Matthew 28:4

KJV

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead [men].

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} for {G575} fear {G5401} of him {G846} the keepers {G5083} did shake {G4579}, and {G2532} became {G1096} as {G5616} dead {G3498} men.

Complete Jewish Bible

The guards were so terrified at him that they trembled and became like dead men.

Berean Standard Bible

The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men.

American Standard Version

and for fear of him the watchers did quake, and became as dead men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 28:4 vividly portrays the profound and debilitating impact of divine power on the Roman guards stationed at Jesus' tomb. Following the dramatic descent of an angel and a great earthquake, these hardened soldiers, tasked with securing the burial site, were utterly overwhelmed by fear. Their terror was so intense that it caused them to physically shake and become completely incapacitated, appearing as lifeless men in the face of God's undeniable intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an immediate and dramatic consequence of the events described in [Matthew 28:2-3](/matthew/28-2-3 "Matthew 28:2-3 - The Angel's Descent and Earthquake"). An angel of the Lord descended, causing a great earthquake and rolling away the stone from the tomb, sitting upon it with a countenance like lightning and raiment as white as snow. The guards' reaction in verse 4 serves as a powerful testament to the supernatural nature of this event, directly preceding the angel's comforting words to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, and their subsequent discovery of the empty tomb. It also sets the stage for the guards' later report to the chief priests and the subsequent bribery to spread a false narrative, as detailed in [Matthew 28:11-15](/matthew/28-11-15 "Matthew 28:11-15 - The Guards' Report and Bribery").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The presence of Roman guards was not accidental; they were specifically requested by the Jewish chief priests and Pharisees to prevent Jesus' disciples from stealing His body and fabricating a resurrection claim ([Matthew 27:62-66](/matthew/27-62-66 "Matthew 27:62-66 - The Request for Guards at the Tomb")). Roman soldiers were renowned for their discipline, courage, and strict adherence to duty, often facing severe penalties, including death, for dereliction. Their incapacitation by fear underscores the extraordinary nature of the event, as it was something far beyond any earthly threat they were trained to handle. This context highlights the futility of human attempts to thwart divine purposes, especially when pitted against the direct manifestation of God's power.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 28:4 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Power and Authority**, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over human efforts and natural phenomena. The angel's appearance and the earthquake were not random occurrences but direct manifestations of the supernatural power accompanying Christ's resurrection, echoing the power described in [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Christ Declared Son of God by Resurrection Power"). The guards' extreme reaction emphasizes the **Overwhelming Fear** that accompanies a direct encounter with divine glory, a fear that transcends mere psychological apprehension and results in physical paralysis. Ironically, these very guards, appointed to prevent the resurrection narrative, became **Irrefutable Witnesses** to its undeniable reality, their incapacitation serving as a silent, yet powerful, testimony to the truth of the empty tomb.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Greek, _phóbos'_ G5401):** This word denotes alarm, fright, or terror. In this context, it signifies an overwhelming, paralyzing dread that seizes the guards, not merely a slight apprehension. It is a response to the awe-inspiring and terrifying display of divine power, causing a complete loss of composure and physical control.
* **Shake (Greek, _seíō'_ G4579):** Meaning to rock, vibrate, or agitate, this verb describes the physical trembling and convulsion of the guards. Its semantic root is closely related to the Greek word for "earthquake" (_seismos_), subtly linking their internal, visceral terror to the external, seismic event that just occurred. This shaking indicates a profound, involuntary physiological response to extreme shock and terror.
* **Became (Greek, _gínomai'_ G1096):** This verb signifies "to come into being," "to be made," or "to become." Here, it describes a transformative state—the guards transitioned from their disciplined, alert state to one of utter incapacitation. It emphasizes a sudden, dramatic change in their condition, highlighting the immediate and complete effect of the divine encounter.
* **Dead (Greek, _nekrós'_ G3498):** This adjective means "dead" or "lifeless." When applied to the guards, "as dead men" signifies that they were rendered utterly motionless, unresponsive, and incapacitated, appearing as if corpses. It does not imply literal death but rather a state of extreme paralysis, perhaps even unconsciousness, from the shock and terror, rendering them completely ineffective in their duties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for fear of him":** This phrase immediately identifies the cause of the guards' reaction: the awesome and terrifying presence of the angel (referred to as "him" from the preceding verse) and the accompanying earthquake. Their fear is not a general anxiety but a direct, overwhelming response to a supernatural encounter.
* **"the keepers did shake":** This describes the physical manifestation of their terror. The Roman soldiers, trained for discipline and courage, were reduced to involuntary trembling. This shaking indicates a visceral, uncontrollable reaction to the divine power, demonstrating that even the most hardened individuals are powerless before God's majesty.
* **"and became as dead [men]":** This clause describes the ultimate state of their incapacitation. They were rendered completely inert, appearing lifeless. This hyperbole emphasizes their utter paralysis and inability to function, highlighting the absolute and immediate overwhelming effect of the divine intervention. They were no longer capable of performing their duty of guarding the tomb.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 28:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey the profound impact of the resurrection event. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "became as dead [men]," which is an exaggeration to emphasize the guards' complete incapacitation rather than their literal demise. This dramatic overstatement underscores the overwhelming nature of the divine power they witnessed. The passage also utilizes **Irony**: the very individuals appointed by human authority to secure the tomb and prevent any claims of resurrection are rendered utterly helpless and become unwitting, albeit terrified, witnesses to the undeniable reality of God's power. Their military strength and discipline are rendered useless in the face of the supernatural. Furthermore, the scene presents a form of **Symbolism**, where the guards' collapse and apparent lifelessness can be seen as representing the futility and eventual defeat of all human opposition and earthly power when confronted by the irresistible, life-giving power of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully underscores the absolute sovereignty and irresistible power of God, demonstrating that no human effort, military might, or political scheme can thwart His divine purposes. The incapacitation of the Roman guards, symbols of earthly authority and strength, serves as a stark reminder that God's power operates on a different plane, overwhelming all opposition. The resurrection of Jesus was not a clandestine event but a public display of divine might, witnessed by those whose very purpose was to prevent it. This encounter with the holy and terrifying presence of God often elicits a response of profound fear and awe, revealing the vast chasm between human weakness and divine omnipotence.

