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Mark 15:40
ESV There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.
NIV Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome.
NASB Now there were also some women watching from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome.
CSB There were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.
NLT Some women were there, watching from a distance, including Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joseph ), and Salome.
KJV There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

What does Mark 15:40 mean?

Earlier, the women stood before the cross with John and Jesus' mother (John 19:25–27). John mentions Mary Magdalene, Jesus' mother, His mother's sister, and the wife of Clopas—mother of James the younger and Joses. When Jesus sees His mother with John, Jesus charges John with making sure Mary is cared for. Judas is dead (Matthew 27:3–10) and the rest of the Twelve are scattered. There is no mention that Jesus' brothers are anywhere near (Mark 3:20–21; John 7:5). As Jesus is the oldest son and Joseph is apparently deceased, He is responsible for Mary. John is there, he is fiercely faithful to Jesus, and he will live longer than any of the other disciples. John takes Jesus' charge willingly, "and from that hour the disciple took her to his own home" (John 19:27).

Jesus' mother is not mentioned here, as Jesus dies, and neither is it claimed that John is present. It's possible John has already taken Mary and her sister away so they do not have to witness the cruel end.

Still, many women stand vigil. Salome is John's own mother (Matthew 27:56). Mary Magdalene has followed Jesus for years, ever since Jesus cast seven demons from her (Luke 8:2). Mary, the mother of James and Joses, is identified as the wife of Clopas who is also known as Alphaeus (John 19:25; Luke 6:15).

Mary Magdalene and Mary the wife of Clopas will follow Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus to see where Jesus is buried (Mark 15:47; John 19:39). These two Marys, Salome, and Joanna will return after the Sabbath to prepare Jesus' body for burial (Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10).

Jesus does not charge women to be apostles or pastors, but their role in His ministry is profound. The prophetess Anna is one of the first people to recognize He is the Messiah (Luke 2:36–38). Women brave male disapproval by anointing Jesus with expensive ointment and their own tears (Luke 7:37–39; John 12:1–8; Mark 14:3–9). Women provide for Him throughout His ministry (Luke 8:1–3). Women had a unique role in Jesus' ministry, and today they have a unique role in the church. We need to be mindful that this role should be biblical and not determined by the culture of the world or the culture of religion.
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