
Luke 24:1-12
Easter Vigil C
1 But on the firstI day of the week,II at earlyIII dawn,IV
I “first” = heis. This is one, a person, only, some.
II “week” = sabbaton. From Hebrew shabbath (sabbath); from shabath (to rest, stop, repose, cease working; by implication, to celebrate). This is the sabbath. It can also be used as shorthand for a week i.e. the time between two sabbaths.
III “early” = bathus. 4x in NT. Perhaps rom the same root as basis (step, foot); from baino (to walk, go). This is deep or profound in a literal or figurative sense. It can also mean very early.
IV “dawn” = orthros. 3x in NT. Perhaps from the same as oros (mountain, hill); perhaps from airo (raise, take up, lift, remove). This is sunrise, daybreak, early dawn.
they wentV to the tomb,VI takingVII the spicesVIII that they had prepared.IX
V “went” = erchomai. This is to come or go.
VI “tomb” = mnema. 8x in NT. From mnaomai (to remember; by implication give reward or consequence); perhaps from meno (to stay, abide, wait, endure). This is memorial, tomb, or monument.
VII “taking” = phero. This is to bear, bring, lead, or make known publicly. It is to carry in a literal or figurative sense.
VIII “spices” = aroma. Related to “dawn” in v1. 4x in NT– all used of bringing spices for Jesus’ body. Perhaps from airo (see note IV above). This is a sweet spice, seasoning, or perfume. It is where the word “aroma” comes from.
IX “prepared” = hetoimazo. From hetoimos (make ready, be ready because of being prepared, standing by, adjusted; ready to meet some opportunity or challenge). This is to prepare or provide.
2 They foundX the stoneXI rolled awayXII from the tomb,XIII
X “found” = heurisko. This is to find, learn, or obtain. It is to discover something, which generally implies a period of searching for it. This is to find in a literal or figurative sense. This is where the word “heuristic” comes from.
XI “stone” = lithos. This is stone in a literal or figurative sense.
XII “rolled away” = apokulio. 4x in NT. From apo (from, away from) + kulio (to roll, wallow); {from kulindo (to roll, roll along); from kuma (wave, billow, curve, bend); from kuo (to swell as one pregnant)}. This is to roll away or back.
XIII “tomb” = mnemeion. Related to “tomb” in v1. From mousikos (to remember); from mneme (memory or mention); from mnaomai (see note VI above). This is properly a memorial – a tomb, grave, monument.
3 but when they went inXIV they did not find the body.XV, XVI
XIV “went in” = eiserchomai. Related to “went” in v1. From eis (to, into, for, among) + erchomai (see note V above). This is to go in in a literal or figurative sense.
XV “body” = soma. Perhaps from sozo (to save, heal, rescue); from sos (safe, well, rescued). This is body or flesh. It can be body in a literal or figurative sense (as the body of Christ). This is where the word “somatic” comes from.
XVI Some manuscripts add, “of the Lord Jesus” = ho + kurios + Iesous. Kurios is from kuros (authority, supremacy). This is a respectful address meaning master or sir. It refers to one who has control or power greater than one’s own. So, it was also applied to God and Jesus as Master or Lord. Iesous is from Hebrew Yehoshua (Joshua, the Lord is salvation); {from YHVH (proper name of the God of Israel; the self-existent and eternal one); {from havah (to become) or from hayah (to come to pass, become, be)} + yasha (to deliver, defend, help, preserve, rescue; properly, to be open, wide or free, which implies being safe. So, in a causative sense, this is to free someone)}. This is Jesus or Joshua in Greek – the Lord saves or the Lord is salvation.
4 XVIIWhile they were perplexedXVIII about this, suddenlyXIX
XVII {untranslated} = ginomai. This is to come into being, to happen, become, be born. It can be to emerge from one state or condition to another or is coming into being with the sense of movement or growth.
XVIII “perplexed” = aporeo. 6x in NT. From a (not) + poros (way, resource, passageway); {related to poreuomai (to go, travel, journey, or die; transporting things from one place to another and focuses on the personal significance of the destination)}. This is feeling like you have no way out, being perplexed or doubting.
XIX “suddenly” = idou. From eido (to be aware, see, know, remember, appreciate). This is see! Lo! Behold! Look! Used to express surprise and or draw attention to the statement.
twoXX menXXI in dazzlingXXII clothesXXIII stoodXXIV beside them.
XX “two” = duo. This is two or both.
XXI “men” = aner. This is man, male, husband, or fellow. It can also refer to an individual.
XXII “dazzling” = astrapto. 2x in NT. Probably from aster (star literally or figuratively); probably from stronnumi or stronnuo (to spread, make a bed). This is to flash with or like lightning, to be dazzling.
XXIII “clothes” = esthes. 8x in NT. From hennumi (to clothe). This is robe, clothing, dress. It is used of both human and angelic apparel.
XXIV “stood” = ephistemi. From epi (on, upon, what is fitting) + histemi (to stand, place, set up, establish, stand ready, stand firm, be steadfast). This is to stand upon, happen, be present. Usually, it is used in a literal sense.
5 The women wereXXV terrifiedXXVI and bowedXXVII their facesXXVIII to the ground,XXIX
XXV “were” = ginomai. Same as {untranslated} in v4. See note XVII above.
XXVI “terrified” = emphobos. 5x in NT. From en (in, on, at, by, with) + phobos (panic flight, fear, fear being caused, terror, alarm, that which causes fear, reverence, respect); {from phebomai (to flee, withdraw, be put to flight)}. This is to be afraid, fully terrified.
XXVII “bowed” = klino. 7x in NT. This is to slant, rest, recline, approach an end, wear. It can be bend in a literal or figurative sense – to lay down, a day ending, causing an opposing army to flee.
XXVIII “faces” = prosopon. From pros (at, towards, with) + ops (eye, face); {from optanomai (to appear, be seen); perhaps from horao (become, seem, appear)}. This is the face, surface, or front. It can imply presence more generally.
XXIX “ground” = ge. This is earth, land, soil, region, country, the inhabitants of an area.
but the men said to them, “Why do you look forXXX the livingXXXI among the dead?XXXII He isXXXIII not here but has risen.XXXIV
XXX “look for” = zeteo. This is to seek, search for, desire. It is searching for something by inquiring or investigation. It can be seek in a literal or figurative sense. There is a Hebrew figure of speech “to seek God’s face” so it can also mean to worship God. Alternately, you could seek someone’s life i.e. plot to kill them.
XXXI “living” = zao. This is to live literally or figuratively. It is used for life including the vitality of humans, plants, and animals – it is life physical and spiritual and life everlasting.
XXXII “dead” = nekros. Perhaps from nekus (corpse). This is dead or lifeless, mortal, corpse. It can also be used figuratively for powerless or ineffective. It is where the word “necrotic” comes from.
XXXIII “is” = eimi. This is to be, exist.
XXXIV “risen” = egeiro. This is to awake, raise up or lift up. It can be to get up from sitting or lying down, to get up from sleeping, to rise from a disease or from death. Figuratively, it can be rising from inactivity or from ruins.
6 RememberXXXV how he told you, while he was still in Galilee,XXXVI 7 XXXVIIthat the SonXXXVIII of ManXXXIX
XXXV “remember” = mimnesko. Related to “tomb” in v1 & “tomb” in v2. From mnaomai (see note VI above). This is to remind or remember. It is memory through an active, intentional process or being mindful of. It is not incidentally or accidentally remembering.
XXXVI “Galilee” = Galilaia. From Hebrew galil (cylinder, circuit, district); from galal (to roll in a literal or figurative sense, roll away, roll down, wallow, remove, trust). This is Galilee, meaning perhaps region or cylinder.
XXXVII {untranslated} = lego. This is to speak, say, name, call, command. It is generally to convey verbally.
XXXVIII “son” = huios. This is son, descendant – a son whether natural born or adopted. It can be used figuratively for other forms of kinship.
XXXIX “man” = anthropos. Related to “men” in v4 & “faces” in v5. Probably from aner (see note XXI above) + ops (see note XXVIII above). This is human, humankind. Used for all genders.
mustXL be handed overXLI to the handsXLII of sinnersXLIII
XL “must” = dei. From deo (to tie, bind, compel; declare unlawful). This is what is necessary or proper. It is what is needed or what one should do – a duty or something inevitable. This refers to something absolutely necessary.
XLI “handed over” = paradidomi. From para (from beside, by) + didomi (give, offer, place, bestow, deliver; give in a literal or figurative sense). This is literally to hand over – hence to deliver, abandon, or betray. It implies a personal involvement.
XLII “hands” = cheir. This is the hand in a literal sense. Figuratively, the hand is the means a person uses to accomplish things so it can also mean power, means, or instrument.
XLIII “sinners” = anthropos + hamartolos. Literally, “sinful people.” Anthropos is the same as “man” in v7. See note XXXIX above. Hamartolos is from hamartano (to miss the mark, do wrong, make a mistake, sin); {from a (not) + meros (a part or share)}. This is sinning, sinful, sinner. It referred to missing the mark or falling short. The term was also used in archery for missing the target.
and be crucifiedXLIV and on the thirdXLV dayXLVI rise again.”XLVII
XLIV “crucified” = stauroo. Related to “stood” in v4. From stauros (upright stake, cross; literally the horizontal beam of a Roman cross, generally carried by the one convicted to die); from the same as histemi (see note XXIV above). This can be to attach someone to a cross or fencing with stakes. In a figurative sense, it could be to destroy, mortify, or subdue passions/selfishness.
XLV “third” = tritos. From treis (three). This is third.
XLVI “day” = hemera. Perhaps from hemai (to sit). This is day, time, or daybreak.
XLVII “rise again” = anistemi. Related to “stood” in v4 & “crucified” in v7. From ana (upwards, up, again, back, anew) + histemi (see note XXIV above). This is to raise up, rise, appear. It is to stand up literally or figuratively. Can also mean to resurrect.
8 Then they remembered his words,XLVIII 9 and returningXLIX from the tombL
XLVIII “words” = rhema. From rheo (to speak, command, make, say, speak of); from ereo (to all, say, speak of, tell; denotes ongoing speech). This is word, which implies a matter or thing spoken, a command, report, promise, thing, or business. Often used for narration, commands, or disputes.
XLIX “returning” = hupostrepho. From hupo (by, under, about) + strepho (to turn, change, turn back, be converted; to turn around completely to take the opposite path or a completely different one); {from trope (turning, shifting, a revolution; figuratively, a variation); from trepo (to turn)}. This is to turn back or behind in a literal or figurative sense.
L “tomb” = mnemeion. Same as “tomb” in v2. See note XIII above.
they toldLI allLII this to the elevenLIII and to all the rest.LIV
LI “told” = apaggello. From apo (from, away from) + aggello (to announce, report); {from aggelos (angel, messenger); probably from ago (to lead, bring, carry, guide, drive)}. This is to report, declare, bring word. It is an announcement that emphasizes the source.
LII “all” = pas. This is all or every.
LIII “eleven” = hendeka. Related to “first” in v1. 6x in NT– all referring to the apostles minus Judas. From heis (see note I above) + deka (ten). This is eleven.
LIV “rest” = loipos. From leipo (to leave behind, be lacking). This is the rest, remained, remnant, other, residue.
10 Now it was MaryLV Magdalene,LVI Joanna,LVII
LV “Mary” = Maria. From Hebrew Miryam (Aaron and Moses’s sister); from marah (to be contentious, rebellious, bitter, provoking, disobedient; to be or make bitter or unpleasant; figuratively, to rebel or resist; causatively to provoke). This is Miriam or Mary.
LVI “Magdalene” = Magdalene. 12x in NT. From Magdala (Magadan, a place near the Sea of Galilee); perhaps from Aramaic migdal, see also Hebrew migdal (tower); from gadal (to grow, grow up, be great). This is from Magdala.
LVII “Joanna” = Ioanna. Related to {untranslated} in v3. 2x in NT– only in Luke’s gospel. From Ioannes (John, meaning “the Lord has been gracious”); From Hebrew yochanan (Johanan); from Yehochanan (“the Lord has been gracious”); {from YHVH (see note XVI above)} + chanan (beseech, show favor, be gracious; properly, to bend in kindness to someone with less status). This is Joanna, meaning “the Lord has been gracious.”
Mary the mother of James,LVIII and the other womenLIX with them who told this to the apostles.LX
LVIII “James” = Iakob. From Hebrew Yaaqob (Jacob); from the same as aqeb (heel, hind part, hoof, rear guard of an army, one who lies in wait, usurper). This is James, meaning heel grabber or usurper.
LIX “other women” = loipos. Same as “rest” in v9. See note LIV above.
LX “apostles” = apostolos. Related to “stood” in v4 & “crucified” and “rise” in v7. From apostello (to send, send away, send forth as a messenger, to commission); {from apo (from, away from) + stello (to set, arrange, prepare, provide for); {probably from histemi (see note XXIV above)}}. This is a messenger – someone sent out on a mission as an envoy or delegate. It can also refer to someone set at liberty. Generally, this is a messenger who is meant to be a representative of the one who sent them. They are thus, set apart on a mission literally or figuratively.
11 But these words seemedLXI toLXII them an idle tale,LXIII and they did not believeLXIV them.
LXI “seemed” = phaino. This is to bring light, cause to appear, shine, become visible or clear. This is show in a literal or figurative sense.
LXII “to” = enopios. Related to “faces” in v5 & “man” in v7. From en (in, on, at, by, with) + ops (see note XXVIII above). This is literally “in sight of.” It means before in a literal or figurative sense.
LXIII “idle tale” = leros. 1x in NT. This is silly, nonsense, idle story.
LXIV “did not believe” = apisteo. 8x in NT. From apistos (unbelieving, incredulous, faithless; someone who rejects faith); {from a (not, without) + pistos (faithful, trustworthy, reliable, sure, or true; a fullness of faith); {from peitho (to have confidence, urge, be persuaded, agree, assure, believe, have confidence, trust)}}. This is to intentionally disbelieve, prove false. It can be one who has never believed or a believer who goes astray.
12 But PeterLXV got upLXVI and ranLXVII to the tomb;LXVIII
LXV “Peter” = Petros. Related to petra (large rock that is connected and or projecting like a rock, ledge, or cliff; can also be cave or stony ground). This is Peter, a stone, pebble, or boulder.
LXVI “got up” = anistemi. Same as “rise” in v7. See note XLVII above.
LXVII “ran” = trecho. 20x in NT. To run, make progress, rush. This is running like an athlete in a race. Figuratively, to work quickly towards a goal in a focused way.
LXVIII “tomb” = mnemeion. Same as “tomb” in v2. See note XIII above.
stooping and lookingLXIX in, he sawLXX the linen clothsLXXI by themselves;LXXII
LXIX “stooping and looking” = parakupto. Related to “rolled away” in v2. 5x in NT. From para (by, beside) + kupto (to stoop, bend forward, bow one’s head); perhaps from kuma (wave, billow, curve, bend); from kuo (to swell as one pregnant). This is to bend beside or stoop. To bend over to peer into.
LXX “saw” = blepo. This is literally to see – it is primarily used in the physical sense. However, figuratively it can be seeing, which includes attention and so to watchfulness, being observant, perceiving, and acting on the visual information. It can also mean beware.
LXXI “linen cloths” = othonion. 5x in NT. From othone (a cloth made of linen, a sail). This is a band of linen, a wrapping.
LXXII “by themselves” = monos. Related to “tomb” in v1 & “tomb” in v2. Perhaps from meno (see note VI above). This is alone, single, remaining, mere, desolate.
then he wentLXXIII home, amazedLXXIV at what had happened.LXXV
LXXIII “went” = aperchomai. Related to “went” in v1 & “went in” in v3. From apo (from, away from) + erchomai (see note V above). This is to depart, follow, or go off in a literal or figurative sense.
LXXIV “amazed” = thaumazo. From thauma (a wonder or marvel; used abstractly for wonderment or amazement; something that evokes emotional astonishment); may be from theaomai (to behold, look upon, see, contemplate, visit); from thaomai (to gaze at a spectacle; to look at or contemplate as a spectator; to interpret something in efforts to grasp its significance). This is to marvel, wonder, or admire. To be amazed out of one’s senses or be awestruck. Being astonished and starting to contemplate what was beheld. This root is where the word “theatre” comes from.
LXXV “happened” = ginomai. Same as {untranslated}in v4. See note XVII above.
Image credit: “Ugandan Risen Christ” at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk, Virginia.