* [Psalm 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalm 2:4 - God Laughs at Human Schemes")
* [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - John's Reaction to Christ's Glory")
* [Daniel 10:7-9](/daniel/10-7-9 "Daniel 10:7-9 - Daniel's Vision and Weakness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound terror experienced by the Roman guards at the tomb serves as a powerful reminder of the awe-inspiring and overwhelming nature of God's power. Their inability to stand or perform their duties in the face of divine glory challenges us to consider our own responses when confronted with the undeniable presence and work of God in our lives. Do we, like the guards, attempt to resist or contain His power, or do we humble ourselves in awe and surrender? This passage encourages us to recognize that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in the world and, indeed, within believers. It calls us to trust in a God whose plans cannot be thwarted by human opposition and to find courage in the knowledge that our hope is founded on an event of unparalleled divine might.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the guards' reaction to divine power challenge or affirm your understanding of God's majesty?**
* **What "guards" or obstacles in your own life (fears, doubts, human efforts) might be rendered "as dead men" by the overwhelming power of God?**
* **In what ways does the resurrection's undeniable power empower your faith and give you hope in seemingly impossible situations?**

### FAQ
**Did the guards literally die or lose consciousness when they "became as dead men"?**

Answer: The phrase "became as dead men" (Greek: _egenonto hōs nekroi_) is a hyperbole used to emphasize the extreme state of their incapacitation, not their literal death. They were not physically killed, but they were rendered completely paralyzed, unresponsive, and perhaps even unconscious due to the overwhelming fear and shock of encountering the angel and the earthquake. Their appearance was that of lifeless bodies, unable to move or react, which is why they were later able to be bribed by the chief priests to spread a false story ([Matthew 28:11-15](/matthew/28-11-15 "Matthew 28:11-15 - The Guards' Report and Bribery")). This state highlights the profound and debilitating effect of divine power on human beings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The scene at the tomb, with the helpless Roman guards, serves as a powerful illustration of Christ's ultimate victory and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "dead men" status of the guards, who represented earthly power and the forces attempting to contain Christ, symbolically foreshadows the complete and utter defeat of sin, death, and the powers of darkness by the resurrected Christ. Just as the guards were powerless before the angel's glory, so too were the grave and the grip of death powerless to hold the Son of God. Christ's resurrection is the definitive proof of His divine authority and His triumph over all spiritual and physical adversaries, as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). This event is the cornerstone of Christian faith, validating Jesus' claims and securing eternal life for all who believe. Through His resurrection, believers are united with Him in a newness of life, having been raised from spiritual death to walk in His power ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")), anticipating the ultimate victory over death promised in passages like [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death").

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 1:17

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Daniel 10:7

And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.

Matthew 28:11

¶ Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

Acts 16:29

Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

Matthew 27:65

Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make [it] as sure as ye can.

Matthew 27:66

So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

Job 4:14

Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.