Luke 24:5

KJV

And as they were afraid, and bowed down [their] faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} as {G1096} they {G846} were {G1096} afraid {G1719}, and {G2532} bowed down {G2827} their faces {G4383} to {G1519} the earth {G1093}, they said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}, Why {G5101} seek ye {G2212} the living {G2198} among {G3326} the dead {G3498}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Terror-stricken, they bowed down with their faces to the ground. The two men said to them, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?

Berean Standard Bible

As the women bowed their faces to the ground in terror, the two men asked them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?

American Standard Version

and as they were affrighted and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 24:5 marks the pivotal moment at the empty tomb where the women, arriving to anoint Jesus' body, are confronted by two angelic beings. Overwhelmed by fear and reverence, they bow down, only to hear a profound, challenging question that dramatically shifts their understanding from the expectation of death to the stunning reality of resurrection, proclaiming Jesus' triumph over the grave.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the discovery of the empty tomb on the first Easter morning. [Luke 24:1-4](/luke/24-1-4 "Luke 24:1-4 - The Empty Tomb") describes the women—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and other companions ([Luke 24:10](/luke/24-10 "Luke 24:10 - The Women at the Tomb"))—arriving at dawn with spices to perform the customary anointing of a deceased body. Their expectation was to find Jesus' corpse. Instead, they found the large stone rolled away and the tomb empty, leaving them perplexed and distressed. It is into this scene of confusion and sorrow that "two men in dazzling clothes" suddenly appear, setting the stage for the divine announcement of the resurrection in verse 5 and the subsequent explanation in verses 6-7.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish burial customs involved preparing the body with spices and wrappings, typically performed shortly after death. The women's visit on Sunday morning, after the Sabbath, was to complete this process, as Jesus' burial had been rushed due to the approaching Sabbath ([Luke 23:54-56](/luke/23-54-56 "Luke 23:54-56 - Jesus' Burial")). Their actions demonstrate deep devotion and adherence to cultural norms for honoring the dead. The fear and bowing down in the presence of angelic beings (often described as "men in dazzling clothes" or "angels") was a common and appropriate response in biblical narratives, signifying recognition of divine authority and holiness. The tomb itself, likely a rock-cut cave with a rolling stone, was a common burial site for the wealthy, as described in [Matthew 27:60](/matthew/27-60 "Matthew 27:60 - Joseph's New Tomb").
* **Key Themes:** Luke 24:5 is foundational to several major theological and narrative themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Central among these is **The Resurrection of Jesus**, which is the pivotal event validating Jesus' claims and the core of Christian faith ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel of Christ's Resurrection")). The angels' question directly challenges the women's, and indeed humanity's, limited understanding of death, introducing the theme of **Challenging Expectations** and highlighting God's power to transcend human limitations. This verse also underscores **Divine Revelation**, as the angels serve as God's messengers, providing clarity and truth where human logic and experience fail. Finally, it powerfully contrasts "the living" with "the dead," emphasizing the theme of **Life Over Death** and foreshadowing Christ's role as 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")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **afraid (Greek, _émphobos'_):** This word describes a state of being "in fear" or "alarmed." It accurately captures the natural human reaction to a sudden, supernatural appearance, especially one involving beings of divine radiance. The women's fear signifies their recognition of the profound, otherworldly nature of the encounter, preparing them for a message of immense significance.
* **living (Greek, _záō'_):** This verb means "to live," encompassing both literal and figurative life. In this context, it emphasizes active, vibrant existence, directly contrasting with the state of death. The angels' use of this term for Jesus underscores that He is not merely resuscitated but is eternally and dynamically alive, the very source of life itself.
* **dead (Greek, _nekrós'_):** This term refers to a corpse or the state of being lifeless. It denotes the realm of the deceased, the grave, and the finality of physical death. The stark juxtaposition with "living" highlights the utter impossibility, from a human perspective, of finding one who is vibrantly alive within the domain of the lifeless.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth":** This clause vividly portrays the women's immediate, reverent, and fearful reaction to the sudden appearance of the two dazzling figures. Bowing down, or prostrating themselves, was a common gesture of worship, submission, or profound respect in the presence of divine or authoritative beings, acknowledging their awe and humility.
* **"they said unto them":** The "they" here refers to the two men in dazzling clothes, identified as angels in subsequent verses ([Luke 24:23](/luke/24-23 "Luke 24:23 - The Angels' Testimony")). This indicates that the following profound question is a divine pronouncement, not a human inquiry.
* **"Why seek ye the living among the dead?":** This is the rhetorical question at the heart of the verse. It is not asked to elicit an answer, but to challenge the women's presuppositions and to declare a profound truth: Jesus is no longer in the realm of the dead. The question sharply contrasts "the living" (Jesus) with "the dead" (the tomb and its occupants), highlighting the absurdity of looking for a living being in a place of death. It serves as the initial, revelatory announcement of the resurrection, redirecting their focus from sorrow and expectation of a corpse to the joy and reality of a resurrected Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 24:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Why seek ye the living among the dead?" This question is not posed for an answer but to make a forceful, declarative statement, challenging the women's assumptions and revealing the astonishing truth of the resurrection. It compels the hearers (and readers) to confront the illogicality of their search. This is amplified by the powerful **Juxtaposition** or **Antithesis** between "the living" and "the dead." This stark contrast highlights the miraculous and unprecedented nature of Jesus' triumph over death, emphasizing His unique status. Furthermore, there is an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the women, in their grief and adherence to custom, are seeking a corpse, while the audience (and the angels) know the glorious truth of Jesus' resurrection. This creates tension and anticipation for the full revelation that follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 24:5 serves as the initial, divinely orchestrated announcement of the resurrection, a truth that forms the bedrock of Christian theology. The angels' question encapsulates the radical shift from the despair of the cross to the triumph of the empty tomb, signaling that God's power has utterly overcome sin and death. It underscores the unique identity of Jesus as the Lord of life, who cannot be contained by the grave. This verse challenges humanity's natural inclination to mourn and to view death as the final word, instead inviting us to embrace a reality where life, through Christ, reigns supreme. It is a powerful affirmation of Jesus' victory, establishing Him as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep and the guarantor of eternal life for all who believe.

