Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:56

What does Matthew 27:56 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:56 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:56 means

Matthew names Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee among the women watching. Naming them preserves their faithful witness and gives historical grounding to their testimony. These women had supported Jesus’ ministry and now observe his death, a grief-laden but faithful presence. By naming them, Matthew validates their testimony and prepares the reader for their role at the tomb after the burial, reinforcing the credibility of the resurrection account through eyewitness continuity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary, the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

among whom was Mary the Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and of Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Among whom was Mary Magdalen and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

among whom was Mary of Magdala, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

Context

Following verse 55’s general note about women followers, this verse specifies key witnesses. Their identification connects earlier ministry (support from Galilee) to their presence at the cross and later at the tomb (vv. 61–66). Their role contrasts with the desertion of many male disciples and highlights faithful witness amid sorrow.

v.55And many women were there beholding from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:

v.56This passage

v.57And when even was come, there came a rich man from Arimathæa, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 16:9

    Now 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.

  • Mark 15:40

    And 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;

  • Matthew 13:55

    Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joseph, and Simon, and Judas?

  • John 19:25

    These things therefore the soldiers did. But there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

  • Matthew 20:20

    Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, worshipping him, and asking a certain thing of him.

  • Matthew 28:1

    Now late on the sabbath day, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

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