Mark 16:9-20 — "The Longer Ending"

Whether the longer ending of Mark's Gospel (verses 9-20), absent from the earliest manuscripts, is considered part of canonical Scripture or a later addition.

Overall consensus61/100

Non-denominational Evangelical

Non-denominational Evangelical

Evangelical

Nuanced

Passage recognized as late insertion; generally included but noted as uncertain

Non-denominational evangelical churches generally acknowledge that Mark 16:9-20 is absent from the earliest manuscripts and is a later addition. However, many evangelical study Bibles include the passage with a note indicating its uncertain status.

Evangelical hermeneutics permit this nuance: the passage is Scripture as transmitted to us, but its original authorship and earliest textual status are matters of historical fact.

Key Distinctions

Textual status:
late addition recognized
Canonical status:
included with notation
Theological value:
content affirmed

Scripture References

Sources

  • National Association of Evangelicals Statement of Faith
  • National Association of Evangelicals Statement of Faith