Luke 24:4

KJV

And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} it came to pass {G1096}, as {G1722} they {G846} were much perplexed {G1280} thereabout {G4012}{G5127},{G2532} behold {G2400}, two {G1417} men {G435} stood by {G2186} them {G846} in {G1722} shining {G797} garments {G2067}:

Complete Jewish Bible

They were standing there, not knowing what to think about it, when suddenly two men in dazzlingly bright clothing stood next to them.

Berean Standard Bible

While they were puzzling over this, suddenly two men in radiant apparel stood beside them.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, while they were perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 24:4 vividly captures the profound bewilderment of the women who arrived at Jesus' tomb to find it empty, a situation that left them utterly perplexed. In this moment of deep confusion, the narrative pivots dramatically with the sudden and glorious appearance of two celestial beings, described as men in dazzling, shining garments, who stand beside them, poised to deliver a revelation that will transform their despair into understanding and joy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Luke's carefully constructed Resurrection narrative, immediately following the discovery of the empty tomb. In [Luke 24:1-3](/luke/24-1-3 "Luke 24:1-3 - The Empty Tomb"), women who had prepared spices and ointments for Jesus' body arrive at the tomb early on the first day of the week, only to find the massive stone rolled away and the tomb itself empty. Their expectation was to perform traditional burial rites, not to encounter an inexplicable void. The "perplexed" state described in [Luke 24:4](/luke/24-4 "Luke 24:4 - The Women's Perplexity") is a direct response to this astonishing discovery, setting the stage for the angelic announcement that will clarify the situation and confirm Jesus' resurrection, transitioning from human confusion to divine revelation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish burial customs involved anointing the body with spices and perfumes, typically performed shortly after death, but often completed more thoroughly after the Sabbath. The women's visit "very early in the morning" on the first day of the week (Sunday) was consistent with this practice, as the Sabbath rest would have concluded at sunset on Saturday. Their intention was to honor Jesus' body, reflecting a deep cultural respect for the deceased. The empty tomb was not only unexpected but profoundly disturbing, as it defied all known burial practices and the finality of death. Furthermore, the appearance of "two men" in a significant moment of divine revelation echoes Old Testament patterns, where two witnesses or angelic figures often confirm God's momentous acts, lending credibility and authority to the impending message.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 24:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Luke and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Human Perplexity vs. Divine Clarity**, illustrating humanity's limited understanding in the face of God's miraculous work, which is then dispelled by divine intervention. The women's "perplexity" underscores the need for supernatural revelation to grasp the truth of the resurrection. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Divine Intervention and Revelation**, as the sudden appearance of the "two men in shining garments" signals a direct, glorious act of God to communicate His truth. These beings, understood as angels, serve as God's messengers, bringing light to a situation of darkness and confusion, much like the angelic announcements in [Luke 1:26-38](/luke/1-26-38 "Luke 1:26-38 - The Annunciation to Mary") and [Luke 2:8-14](/luke/2-8-14 "Luke 2:8-14 - The Angelic Announcement to Shepherds"). Finally, it strongly foreshadows the **Reality and Centrality of the Resurrection**, even before it is explicitly stated. The empty tomb and the angelic presence are undeniable precursors to the triumphant declaration that Jesus "is not here, but is risen!" as revealed in [Luke 24:5-7](/luke/24-5-7 "Luke 24:5-7 - The Angelic Proclamation of Resurrection"), establishing the resurrection as the foundational truth of Christian faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **perplexed (Greek, _diaporéō'_):** This compound word, formed from "through" and "without resource," powerfully conveys the women's mental state. It signifies being utterly at a loss, thoroughly nonplussed, or in deep doubt, indicating they had no explanation or understanding for the empty tomb. Their perplexity was not mere confusion but a profound bewilderment, leaving them without a path forward in their reasoning.
* **stood by (Greek, _ephístēmi'_):** This verb means to stand upon or be present, often implying a sudden or unexpected appearance. In this context, it highlights the immediate and striking presence of the two men, who suddenly appeared beside the women. This suddenness emphasizes the supernatural nature of their arrival, signifying a divine intervention rather than a coincidental encounter.
* **shining (Greek, _astráptō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "star" or "flash," this term describes a dazzling, lightning-like brilliance. It denotes an intense, radiant light, reinforcing the supernatural and glorious nature of the garments worn by the two men. This brilliance is a visual cue of their heavenly origin and the divine significance of their message, evoking awe and confirming their angelic identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout":** This clause sets the scene by emphasizing the women's emotional and intellectual state. The phrase "it came to pass" (Greek _ginomai_) signals a significant event unfolding. Their "perplexity" (Greek _diaporéō_) is central, indicating a profound state of being at a loss or thoroughly bewildered concerning the empty tomb and the missing body of Jesus. This human confusion underscores the need for divine intervention.
* **"behold, two men stood by them":** The interjection "behold" (Greek _idoú_) draws immediate attention to a sudden and remarkable occurrence. It signals a dramatic shift in the narrative, introducing the unexpected appearance of "two men." The number "two" is significant, often serving as a legal witness in Jewish tradition, and in biblical narratives, two angelic figures frequently appear at pivotal moments of revelation (e.g., at the Transfiguration or Ascension). Their sudden "standing by" emphasizes their immediate and authoritative presence.
* **"in shining garments":** This descriptive phrase highlights the supernatural nature of the two men. The "shining garments" (Greek _astráptō_ and _esthēsis_) denote a dazzling, lightning-like brilliance, characteristic of heavenly beings or divine glory. This radiant appearance immediately distinguishes them as more than ordinary humans, preparing the women and the reader for a message of profound, supernatural significance.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 24:4 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and significance of the moment. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the stark contrast between the women's deep human "perplexity" and the sudden, glorious appearance of the "two men in shining garments," highlighting the intersection of human confusion with divine clarity. The phrase "behold" (Greek _idoú_) functions as a powerful **Exclamatory Interjection**, drawing the reader's immediate attention to the miraculous intervention and signaling a pivotal turning point in the narrative. The "shining garments" serve as potent **Symbolism**, representing not only the heavenly origin and purity of the messengers but also the radiant glory of the resurrection event itself, which is about to be revealed. This visual splendor also acts as **Foreshadowing**, preparing both the women and the audience for the awe-inspiring, life-altering message these celestial beings are about to deliver concerning Christ's triumph over death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 24:4 serves as a crucial bridge between the bewildering discovery of the empty tomb and the glorious announcement of Christ's resurrection. The women's perplexity underscores the human inability to comprehend divine mysteries without supernatural revelation. God, in His infinite wisdom and compassion, does not leave His people in confusion but actively intervenes through His messengers to bring clarity and truth. The appearance of the two radiant figures signifies that the events at the tomb are not merely a human mystery but a divinely orchestrated, pivotal moment in salvation history, confirming that God is actively working to fulfill His promises and reveal His ultimate triumph over sin and death.

