And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him:
And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him:
And many women were there beholding from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
And a number of women were there, watching from a distance, who had come with Jesus from Galilee, waiting on his needs.
And many women were there (beholding at a distance) who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him:
Many women were there watching from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, serving him.
And many women were there beholding from afar, which had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
Many women - To their everlasting honor, these women evidenced more courage, and affectionate attachment to their Lord and Master, than the disciples did, who had promised to die with him rather than forsake him.
Beholding afar off - At a distance - απο μακροθεν. Though this expression may be understood to refer, rather to the distance from which they came, (viz. from Galilee), than the distance they stood from the cross; yet, as all malefactors were crucified naked, perhaps this may account for the distance at which these modest women stood.
Beholding afar off - These women were probably not suffered to come near the cross because it was surrounded by soldiers. They witnessed with intense feelings his sufferings from some convenient place as near as they could approach.
Ministering unto him - Attending him and providing for his wants. While multitudes of people joined in the cry, "Crucify him!" and forsook him in his trying moments, it does not appear that any of his female followers were thus unfaithful. In the midst of all his trials, and all the Contempt poured upon him, they adhered to their Redeemer. Never did female constancy shine more brightly, and never was a happier example set for all who should afterward believe on him!