* [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up")
* [Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Victory Over Death")
* [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 24:5 offers profound guidance for believers today, urging us to re-evaluate where we seek life and hope. Just as the women were directed away from the tomb, we are called to move beyond seeking spiritual vitality in "dead" things—empty religious rituals, past glories without present power, worldly philosophies, or even the lingering effects of our own past failures and sorrows. True life, vibrant and transformative, is found only in the living Christ. This verse challenges us to embrace resurrection hope, reminding us that no circumstance, no loss, and no despair is too great for the victorious Savior. It encourages us to confront our own assumptions and limited perspectives, opening ourselves to God's miraculous work that often transcends human logic. By seeking the living Christ in every area of our lives, we are empowered to live in the victory He secured, trusting in His ongoing power, presence, and purpose for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be "seeking the living among the dead," looking for life or fulfillment in things that cannot truly provide it?**
* **How does the reality of Jesus' resurrection impact your understanding of suffering, loss, and death in your own life?**
* **What "dead" expectations or assumptions do you need to surrender to embrace the new, living reality Christ offers?**
* **How can the truth of the living Christ empower you to live with greater hope, purpose, and victory today?**

### FAQ

**Who were the "two men in dazzling clothes" mentioned in this verse?**
Answer: Luke later clarifies that these "two men" were angels ([Luke 24:23](/luke/24-23 "Luke 24:23 - The Angels' Testimony")). Their "dazzling clothes" signify their heavenly origin and the divine nature of the message they were about to deliver. They served as God's messengers, divinely appointed to announce the resurrection of Jesus to the women at the tomb.

**Why did the women go to the tomb, and what was their expectation?**
Answer: The women went to the tomb on the first day of the week, after the Sabbath, to complete the burial rites for Jesus. They had prepared spices and perfumes to anoint His body, a customary practice for honoring the deceased in first-century Jewish culture ([Luke 23:56](/luke/23-56 "Luke 23:56 - Women Prepare Spices")). Their expectation was to find Jesus' lifeless body in the tomb, as they had witnessed His crucifixion and burial.

**What is the significance of the rhetorical question, "Why seek ye the living among the dead?"**
Answer: This question is profoundly significant because it serves as the initial, direct, and authoritative announcement of Jesus' resurrection. It is a rhetorical question, not meant to be answered, but to challenge the women's (and humanity's) limited understanding of death and to declare the astonishing truth that Jesus is no longer dead but vibrantly alive. It highlights the absurdity of looking for the Lord of life in a place of death, thereby shifting their focus from grief and despair to the triumphant reality of His victory over the grave.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 24:5, with its astonishing angelic proclamation, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the embodiment of life and the conqueror of death. The question, "Why seek ye the living among the dead?" points directly to Christ as the unique individual who, though truly dead, could not be held by the grave because He is the very "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). His resurrection, announced here, is the divine vindication of His claims to be the Son of God and the Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a suffering servant who would rise victorious ([Isaiah 53:10-12](/isaiah/53-10-12 "Isaiah 53:10-12 - Prophecy of the Suffering Servant")). By rising, Jesus disarmed the powers of sin and death, making a way for humanity to experience new life in Him ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Christ's Triumph Over Sin and Death")). This verse is not merely about an empty tomb; it's about the living Christ, who now sits at the right hand of God, interceding for His people ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")), and through whom believers are raised to newness of life, even now ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")). The angels' question therefore serves as the initial declaration of the central truth of the Gospel: Jesus is alive, and because He lives, we too shall live ([John 14:19](/john/14-19 "John 14:19 - Because I Live, You Also Will Live")).

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.

Mark 16:6

And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

Revelation 1:18

[I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Revelation 2:8

¶ And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

Matthew 28:3

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

Matthew 28:5

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

Daniel 10:16

And, behold, [one] like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.