* [Matthew 28:2-3](/matthew/28-2-3 "Matthew 28:2-3 - The Angel at the Tomb")
* [Mark 16:5](/mark/16-5 "Mark 16:5 - A Young Man in a White Robe")
* [John 20:12](/john/20-12 "John 20:12 - Two Angels in White")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In the midst of life's bewildering moments, Luke 24:4 offers profound encouragement. Just as the women at the tomb were utterly perplexed by the inexplicable absence of Jesus' body, we too encounter circumstances that leave us confused, at a loss, or deeply doubtful. This verse reminds us that God often meets us precisely in these moments of human bewilderment with divine clarity. The sudden, glorious appearance of the angels signifies that God does not abandon us to our confusion but actively intervenes, often in unexpected and supernatural ways, to reveal His truth and guide our understanding. It calls us to cultivate an openness to God's surprising interventions, to look beyond our immediate understanding, and to trust that even when we are "much perplexed," God is at work, preparing to unveil a greater reality and provide the answers we desperately need, especially concerning the foundational truths of our faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you felt "much perplexed" in your faith journey or life circumstances, similar to the women at the tomb?**
* **How does the sudden, divine intervention in this verse encourage you to look for God's presence and revelation in your own moments of confusion?**
* **What "shining garments"—or clear, supernatural signs of God's presence—have you witnessed that dispelled your doubts or brought clarity?**

### FAQ

**Who were the "two men" mentioned in Luke 24:4?**

Answer: While Luke does not explicitly use the term "angels" in this specific verse, the description of them as "two men... in shining garments" strongly indicates they were angelic beings. This interpretation is consistent with other biblical accounts of angels appearing in human form, often with radiant or dazzling appearances, to deliver divine messages. For example, in [Acts 1:10](/acts/1-10 "Acts 1:10 - Angels at the Ascension"), two men in white robes appear at Jesus' ascension. Their supernatural appearance and the crucial message they are about to deliver (in [Luke 24:5-7](/luke/24-5-7 "Luke 24:5-7 - The Angelic Proclamation")) confirm their identity as heavenly messengers sent by God.

**Why were the women "much perplexed" if they had heard Jesus speak of His resurrection?**

Answer: The women's perplexity, described by the Greek word _diaporéō_ (meaning "thoroughly nonplussed" or "at a loss"), stemmed from several factors. Despite Jesus' prophecies about His resurrection (e.g., [Luke 18:31-33](/luke/18-31-33 "Luke 18:31-33 - Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection")), the disciples, including the women, struggled to fully grasp or believe this concept before the actual event. Their immediate expectation was to find a dead body to anoint, not an empty tomb. The reality of resurrection was so unprecedented and outside their experience that even the empty tomb, without further explanation, caused profound confusion rather than immediate understanding or joy. Their perplexity highlights the human difficulty in accepting such a radical, supernatural truth without divine clarification.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 24:4, though seemingly a simple narrative detail, profoundly points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "perplexity" of the women at the empty tomb underscores the human inability to comprehend the magnitude of what God had accomplished through Jesus' death and resurrection without divine illumination. The sudden appearance of the "two men in shining garments" is not merely a dramatic literary device but a direct, supernatural intervention by God to declare the triumph of His Son. These angelic messengers serve as divine heralds, confirming that Jesus, the promised Messiah, had indeed conquered death, just as He foretold (cf. [Luke 9:22](/luke/9-22 "Luke 9:22 - Jesus Predicts His Suffering")). The empty tomb, validated by angelic testimony, is the irrefutable proof that Jesus is not merely a martyred prophet but the living Lord, the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as Firstfruits")). This moment sets the stage for the disciples' understanding that the entire Old Testament narrative finds its culmination in Christ's resurrection, establishing Him as the victor over sin and death and the source of eternal life for all who believe ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). The radiant angels, therefore, announce not just an event, but the very heart of the Gospel: that Christ is risen, and through Him, salvation and new life are made available to all humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 16:5

And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

John 20:11

¶ But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, [and looked] into the sepulchre,

John 20:12

And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

Acts 1:10

And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

Matthew 28:2

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

Matthew 28:6

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Genesis 18:2

And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw [them], he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,