Matthew 28:10

KJV

Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} said {G3004} Jesus {G2424} unto them {G846}, Be {G5399} not {G3361} afraid {G5399}: go {G565} tell {G518} my {G3450} brethren {G80} that {G2443} they go {G5217} into {G1519} Galilee {G1056}, and there {G2546} shall they see {G3700} me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yeshua said to them, "Don't be afraid! Go and tell my brothers to go to the Galil, and they will see me there."

Berean Standard Bible

“Do not be afraid,” said Jesus. “Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see Me.”

American Standard Version

Then saith Jesus unto them, Fear not: go tell my brethren that they depart into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 28:10 captures a pivotal post-resurrection encounter where Jesus directly addresses the women who first came to His tomb, offering them profound reassurance and a clear, urgent command. He instructs them to dispel their fear and immediately go tell His disciples, whom He now intimately calls "my brethren," to proceed to Galilee, where He promises to meet them. This verse is a foundational moment, confirming the reality of the resurrection and initiating the gathering that would precede the Great Commission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the miraculous discovery of the empty tomb by Mary Magdalene and the "other Mary" (Matthew 28:1). An angel had already appeared to them, declaring Jesus' resurrection and instructing them to tell the disciples to go to Galilee, where they would see Him (Matthew 28:5-7). As the women hurried away with "fear and great joy," Jesus Himself met them, reiterating and personally confirming the angel's message (Matthew 28:8-9). Thus, Matthew 28:10 serves as Jesus' direct, personal affirmation of the angel's commission, adding His own comforting presence and authority to the command. It sets the stage for the disciples' journey to Galilee and the subsequent climactic encounter where Jesus delivers the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-16-20 "Matthew 28:16-20 - The Great Commission").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold in Jerusalem shortly after the Passover festival, a time of heightened religious and political tension. Jesus had just been crucified by Roman authorities at the instigation of Jewish religious leaders. For the disciples, this was a period of immense grief, confusion, and fear, as they were followers of a condemned man and potentially targets themselves. In Jewish society, the testimony of women was generally not accepted in legal proceedings, making their role as the first witnesses to the resurrection and messengers to the male disciples particularly striking and counter-cultural. Galilee, in contrast to Jerusalem, was Jesus' primary region of ministry, a place of familiarity and relative safety away from the hostile authorities in the capital. The instruction to meet there signifies a return to the roots of their discipleship and a strategic move to a less volatile environment for this crucial post-resurrection gathering.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several key themes central to the Gospel of Matthew and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it undeniably establishes the **reality of Jesus' bodily resurrection**, as He is alive, speaking, and issuing commands. Secondly, Jesus' words, "[Be not afraid](/matthew/28-10 "Matthew 28:10 - Jesus' Reassurance")," echo a recurring divine motif throughout Scripture, offering **divine reassurance** in the face of overwhelming, fear-inducing encounters with God's power. Thirdly, His reference to the disciples as "[my brethren](/matthew/28-10 "Matthew 28:10 - Jesus Calls Disciples 'Brethren'")" signifies a profound shift in their relationship, underscoring the establishment of a **new covenant family bond** forged through His atoning work and resurrection. Finally, the command to gather in **Galilee** highlights the theme of **divine appointment and mission**, as this location becomes the designated site for Jesus to impart final instructions and empower His disciples for their global mission, culminating in the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Global Mandate").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **afraid (Greek, _phobéō'_):** This word, often translated "fear," signifies to be frightened, alarmed, or to be in awe of. In this context, it addresses the natural human response to the supernatural and the traumatic events the women had just experienced. Jesus' command "Be not afraid" is a common divine utterance throughout the Bible, consistently serving to calm human apprehension in the presence of God's power or a divine messenger, inviting trust rather than terror.
* **brethren (Greek, _adelphós'_):** Derived from Greek words meaning "a" (connective particle) and "womb," literally "from the same womb." While often referring to biological brothers, here Jesus uses it figuratively to denote a deep, familial spiritual bond. This intimate term, used by Jesus post-resurrection, signifies a profound transformation in His relationship with His disciples, elevating them to the status of a new, spiritual family, united by His redemptive work.
* **see (Greek, _optánomai'_):** This verb describes a specific kind of seeing—to gaze with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable. It implies a vision that is more than mere casual observation; it suggests an appearance or manifestation that is significant and impactful. The promise that "there shall they see me" implies a purposeful, undeniable encounter with the resurrected Christ, designed to confirm His reality and commission His followers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Jesus unto them":** This phrase establishes Jesus' direct, personal involvement and authority. It highlights that the message is not merely from an angel, but from the resurrected Christ Himself, giving it ultimate weight and credibility.
* **"Be not afraid":** This is Jesus' immediate pastoral response to the women's "fear and great joy" (Matthew 28:8). It is a divine reassurance, calming their natural human trepidation in the face of the miraculous and the divine presence, inviting them to move from terror to faith.
* **"go tell my brethren":** This is a clear, urgent command to action. The women, despite their social standing, are commissioned as the first evangelists of the resurrection. The term "my brethren" is profoundly significant, indicating a new, intimate relationship between Jesus and His disciples, forged through His death and resurrection, transcending their previous master-disciple dynamic.
* **"that they go into Galilee":** This specifies the destination for the crucial post-resurrection gathering. Galilee was the primary region of Jesus' public ministry, a familiar and perhaps safer place away from the hostile authorities in Jerusalem. It signifies a return to the roots of their discipleship and a strategic location for the next phase of His plan.
* **"and there shall they see me":** This is a promise and a purpose for their journey. The disciples are not merely to hear about the resurrection, but to experience a personal, undeniable encounter with the risen Lord. This meeting in Galilee will be foundational for their understanding, their faith, and their subsequent commission.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 28:10 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Direct Discourse**, as Jesus' exact words are quoted, lending immediate authority and intimacy to the message. There is also a powerful sense of **Reassurance** conveyed through Jesus' opening command, "Be not afraid," a common motif in biblical encounters with the divine that serves to calm human fear and prepare for revelation. The instruction to "go tell my brethren" functions as a **Commissioning**, highlighting the women's pivotal role as the first evangelists of the resurrection. Furthermore, the mention of **Galilee** serves as a **Symbolic Setting**, representing a return to the familiar, a place of new beginnings away from the dangers of Jerusalem, where the disciples would be re-gathered and re-commissioned. This verse also contains a subtle **Irony**, as women, whose testimony was often dismissed in that culture, are chosen by Christ to deliver the most significant news in human history to the male disciples.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 28:10 stands as a profound theological statement, affirming the absolute reality of Christ's bodily resurrection and His ongoing, active lordship. Jesus' appearance and direct command underscore His authority over life and death, demonstrating that His triumph over the grave is not merely a spiritual event but a tangible, historical fact. The intimate address "my brethren" signifies the inauguration of a new spiritual family, the church, where believers are united with Christ and with one another through His redemptive work. This verse also highlights the divine pattern of commissioning witnesses to spread the good news, beginning with the most unexpected messengers—the women—and setting the stage for the global mission that would soon follow. It emphasizes that the resurrected Christ is not distant but actively engaged in guiding His church, calling His followers to gather for further instruction and empowerment.

* [Mark 16:7](/mark/16-7 "Mark 16:7 - Angel's Instruction to Women to Go to Galilee")
* [John 20:17](/john/20-17 "John 20:17 - Jesus Calls Disciples 'My Brethren' to Mary Magdalene")
* [Matthew 28:16-20](/matthew/28-16-20 "Matthew 28:16-20 - The Great Commission in Galilee")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 28:10 offers timeless encouragement and clear direction for believers today. Just as Jesus met the women in their fear and joy, He continues to meet us in our own anxieties and triumphs, offering His comforting presence and peace. His command to "Be not afraid" reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming circumstances or divine encounters, we are called to trust in His sovereignty and goodness. The women's immediate obedience to "go tell" serves as a powerful model for our own call to evangelism; our personal encounter with the risen Christ should compel us to share the transformative news of His resurrection with others. Furthermore, the instruction for the disciples to gather in Galilee underscores the vital importance of Christian community and fellowship. It is within the context of gathering that we receive further instruction, encouragement, and empowerment for our collective mission. Our faithful obedience to Christ's commands, even when they seem daunting or counter-intuitive, always leads to deeper encounters with Him and a clearer understanding of our purpose in His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to hear Jesus' words, "Be not afraid," most profoundly today?**
* **How does Jesus calling His disciples "my brethren" change your understanding of your relationship with Him and with other believers?**
* **What "good news" has Jesus entrusted you to "go tell" others, and what steps can you take to share it more faithfully?**
* **How does the importance of the disciples gathering in Galilee inform your view of Christian community and its role in your spiritual growth and mission?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus tell them to go to Galilee specifically?**
Answer: Galilee was Jesus' primary region of public ministry, a familiar and perhaps safer environment compared to Jerusalem, which was the center of religious and political opposition. By directing them to Galilee, Jesus was calling His disciples back to the place where their journey with Him largely began, a place away from the immediate dangers and scrutiny of the Jerusalem authorities. It served as a designated, strategic location for a crucial post-resurrection gathering where He would give them final instructions and commission them for their global mission, as recorded in [Matthew 28:16-20](/matthew/28-16-20 "Matthew 28:16-20 - The Great Commission").

**Why were women the first to be told about the resurrection and commissioned to tell the disciples?**
Answer: In Jewish society of that time, the testimony of women was often not considered legally valid. Therefore, Jesus' choice to appear first to women and commission them as the primary messengers of His resurrection is highly significant. It demonstrates His radical inclusivity, valuing and empowering those often marginalized by society. It also highlights the divine nature of the event; God chose to use the "weak" and "foolish" things of the world to shame the wise, ensuring that the truth of the resurrection rested on divine power, not human credibility alone. This choice also paved the way for women's integral role in the early church and in the spread of the Gospel.

**What is the significance of Jesus calling His disciples "my brethren"?**
Answer: The term "my brethren" (Greek: _adelphoi_) signifies a profound shift in the relationship between Jesus and His followers after His resurrection. Prior to this, they were His disciples or servants. Now, through His atoning death and resurrection, they are brought into a new, intimate family relationship with Him, sharing in His divine sonship by adoption. This term underscores the new covenant reality where believers are united with Christ, becoming co-heirs with Him. It reflects the truth that Jesus is not ashamed to call them "brothers" (as seen in [Hebrews 2:11-12](/hebrews/2-11-12 "Hebrews 2:11-12 - Jesus Not Ashamed to Call Them Brothers")), signifying their new status as members of God's household.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 28:10, though brief, is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing the resurrected Lord as the active, sovereign initiator of His new covenant community and global mission. Jesus' appearance to the women and His command to "go tell my brethren" foreshadows His ongoing role as the Head of the Church, who continually calls and sends His followers. His intimate address, "my brethren," fulfills the deeper spiritual reality that through His sacrifice, He has brought many sons and daughters to glory, making them co-heirs with Him (as seen in [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). This verse speaks to Christ's victory over sin and death, establishing Him as the firstborn from the dead (Colossians 1:18), whose resurrection guarantees the resurrection life for all who believe in Him. The command to meet in Galilee, a place of new beginnings, points to Christ as the one who continually gathers His scattered sheep, transforming their fear into faith and their confusion into clarity. Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for the Great Commission, where the resurrected Christ, having all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18), empowers His "brethren" to make disciples of all nations, thereby fulfilling His redemptive purpose for humanity and establishing His kingdom to the ends of the earth. His promise, "there shall they see me," is a divine assurance of His abiding presence with His church, a promise that extends through the ages, culminating in His glorious return (Revelation 1:7).

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

Romans 8:29

¶ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

John 20:17

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and [to] my God, and your God.

Matthew 28:7

And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

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.

Matthew 14:27

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

Mark 16:7

But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

Matthew 25:40

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.