazzling white, symbolizing His divine nature. The angel’s attire reassures the women of the heavenly nature of the message they are about to receive.

sitting on the right side
The "right side" (δεξιὰν, dexian) is significant in biblical symbolism, often representing a place of honor and authority. In ancient cultures, the right side was associated with power and favor. The angel’s position on the right side of the tomb suggests the authority of the message he is about to deliver, affirming the truth and power of the resurrection.

and they were alarmed
The reaction of being "alarmed" (ἐξεθαμβήθησαν, exethambēthēsan) reflects a common human response to divine encounters. This Greek term conveys a mix of fear, amazement, and awe. The women’s alarm is a natural reaction to the unexpected presence of the angel and the profound implications of the resurrection. It highlights the initial human struggle to comprehend the divine mystery of Christ’s victory over death, a mystery that transforms fear into faith and despair into hope.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Women
The women who came to the tomb were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome. They were followers of Jesus who came to anoint His body with spices.

2. The Tomb
The place where Jesus was laid after His crucifixion. It was a new tomb, hewn out of rock, and a large stone was rolled against the entrance.

3. The Young Man
Described as dressed in a white robe, this figure is traditionally understood to be an angel. His presence signifies a divine message.

4. The White Robe
Symbolic of purity and heavenly origin, often associated with angelic beings in Scripture.

5. The Right Side
The position of the young man in the tomb, which can symbolize authority and favor in biblical contexts.

Teaching Points

Divine Revelation
The presence of the young man in a white robe signifies God's intervention and revelation. We should be attentive to how God reveals His truth to us today.

Fear and Assurance
The women were alarmed, yet the angel's message was one of assurance. In moments of fear or uncertainty, we can find peace in God's promises.

The Role of Angels
Angels serve as messengers of God, reminding us of His sovereignty and the reality of the spiritual realm.

The Significance of the Resurrection
The empty tomb and the angelic announcement affirm the truth of Jesus' resurrection, which is central to Christian faith.

Responding to God's Message
Just as the women were called to share the news of the resurrection, we are also called to be messengers of the Gospel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the presence of the young man in a white robe at the tomb impact your understanding of the resurrection account?

2. In what ways can we be attentive to God's revelations in our daily lives, similar to how the women encountered the angel?

3. How do the different Gospel accounts of the resurrection complement each other, and what can we learn from these variations?

4. What role do angels play in the biblical account, and how does this influence our understanding of spiritual realities?

5. How can we apply the message of the resurrection in our lives today, particularly in sharing the Gospel with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 28:2-5
This passage also describes the appearance of an angel at the tomb, emphasizing the divine announcement of Jesus' resurrection.

Luke 24:4-5
Similar to Mark, Luke describes two men in dazzling apparel, highlighting the heavenly nature of the messengers.

John 20:11-12
John’s account includes two angels in white, reinforcing the theme of divine revelation at the empty tomb.

Acts 1:10
The appearance of men in white robes at Jesus' ascension, drawing a parallel to the angelic presence at significant moments in Jesus' ministry.