Mistranslation of Mark 16:8

The Mistranslation of Mark 16:8 is to mischaracterize the Mark ending as one of fleeing in fear rather than ecstatic celebration. In this context, it is improper English to speak of "fleeing" a friendly angel at a place being visited; the verb "to flee" typically refers to departing one's own property, and typically due to escape an adversary of some sort.

Specifically, the Greek word is ἔφυγον, which can mean to flee but can also mean to run back from. It is used both ways in other parts of the New Testament.

It should be translated as "ran back from the tomb" in Mark 16:8 , as this term should be translated in a similar way in:

• Mark 5:14
• Matthew 8:33
• Matthew 10:23

Two dozen mistranslations

Nearly every English translation of this verse -- totally roughly two dozen versions -- mistranslate the verb as "fled" rather than "ran back from." Only the highly respected, relatively recent Holman Christian Standard Bible translates the verb correctly as "started running from":

“

So they went out and started running from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them.

”

See also

• Disputed Bible verses
• Disputed Biblical Translations