Mark 15:42

Mark 15:42

ESV: And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath,

KJV: And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

NIV: It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached,

NKJV: Now when evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath,

NLT: This all happened on Friday, the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath. As evening approached,

Meaning

Mark 15:42 specifies the exact time and circumstance surrounding the burial of Jesus: the evening had begun, and it was "Preparation Day," which was the day immediately preceding the Sabbath. This precise timing underscored the extreme urgency to lay Jesus' body in a tomb before sundown when the Sabbath officially commenced, as no work, including burial preparations, was permissible on the holy day.

Cross References

Context

Mark 15:42 transitions the narrative from the dramatic event of Jesus' crucifixion and death (verses 21-41) to His hurried but reverent burial. Jesus had died around the ninth hour (3 PM). The Jewish day was reckoned from sundown to sundown. Since Friday was the "preparation day" (for the Sabbath), there was a strict requirement to complete all necessary activities before the Sabbath began at sunset. Jewish law (Deut 21:22-23) also prohibited leaving a body unburied overnight, especially a crucified one. This convergence of time, day, and law created immense urgency for Jesus' burial, driving Joseph of Arimathea's immediate action to retrieve the body from Pilate. Mark explicitly explains "preparation" to ensure his Gentile audience fully grasped the significance of this time constraint.

Word analysis

• And now (Καὶ ἤδη - Kai ēdē):

  • This is a common Marcan narrative transition. It signals a shift in action or setting following a significant event, emphasizing immediate succession.
  • Ēdē signifies "already," "by now," adding to the sense of immediacy.

• when the evening was come (ὀψίας γενομένης - opsias genomenēs):

  • Opsias (ὀψίας): Refers to the late afternoon or evening period. In the Jewish system of reckoning time, the day began at sunset. "Evening" typically denotes the time after 3 PM leading up to sunset. This phrase clearly states the timing, close to the end of the day.
  • Genomenēs (γενομένης): The genitive participle of ginomai (to become, happen), indicating the action of evening having arrived.
  • Significance: This precise time marker highlights the narrow window of opportunity for Jesus' burial. The working day (Friday) was almost over.

• because (ἐπεὶ - epei):

  • This conjunction introduces the reason or justification for the urgent events that are about to unfold.

• it was the preparation (ἦν Παρασκευὴ - ēn Paraskeuē):

  • Paraskeuē (Παρασκευὴ): This Greek word means "preparation." In common Jewish usage of the time, it referred specifically to Friday, the day on which people prepared for the Sabbath. It also meant preparing for major festivals, so context is important.
  • Significance: It designates Friday, requiring all work to cease before sundown.

• that is, the day before the sabbath (ὅ ἐστιν Προσαββάτου - ho estin Prosabbaton):

  • Ho estin (ὅ ἐστιν): A standard explanatory phrase in Mark's Gospel ("which is," "that is"). Mark often uses these explanations, likely for his Hellenistic (Gentile) readership, who would be unfamiliar with specific Jewish customs or terminology like Paraskeuē.
  • Prosabbaton (Προσαββάτου): This unique Greek compound term means "the day before the Sabbath" (pro- meaning "before," and sabbaton meaning "Sabbath"). It explicitly confirms and clarifies the meaning of Paraskeuē for Mark's readers.
  • Significance: Mark's deliberate clarification underscores the time-critical nature of the events following Jesus' death. It leaves no doubt that the impending Sabbath was the driving factor behind the need for immediate burial, ensuring that the historical context of the crucifixion is fully understood.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And now when the evening was come": Establishes the temporal urgency. Jesus has just died, and the working day is nearing its end. The sun is setting soon, marking the boundary of the allowed time for such activity.
  • "because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath": This entire clause provides the theological, cultural, and legal reason for the urgency. It clarifies why the evening coming was so significant, firmly grounding the event within the Jewish calendrical and religious context. Mark's additional explanation "that is, the day before the sabbath" specifically demonstrates his pastoral aim to ensure his audience, unfamiliar with Jewish customs, grasps the critical timeframe and the meticulous adherence to Jewish law even in the burial of Jesus.

Commentary

Mark 15:42 serves as a pivotal verse, orchestrating the transition from Christ's death on the cross to His provisional burial. Its brevity belies its immense significance, painting a vivid picture of the race against time before the impending Sabbath. The meticulous detail concerning "the evening" and "the preparation" (Friday) highlights God's providential ordering of events. Jesus, having died at the ninth hour, was buried on the same day before the strict Sabbath laws began. This obedience to Jewish customs, even in death, underscores the truth that Jesus was "born under the law" (Gal 4:4). The need for urgent burial sets the stage for the dramatic, yet hurried, actions of Joseph of Arimathea. It is a moment where human adherence to law unknowingly paves the way for the divine unfolding of redemption, ensuring the 'sign of Jonah' – three days in the earth – can begin, and also ensures that Jesus’ body could not be mishandled or remain on the cross, validating His true death and preparing for His glorious resurrection.

Bonus section

The specific time and day mentioned in Mark 15:42 underscore the reality and quickness of Jesus' death and burial, precluding any claim that He might not have truly died before being laid in the tomb. This detail helps confirm the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding Messiah's burial, notably in a rich man's tomb (Is 53:9). Furthermore, it implicitly demonstrates the profound reverence held by figures like Joseph of Arimathea, who acted swiftly and boldly despite personal risk, to honor Jesus even after His crucifixion, showcasing profound courage and faith. The Sabbath's onset served as a divine 'punctuation mark,' allowing no more human activity until God's next move.

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