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Mark 16:8

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 16:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And they went out, and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them: and they said nothing to any one; for they were afraid.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And they went out, and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them: and they said nothing to any one; for they were afraid.
Mark 16:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5And entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, arrayed in a white robe; and they were amazed.
6And he saith unto them, Be not amazed: ye seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who hath been crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold, the place where they laid him!
7But go, tell his disciples and Peter, He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
8And they went out, and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them: and they said nothing to any one; for they were afraid.
9Now when he was risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.
10She went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
11And they, when they heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, disbelieved.
← Mark 16:7Mark 16:9 →
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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 they went out quickly, etc..] Out of the sepulchre, into which they had been, to see where Christ lay, as invited by the angel, (<411606>Mark 16:6). The word “quickly”, is not read in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic versions: “which when they heard”; that is, when they heard the angel's and instructions, immediately they went out: and fled from the sepulchre; as surprised and affrighted: for they trembled and were amazed; at what they saw and heard, and yet this dread and fear were mixed with joy at the news of Christ's resurrection, as Matthew relates, (<402808>Matthew 28:8). Neither said they any thing to any man; they met with by the way, till they came to the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre: for they trembled and were amazed--"for tremor and amazement seized them." neither said they anything to any man; for they were afraid--How intensely natural and simple is this! Appearances of Jesus after His Resurrection (Mar 16:9-18).”
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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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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“16:8 The account ends with the women fleeing the tomb in bewilderment. • said nothing to anyone: This can be understood positively (they were not distracted from their commission to tell the disciples, 16:7; cp. Luke 10:4; 2 Kgs 4:29) or negatively (they failed to deliver the message). Cp. Luke 24:5-11; John 20:1-2, 18.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“they went: Mat 28:8; Luk 24:9-11, Luk 24:22-24 for they trembled: Mar 16:5, Mar 16:6; Luk 24:37 neither: Kg2 4:29; Luk 10:4 Mark 16:9”
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Related study paths

Read Mark 16 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification