Matthew 27:53

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:53 records an extraordinary and unique event in the Gospel narratives: that after Jesus' resurrection, many saints who had died were raised from their graves, entered Jerusalem, and appeared to numerous people. This miraculous occurrence serves as a powerful, public testament to the cosmic significance of Christ's victory over death and the dawning of a new spiritual reality inaugurated by His atoning work and glorious resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Matthew's Passion narrative, immediately following the crucifixion and death of Jesus. [Matthew 27:51-52](/matthew/27-51-52 "Matthew 27:51-52 - Signs at Jesus' Death") describe dramatic cosmic and terrestrial disturbances that accompanied Christ's final breath: the temple veil tearing, an earthquake, splitting rocks, and significantly, the opening of graves. Verse 53 clarifies a crucial temporal distinction: while the graves were opened *at* Jesus' death, the saints within them did not emerge until *after* His resurrection. This sequence is vital, establishing Christ's resurrection as the prerequisite and enabling power for their own. Their subsequent entry into Jerusalem and public appearance underscore the public, undeniable nature of these miraculous events, serving as a divine commentary on the significance of Jesus' triumph.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem, referred to as "the holy city" in this verse, held profound religious and cultural significance for Jewish people as the center of their worship and the dwelling place of God's presence. The appearance of resurrected individuals within its walls would have been an event of unparalleled impact, challenging deeply held beliefs about death and the afterlife. Jewish burial practices typically involved placing bodies in tombs or caves, often outside the city walls, making the emergence from these "graves" and entry into the populated city a highly visible and shocking phenomenon. While the Old Testament contains accounts of individuals being raised (e.g., [Elijah raising the widow's son](/1_kings/17-17-24 "1 Kings 17:17-24 - Elijah Raises the Widow's Son"), [Elisha raising the Shunammite's son](/2_kings/4-32-37 "2 Kings 4:32-37 - Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son")), a mass resurrection of this nature, tied directly to the Messiah's death and resurrection, was unprecedented and signaled a new era of God's redemptive work.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 27:53 powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **Triumph of Christ over Death**. Jesus' resurrection is presented not merely as His personal victory, but as a cosmic event that breaks the power of death for all who belong to Him. These resurrected saints serve as the [firstfruits of Christ's victory](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits"), tangible proof that His resurrection inaugurates the general resurrection of believers. Furthermore, their public appearance in the holy city provides **Divine Validation** for Jesus' Messiahship and the truth of His claims. It is a miraculous sign, witnessed by "many," that authenticates the seismic spiritual shift that occurred through Christ's death and resurrection, confirming His identity as the Son of God, as even the centurion confessed in [Matthew 27:54](/matthew/27-54 "Matthew 27:54 - The Centurion's Confession").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Resurrection (Greek, _égersis'_):** From G1454, meaning "a resurgence (from death)." This word specifically denotes a rising up or awakening from a state of death. In the context of Matthew 27:53, it emphasizes that the emergence of the saints from their graves was a true, literal resurrection, a restoration to life, directly empowered by and subsequent to Christ's own victory over the grave. It is not merely a reanimation but a divine act of bringing life where death had reigned.
* **Graves (Greek, _mnēmeîon'_):** From G3419, meaning "a remembrance, i.e. cenotaph (place of interment)." This term refers to tombs, sepulchers, or memorial sites where the dead were laid to rest. The fact that these individuals came "out of the graves" underscores the physical reality of their prior death and burial, making their emergence a profound reversal of the natural order and a clear demonstration of supernatural power.
* **Appeared (Greek, _emphanízō'_):** From G1718, meaning "to exhibit (in person) or disclose (by words)." This word signifies a clear, undeniable manifestation or public display. It implies that these resurrected saints were not phantoms or visions, but physically present individuals who were recognized and seen by "many." This public appearance served to validate the reality of their resurrection and, by extension, the power of Christ's resurrection that enabled it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And came out of the graves after his resurrection":** This clause establishes the critical sequence of events. The opening of the graves occurred at Jesus' death, but the actual emergence of the saints was contingent upon and occurred *after* Christ's own resurrection. This emphasizes that Jesus' victory over death was the foundational act that unlocked the power for others to be raised, making Him the "firstfruits" of the resurrection. It signifies a literal, physical emergence from their places of burial.
* **"and went into the holy city":** The "holy city" is Jerusalem, the spiritual and political capital of Judea. Their entry into this significant urban center highlights the public and observable nature of this miracle. It was not a hidden event but one that took place where it could be witnessed by many, thereby serving as a powerful sign to the Jewish people concerning the monumental events that had just transpired.
* **"and appeared unto many":** This final clause confirms the widespread observation of these resurrected saints. The term "appeared" (Greek _emphanízō_) suggests a clear, undeniable manifestation, not a fleeting glimpse or private vision. The fact that they were seen by "many" underscores the verifiable nature of this miracle, providing multiple witnesses to the reality of resurrection and the profound impact of Jesus' triumph over death.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 27:53 is rich in **Symbolism**. The resurrection of the saints symbolizes the breaking of death's power and the dawning of the new age inaugurated by Christ's resurrection. It is a tangible sign of the spiritual victory achieved on the cross. The "holy city" of Jerusalem itself is symbolic, representing the center of God's covenant people, and the place where divine judgment and redemption converge. This event also serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing** of the general resurrection of believers promised in the New Testament. The saints emerging from their graves prefigure the future bodily resurrection that awaits all who are in Christ. Furthermore, the public nature of their appearance ("appeared unto many") functions as **Testimony** and **Validation**. It is a miraculous, undeniable witness to the truth of Jesus' divine authority and the reality of His resurrection, intended to authenticate His Messiahship to a skeptical world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:53 stands as a profound theological statement, affirming the comprehensive victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death. It underscores that Christ's resurrection is not an isolated event but the decisive moment that inaugurates the new creation, breaking the dominion of death and offering the promise of bodily resurrection to all who believe. This unique occurrence highlights Jesus as the ultimate source of life, demonstrating His power to conquer the grave and foreshadowing the ultimate hope of believers. It serves as a powerful validation of His divine claims and the transformative power of His finished work on the cross, confirming that His sacrifice was indeed sufficient to overcome humanity's greatest enemies.

* [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")
* [1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection")
* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship and Future Resurrection Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 27:53 offers believers a profound source of hope and assurance. In a world constantly confronted by the reality of death, this verse provides a tangible glimpse into the future victory promised through Christ. It reminds us that Jesus' resurrection is not just a historical fact, but a living, active power that extends to all who are united with Him. This unique event reassures us that our own physical death is not the end, but a transition, and that God's ultimate plan includes a bodily resurrection for His people. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, trusting in God's power to bring life out of death, and to find comfort in the knowledge that Christ's triumph guarantees our ultimate triumph over the grave. This passage calls us to consider the profound implications of Christ's victory for our daily lives, empowering us to face challenges with courage and to live with the certain hope of resurrection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the resurrection of these saints deepen your understanding of Jesus' victory over death?**
* **What comfort and hope does this passage offer you regarding your own mortality or the loss of loved ones?**
* **In what ways does this unique miracle validate the claims of Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah?**
* **How might the reality of bodily resurrection impact your priorities and daily living?**

### FAQ

**Who were these "many saints" who were resurrected?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly name these individuals, referring to them simply as "many saints" (Greek: _polloi hagioi_). The term "saints" (G40, _hagios_) in the New Testament generally refers to believers, those set apart by God. Given the context of the Old Covenant and the timing, it is widely understood that these were Old Testament believers—righteous individuals who had died in faith, awaiting the Messiah's redemptive work. Their resurrection, therefore, signifies that the power of Christ's death and resurrection extended even to those who had died before Him, demonstrating His universal dominion over death across all ages.

**What happened to these resurrected saints after they appeared in Jerusalem? Did they remain on Earth?**

Answer: The Bible does not provide further details about their fate after their appearance. Matthew's account is unique in mentioning this event, and no other New Testament book elaborates on it. This silence has led to various theological speculations. Some believe they ascended to heaven with Christ, serving as a "resurrection escort" or a sign of the new covenant's power. Others suggest they may have died again, having served their purpose as witnesses to Christ's resurrection. The primary focus of the text is on their resurrection and appearance as a powerful sign validating Jesus' triumph, rather than their ongoing earthly existence. The lack of further information emphasizes the symbolic and theological significance of the event rather than providing a detailed narrative of their post-resurrection lives.

**Why is this event only recorded in Matthew's Gospel?**

Answer: This is a unique detail to Matthew's Gospel, which often includes elements that emphasize Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and His identity as the Jewish Messiah. Matthew's audience was primarily Jewish, and this miraculous event would have served as a powerful sign to them, connecting the cosmic significance of Jesus' death and resurrection to their own understanding of God's redemptive history. The other Gospel writers may have chosen to focus on different aspects of the Passion narrative, or perhaps this event, while significant, was not central to the specific theological or narrative purposes of Mark, Luke, or John. Its inclusion in Matthew underscores the profound, earth-shattering impact of Jesus' resurrection on the realm of the dead.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:53 stands as a powerful, tangible demonstration of Christ's absolute sovereignty over death, serving as a profound Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament hopes and a living prophecy of the New Covenant's power. Jesus is not merely a prophet or a teacher; He is the [Resurrection and the Life](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"), whose victory over the grave is the ultimate assurance of life for all who believe. The resurrection of these saints, occurring "after his resurrection," unequivocally positions Jesus as the [firstfruits from the dead](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits from the Dead"), the pioneer who blazes the trail for all who follow Him. This event foreshadows the glorious future resurrection promised to all believers, where [our perishable bodies will be raised imperishable](/1_corinthians/15-53 "1 Corinthians 15:53 - The Imperishable Body") and [death will be swallowed up in victory](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54 - Death Swallowed Up in Victory"). It underscores that Christ's atoning work on the cross not only dealt with the penalty of sin but also broke the power of death itself, thereby [delivering those who were held in slavery by their fear of death](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death"). Thus, Matthew 27:53 is a vivid, historical illustration of the comprehensive scope of Christ's redemptive work, demonstrating that through Him, even the grave cannot hold those whom God has chosen.

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

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.