Devine Scripture

Mark 15:40

What does Mark 15:40 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 15:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 15:40 means

Mark notes faithful women watching from a distance, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the less and Joses, and Salome. These women had followed Jesus in Galilee and ministered to him; now they remain at a safe distance, present at his death. Their presence shows devotion, courage, and continuity of service. They provide a witness beyond the male disciples’ absence, and they will later play a crucial role in burial and resurrection narratives, underscoring faithful discipleship in suffering.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And there were women watching from a distance: among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary, the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And 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,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And there were women also looking on from afar off, among whom were both Mary of Magdala, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

Context

This verse follows the centurion’s confession. While many fled, these women remain, witnessing the crucifixion from afar. Mark identifies them by name and prior ministry, connecting their earlier support to their presence now. Their watching sets the stage for Joseph of Arimathaea’s burial request and the women’s role at the tomb.

v.39And when the centurion, who stood by over against him, saw that he so gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

v.40This passage

v.41who, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him; and many other women that came up with him unto Jerusalem.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 15:47

    And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

  • Psalms 38:11

    My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my plague; And my kinsmen stand afar off.

  • Matthew 27:61

    And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

  • 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.

  • Luke 8:2

    and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary that was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,

  • Matthew 27:55

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

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