Bible Figure
Myrrhbearers
Myrrhbearers is a traditional collective term for the women who brought spices to Jesus' tomb after the Sabbath. The canonical Gospels name overlapping groups of women, including Mary Magdalene and other female followers.
Biography
The Gospel accounts describe women who had followed Jesus going to the tomb early after the Sabbath with spices prepared for His body. The exact lists vary among Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, reflecting each Gospel's presentation. Mark names Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome; Luke refers to women from Galilee and later names Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and others. They discovered the stone moved, received the announcement that Jesus had risen, and became central witnesses in the resurrection narratives. 'Myrrhbearers' is a later collective designation rather than a term used by the New Testament itself.
Biblical Significance
The women at the tomb occupy a foundational place in the resurrection testimony. Their intention to honor Jesus in death was overtaken by the announcement that He had risen, and they became the first bearers of that news to the disciples.