Matthew 28:3

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

{G1161} His {G846} countenance {G2397} was {G2258} like {G5613} lightning {G796}, and {G2532} his {G846} raiment {G1742} white {G3022} as {G5616} snow {G5510}:

His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were as white as snow.

His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.

His appearance was as lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

Matthew 28:3 vividly describes the awe-inspiring appearance of the angel who descended to roll away the stone from Jesus' tomb. This verse emphasizes the divine power and heavenly glory associated with the resurrection of Christ, creating a scene of overwhelming majesty and supernatural intervention.

Context

This verse is part of the climactic resurrection narrative in Matthew's Gospel. After Mary Magdalene and the "other Mary" came to the tomb, a great earthquake occurred, and an angel of the Lord descended from heaven. Matthew 28:2 describes the angel rolling back the stone and sitting on it. Verse 3 then immediately focuses on the angel's terrifying yet glorious appearance, which caused the Roman guards to shake and become like dead men, underscoring the divine power at work.

Key Themes

  • Divine Glory and Power: The description of the angel's "countenance like lightning" conveys immense power and divine majesty. This is not merely a beautiful appearance but a manifestation of God's overwhelming presence and authority, underscoring the miraculous nature of the resurrection. It aligns with other biblical descriptions of heavenly beings or divine manifestations, such as the glorious figure seen by Daniel or the vision of Christ in Revelation.
  • Purity and Holiness: "His raiment white as snow" signifies absolute purity, holiness, and heavenly origin. White garments are consistently associated with divine presence, righteousness, and victory throughout Scripture, symbolizing perfection and being undefiled. This stark whiteness contrasts sharply with the darkness of death and the grave, highlighting the triumph of life.
  • Awe and Confirmation: The angel's radiant appearance serves to confirm the extraordinary event that has just taken place – the resurrection of Jesus. Its overwhelming nature was designed to instill awe and fear in the Roman guards, rendering them powerless, while providing a clear and undeniable sign to the women that a supernatural event had occurred.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrases "his countenance was like lightning" and "his raiment white as snow" are direct and evocative. The Greek word for "countenance" (eidos) can refer to outward appearance or form, emphasizing the visual impact. The comparison to "lightning" (astrape) highlights sudden, brilliant, and powerful light, often associated with divine revelation or judgment (e.g., Luke 10:18). The "white as snow" (leukos hose chion) is a common biblical simile for extreme purity and brightness, found elsewhere in descriptions of divine figures or cleansed individuals (e.g., Psalm 51:7).

Related Scriptures

This angelic description finds parallels in other resurrection accounts, such as the "young man clothed in a long white garment" in Mark 16:5, and the "two men in shining garments" in Luke 24:4, all emphasizing the supernatural nature of the event. The brilliant appearance also echoes the Transfiguration of Jesus, where His face shone like the sun and His raiment was white as the light.

Practical Application

The striking imagery of Matthew 28:3 serves several profound purposes for believers today:

  • Assurance of Resurrection Power: The angel's glorious appearance powerfully attests to the reality and magnitude of Jesus' resurrection. It reminds us that death has been overcome by divine power, offering immense hope and comfort for eternal life.
  • Awe and Reverence for God: The overwhelming brightness and purity of the angel evoke a sense of awe, reminding us of the majesty and holiness of God. This should inspire reverence and worship in our hearts for the One who orchestrates such divine displays.
  • Hope for Future Glory: This divine display foreshadows the glory that awaits believers. Just as the angel was radiant, so too will believers be transformed and glorified, reflecting Christ's own glory, as promised in passages like 1 John 3:2. It points to a future where purity and divine light prevail.
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.

  • Mark 9:3

    And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

  • Acts 1:10

    And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

  • 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.

  • John 20:12

    And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

  • Revelation 18:1

    ¶ And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

  • Matthew 17:2

    And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

  • Revelation 3:4

    Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

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