Mark 16:4

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 16:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and looking up, they see that the stone is rolled back: for it was exceeding great.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and looking up, they see that the stone is rolled back: for it was exceeding great.
Mark 16:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4and looking up, they see that the stone is rolled back: for it was exceeding great.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when they looked, etc..] Towards the sepulchre, as they came near it: they saw that the stone was rolled away; they perceived it lay at some distance from the door of the sepulchre, which doubtless was very grateful, and matter of rejoicing to them: for it was very great; these words are to be read, in connection with the preceding verse; for they are not a reason, why when they looked towards the sepulchre, they saw the stone rolled, because it was a very large one, and so easily to be seen at a distance; but a reason why they were so thoughtful and concerned, who should roll it away for them, it being so big, that they could not think that they were able to do it themselves.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 28:1-8. Mark 16:1 Sweet spices - “Aromatics.” Substances used in embalming. The idea of sweetness is not, however, implied in the original. Many of the substances used for embalming were “bitter” - as, for example, myrrh - and none of them, perhaps, could properly be called “sweet.” The word “spices” expresses all that there is in the original. Anoint him - Embalm him, or apply these spices to his body to keep it from putrefaction. This is proof that they did not suppose he would rise again; and the fact that they did not “expect” he would rise, gives more strength to the evidence for his resurrection. Mark 16:4 It was very great - These…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“they saw: Mat 28:2-4; Luk 24:2; Joh 20:1 Mark 16:5”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification