Luke 23:56 Meaning and Explanation
“And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The women return to prepare spices and ointments for his body, then rest on the sabbath in obedience to the commandment.
What Does Luke 23:56 Mean?
Love and obedience share the verse. The women make ready fragrant spices for a proper anointing, then lay the task down as the sabbath begins, keeping the commandment even in their grief.
Their plan assumes a body that will still need anointing on Sunday morning; their obedience holds them still through the holy day. So Luke's account pauses — devotion prepared, the tomb sealed, the commandment kept — on the quietest sabbath in history. On the first day of the week the spices will prove unnecessary, and their mourning will be met by the news that changes everything: he is risen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 23:56
What does Luke 23:56 mean?
The women return to prepare spices and ointments for his body, then rest on the sabbath in obedience to the commandment.