Matthew 27:52

KJV

And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the graves {G3419} were opened {G455}; and {G2532} many {G4183} bodies {G4983} of the saints {G40} which {G3588} slept {G2837} arose {G1453},

Complete Jewish Bible

Also the graves were opened, and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life;

Berean Standard Bible

The tombs broke open, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised.

American Standard Version

and the tombs were opened; and many bodies of the saints that had fallen asleep were raised;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse details a profound and supernatural event that transpired immediately following the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ: the opening of graves and the subsequent resurrection of many bodies of the saints who had died. This miraculous occurrence serves as a dramatic divine attestation to the immense power unleashed by Christ's atoning sacrifice, signaling His victory over death and foreshadowing the broader hope of resurrection for all who believe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the profoundly dramatic events described in [Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - Signs at Jesus' Death"), which include the tearing of the temple veil from top to bottom, a great earthquake, and the splitting of rocks. These preceding signs underscore the cosmic and theological significance of Jesus' death, marking the end of an old covenant and the inauguration of a new access to God. The opening of graves and the resurrection of saints' bodies serve as the climactic supernatural attestation, further emphasizing the unprecedented power and divine authority inherent in Christ's atoning sacrifice. This sequence of events presents a unified, divinely orchestrated display confirming Jesus' identity and the radical shift His death initiated.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish culture, burial practices typically involved placing bodies in rock-cut tombs or graves, often within family plots. The concept of resurrection was a significant theological debate, particularly between the Pharisees (who believed in it) and the Sadducees (who did not). While a general resurrection at the end of time was anticipated, the immediate, visible resurrection of individuals concurrent with the Messiah's death was utterly unprecedented and profoundly shocking. From a Roman perspective, crucifixion was the ultimate display of imperial power, designed to inflict maximum suffering and public humiliation, ensuring that the condemned had no future. The supernatural events accompanying Jesus' death, including the resurrection of the saints, directly challenged and subverted this display of human power, asserting divine sovereignty over life and death in a manner comprehensible yet astounding to both Jewish and Roman observers.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 27:52 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it unequivocally demonstrates **Divine Power Over Death**, showcasing God's absolute sovereignty over life and the grave, a theme central to the ministry of Jesus who declared, "[I am the resurrection and the life](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")". Secondly, these resurrected saints are often understood as **Firstfruits of Resurrection**, serving as a tangible preview and guarantee of the resurrection life secured by Christ's death. They prefigure Jesus' own glorious resurrection and the future general resurrection of believers, echoing the apostle Paul's teaching that Christ is the "[firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits")". Thirdly, the event signifies **Victory Over Sin and Death**, indicating that the power of death, which had held humanity captive since the Fall, was decisively broken by Jesus' sacrifice. Finally, it serves as a profound **Confirmation of Jesus' Identity**, as these dramatic supernatural phenomena, alongside the other signs, provided undeniable proof to eyewitnesses, including the Roman centurion who exclaimed, "[Truly this was the Son of God](/matthew/27-54 "Matthew 27:54 - Centurion's Confession")".

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **graves (Greek, _mnēmeîon'_):** From μνήμη (mnēmē), meaning "remembrance." This term refers to a place of interment, a cenotaph, or a tomb. Its use here emphasizes the physical locations where the dead were laid to rest, making the subsequent opening and resurrection a literal and undeniable disruption of the natural order.
* **slept (Greek, _koimáō'_):** From κεῖμαι (keimai), "to lie down." This word means "to put to sleep," and passively or reflexively, "to slumber." Figuratively, it is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly for believers. It implies that death is not a final cessation but a temporary state, like sleep, from which one will awaken, reinforcing the hope of resurrection.
* **arose (Greek, _egeírō'_):** Probably akin to the base of ἀγορά (agora), suggesting the idea of collecting one's faculties. This verb means "to waken" (transitively or intransitively), "to rouse" (literally, from sleep, from lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, nonexistence). Here, it denotes a literal, physical resurrection from the state of death, emphasizing the active, powerful intervention of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the graves were opened;":** This initial clause describes the immediate, physical manifestation of divine power. The word "graves" (mnēmeîon) refers to the tombs or burial places. The passive voice "were opened" (anoígō) highlights that this was not a human act but a supernatural intervention, directly attributable to the power unleashed by Jesus' death. It signifies the breaking of death's hold over those interred.
* **"and many bodies of the saints":** This specifies *who* was affected by the opening of the graves. "Many" (polýs) indicates a significant number, not just a few isolated cases, lending weight to the miraculous nature of the event. The term "bodies" (sōma) confirms a physical resurrection, not merely a spiritual one. Crucially, they are identified as "saints" (hágios), meaning holy ones or consecrated ones, implying they were righteous individuals, likely Old Testament believers who had died in faith, awaiting the Messiah's redemptive work.
* **"which slept arose,":** This final clause completes the miraculous action. "Slept" (koimáō) is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly for believers, conveying the idea that death is a temporary state. The verb "arose" (egeírō) signifies a literal, physical rising from the dead. This is a direct act of resurrection, demonstrating the power of God to overcome the ultimate enemy, death. The timing—immediately after Jesus' death—links this resurrection directly to His atoning work, presenting these saints as the first beneficiaries of His victory over the grave.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 27:52 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Miracle**, as the opening of graves and the resurrection of bodies are supernatural occurrences that defy natural laws, serving as undeniable signs of divine intervention and power. This event functions as **Symbolism**, where the physical act of graves opening and bodies rising symbolizes Christ's victory over death and the breaking of its power. It is a tangible representation of the spiritual reality that through His death, Jesus conquered the grave. Furthermore, the passage utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as the resurrection of these saints prefigures Jesus' own glorious resurrection on the third day, and ultimately, the future general resurrection of all believers. The phrase "which slept" is a classic example of **Euphemism**, softening the harsh reality of death by likening it to a temporary slumber, thereby reinforcing the hope of awakening through resurrection. The cumulative effect of these devices is to underscore the immense, transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice and its far-reaching implications for all humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:52 stands as a powerful theological statement regarding the nature of death and the ultimate victory secured by Jesus Christ. It underscores the biblical truth that for believers, death is not a finality but a temporary "sleep," from which they will be awakened. This event, occurring precisely at the moment of Christ's death, serves as a tangible demonstration that the power of death, which had held humanity captive since the Fall, was decisively broken. It is a divine declaration that Jesus' sacrifice was not merely a human tragedy but a cosmic triumph, unlocking the gates of Hades and inaugurating the era of resurrection life. The resurrection of these saints is thus a "firstfruits" of the greater harvest to come, guaranteeing the future resurrection of all who are in Christ.

* [John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "John 5:28-29 - The Hour is Coming for Resurrection")
* [1 Thessalonians 4:13-14](/1_thessalonians/4-13-14 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 - The Hope of Resurrection for Believers")
* [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 27:52 offers profound spiritual nourishment and practical application for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that death, for those who belong to Christ, is not an ultimate defeat but a temporary transition, akin to sleep. This truth provides immense comfort in times of grief and loss, assuring us that our loved ones who have died in faith are merely awaiting a glorious awakening. Furthermore, this miraculous event reinforces the absolute sovereignty of God over life and death, strengthening our faith in His ability to fulfill all His promises, including our own future resurrection. Living with the reality of resurrection hope transforms our perspective on suffering, mortality, and the transient nature of this world, empowering us to live with purpose, courage, and an eternal perspective, knowing that our ultimate destiny is life with Christ beyond the grave.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the resurrection of the saints at Jesus' death deepen your understanding of His victory over death and the grave?**
* **What comfort does the biblical concept of "sleep" for believers offer you in the face of personal loss or the fear of death?**
* **In what ways should the reality of a future resurrection impact your daily priorities, decisions, and how you live your life?**

### FAQ
**Who were these "saints" who arose?**

Answer: The text identifies them as "saints which slept" (Matthew 27:52). While not explicitly named, the term "saints" (Greek: *hagios*) refers to holy or consecrated ones, typically understood as righteous Old Testament believers who had died in faith, awaiting the Messiah. They represent those who had lived faithfully under the old covenant and were now beneficiaries of the new life inaugurated by Christ's death. Their resurrection at this specific moment underscores the redemptive power of Jesus' sacrifice, which reached even into the realm of the dead.

**When did these resurrected saints appear to people?**

Answer: Matthew 27:53 clarifies that "coming out of the graves after his resurrection, they went into the holy city, and appeared unto many." This means that while their graves were opened at the moment of Jesus' death, their actual emergence from the tombs and appearance to people in Jerusalem occurred *after* Jesus' own resurrection. This timing is crucial, as it establishes Jesus as the "firstfruits" of the resurrection (as seen in [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits")), and these saints as the initial beneficiaries of His triumph over death, confirming the power of His resurrection.

**Why did God cause these saints to rise at Jesus' death?**

Answer: This miraculous event served multiple profound purposes. Firstly, it was a dramatic divine attestation to the immense power and significance of Jesus' death, signaling His victory over sin and the grave. It demonstrated that His sacrifice was not a defeat but a triumph that broke death's dominion. Secondly, it served as a tangible preview of the general resurrection of believers, foreshadowing the hope and reality of eternal life available through Christ. Thirdly, it provided undeniable proof to eyewitnesses in Jerusalem that Jesus was indeed the Son of God and the promised Messiah, validating His claims and ministry. It was a visible sign of the new era of life and salvation inaugurated by the cross, fulfilling the prophetic hope that the Messiah would "[destroy him that had the power of death](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ Destroys Death's Power")" (Hebrews 2:14).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:52 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is Himself "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). The resurrection of these saints, concurrent with His death, is not a standalone marvel but a direct consequence and powerful demonstration of the redemptive power unleashed by His atoning sacrifice. Their rising from the dead serves as the initial tangible evidence that Christ, by His death, "destroyed him who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). These resurrected saints are the "firstfruits" of a new humanity, redeemed and raised by Christ, prefiguring His own glorious resurrection and guaranteeing the future resurrection of all who believe in Him. The apostle Paul eloquently articulates this truth, declaring that "as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive" ([1 Corinthians 15:22](/1_corinthians/15-22 "1 Corinthians 15:22 - Life in Christ")). Thus, Matthew 27:52 points directly to Jesus as the conqueror of death, the source of eternal life, and the guarantor of the believer's future hope, demonstrating that His cross was not an end, but the beginning of resurrection life for all who are in Him.

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

Isaiah 26:19

Thy dead [men] shall live, [together with] my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew [is as] the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

1 Thessalonians 4:14

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

John 5:25

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

John 5:29

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

1 Corinthians 15:20

¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept.

Daniel 12:2

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt.

Isaiah 25:8

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it].