Matthew 27:53

And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

And {G2532} came {G1831} out of {G1537} the graves {G3419} after {G3326} his {G846} resurrection {G1454}, and went {G1525} into {G1519} the holy {G40} city {G4172}, and {G2532} appeared {G1718} unto many {G4183}.

and after Yeshua rose, they came out of the graves and went into the holy city, where many people saw them.

After Jesus’ resurrection, when they had come out of the tombs, they entered the holy city and appeared to many people.

and coming forth out of the tombs after his resurrection they entered into the holy city and appeared unto many.

Matthew 27:53 (KJV) describes an extraordinary event following Jesus' crucifixion: the resurrection of many saints who had previously died. This verse, unique to Matthew's Gospel, highlights the profound impact of Christ's death and subsequent resurrection.

Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic events surrounding Jesus’ death on the cross, as recorded in Matthew 27:51-52. At the moment Jesus breathed His last, the veil of the temple was torn, the earth quaked, rocks split, and significantly, graves were opened. Verse 53 clarifies that those who had been in these opened graves did not immediately come out, but rather emerged after Jesus' resurrection, demonstrating that His victory over death was the prerequisite for their own. Their appearance in Jerusalem, the "holy city," served as a visible testament to the seismic spiritual shift that had occurred.

Key Themes

  • The Power of Christ's Resurrection: This event powerfully underscores the triumph of Jesus' resurrection over death itself. His rising was not merely for Himself but signaled the beginning of a new age where death's power is broken.
  • Firstfruits of the Resurrection: These resurrected saints serve as a tangible demonstration of Christ as the "firstfruits" of those who sleep (1 Corinthians 15:20). Their resurrection, dependent on His, foreshadows the general resurrection of believers.
  • Divine Validation: The appearance of these resurrected individuals in Jerusalem provided undeniable, public evidence of Jesus' divine authority and the truth of His claims. It was a miraculous sign validating the Messiahship of Jesus.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "holy city" (hagia polis in Greek) refers to Jerusalem, emphasizing its unique spiritual significance as the place of God's presence and where these profound events unfolded.
  • "Appeared unto many" highlights that this was not a private or hidden occurrence but a public manifestation, establishing multiple witnesses to this miraculous resurrection. The term "appeared" (emphanizo) suggests a clear and undeniable manifestation.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 27:53 offers immense hope and assurance. It affirms that Jesus' resurrection is not just a historical fact but a life-giving power that extends to all who believe in Him. It reinforces the Christian hope in a future bodily resurrection, demonstrating God's ultimate victory over sin and death. This unique biblical detail encourages us to trust in God's power to bring life out of death, reminding us that Christ's victory ensures our own ultimate triumph.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 11:2

    But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty [and] two months.

  • Matthew 4:5

    Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

  • Isaiah 48:2

    For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts [is] his name.

  • Revelation 22:19

    And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.

  • Revelation 21:2

    And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

  • Daniel 9:24

    Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

  • Nehemiah 11:1

    ¶ And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts [to dwell] in [other] cities.

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