Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Mark 16:8 They went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Mark 16:8 They went out and fled from the tomb, for they were seized with trembling and astonishment; and they said nothing [about it] to anyone, because they were afraid. |
Subject: The "short " ending of Mark? |
Bible Note: As Narrative. Thanks, Pastor Glen (and Radioman, 2). Let me clarify this aspect of my question. I used the word "bleak" simply because the very last words of the shorter version has the women confused, afraid, and silent. This is bleak, compared to the resounding proclamation of good news we find in the other gospels. The notes in my Bibles (NIV and NRSV) say something like: "The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have the longer ending..." In many other manuscripts, the ending is there, but is marked as questionable. So, assuming the accounts can be harmonized historically (which I believe they can) -- my question is not "Did Jesus really rise?" or "Did the women eventually get over their shock and spread the news?" My question is: what was THIS Gospel trying to say, by ending in such an abrupt and shocking way? I believe, in reading the gospels, we need to pay attention to the structure (what comes after what, the sequence of stories, etc...) So, somehow, this ending carries some meaning. So, any suggestions? Yours JRM PS. -- I, too, am appreciative of the longer ending. I am glad to be able to read it, and acknowledge the wisdom in it -- even if it seems to be a later addition. (I think those "snake handler" churches might have some re-thinking to do, however.) I am not seeking to throw passages out of the Bible. |