On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. 4
24:1 Now on the first day 5 of the week, at early dawn, the women 6 went to the tomb, taking the aromatic spices 7 they had prepared.
1 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
2 tn On this term see BDAG 140-41 s.v. ἄρωμα. The Jews did not practice embalming, so these preparations were used to cover the stench of decay and slow decomposition. The women planned to return and anoint the body. But that would have to wait until after the Sabbath.
3 tn Or “ointments.” This was another type of perfumed oil.
4 sn According to the commandment. These women are portrayed as pious, faithful to the law in observing the Sabbath.
5 sn The first day of the week is the day after the Sabbath.
6 tn Grk “they”; the referent (the women mentioned in 23:55) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
7 tn On this term see BDAG 140-41 s.v. ἄρωμα. See also the note on “aromatic spices” in 23:56.