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“The Resurrection”· Matthew 28:1–10
Translation
Complete Jewish Bible
The guards were so terrified at him that they trembled and became like dead men.
Young's Literal Translation
and from the fear of him did the keepers shake, and they became as dead men.
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Historical interpretation
Five Centuries of Reception
11 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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The earthquake is the might of the resurrection, when the sting of death being blunted, and its darkness illuminated, there is stirred up a quaking of the powers beneath, as the Lord of the heavenly powers rises again.
This is an instance of the mercy of God the Father, to supply the ministry of heavenly power to the Son on His resurrection from the grave; and he is therefore the proclaimer of this first resurrection, that it may be heralded by some attendant token of the Father's good pleasure.
Or the earthquake was to rouse and waken the women, who had come to anoint the body; and as all these things were done in the night-time, it was probable that some of them had fallen asleep.
As much as to say, If ye believe me not, remember His own words. And then follows further proof, when he adds, Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
And, behold, he shall go before you, that is, to save you from danger, lest fear should prevail over faith.
"But in the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn towards the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And behold there was a great earthquake. For an angel of the Lord descended from Heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door of the tomb, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow."
After the resurrection came the angel. Wherefore then came he, and took away the stone? Because of the women, for they themselves had seen Him then in the sepulchre. Therefore that they might believe that He was risen again, they see the sepulchre void of the body. For this cause he removed the stone, for this cause also an earthquake took place, that they might be thoroughly aroused and awakened. For they were come to pour oil on Him, and these things were done at night, and it is likely that some also had become drowsy. And for what intent and cause doth he say, "Fear not ye?" First he delivers them from the dread, and then tells them of the resurrection. And the ye is of one showing them great honor, and indicating, that extreme punishment awaits them that had dared to do, what the others had dared, except they repented. For to be afraid is not for you, he means, but for them that crucified Him.
Having delivered them then from the fear both by his words, and by his appearance (for his form he showed bright, as bearing such good tidings), he went on to say, "I know that ye seek Jesus the Crucified." And he is not ashamed to call Him "crucified;" for this is the chief of the blessings.
"He is risen." Whence is it evident? "As He said." So that if ye refuse to believe me, he would say, remember His words, and neither will ye disbelieve me. Then also another proof, "Come and see the place where He lay." For this he had lifted up the stone, in order that from this too they might receive the proof. "And tell His disciples, that ye shall see Him in Galilee." And he prepares them to bear good tidings to others, which thing most of all made them believe. And He said well "in Galilee," freeing them from troubles and dangers, so that fear should not hinder their faith.
(Vers. 4, 5.) However, because of his fear, the guards were terrified and became like dead men. But the angel, responding, said to the women: Do not be afraid. For I know that you seek Jesus, who was crucified: He is not here, for he has risen as he said. The guards, terrified by fear, lie stupefied like dead men, and yet the angel comforts not them, but the women. Do not be afraid. Let them, he says, fear: let fear continue in those in whom unbelief persists. Furthermore, because you seek Jesus who was crucified, listen to the fact that He has risen and fulfilled the promises.
Or, otherwise; This apparent discrepancy in the Evangelists as to the times of their visits is no mark of falsehood, as wicked men urge, but shows the sedulous duty and attention of the women, often going and coming, and not enduring to be long absent from the sepulchre of their Lord.
And, behold, there was a great earthquake. Our Lord, Son at once of God and man, according to His twofold nature of Godhead and of flesh, gives a sign one while of His greatness, another while of His lowliness. Thus, though now it was man who was crucified, and man who was buried, yet the things that were done around show the Son of God.
The Angel in white raiment signifies the glory of His triumph.
The guards lay like dead men in a trance of terror, but the Angel speaks comfort not to them, but to the women, saying, Fear not ye; as much as to say, Let them fear with whom unbelief abides; but do ye who seek the crucified Jesus hear that He has risen again, and has accomplished what He promised.
That if my words fail to convince you, the empty tomb may.
Mystically; He shall go before you into Galilee, that is, into the wallowing stye of the Gentiles, where before was wandering and stumbling, and the foot had no firm and steady resting-place.
(Serm. 75.)g. Because the sabbath is illuminated, not taken away, by Christ, Who said, I am not come to destroy the Law, but to fulfil it. (Matt. 5:17.) It is illuminated that it may lighten into the Lord's day, and shine forth in the Church, when it had hitherto burnt dim, and been obscured by the Jews in the Synagogue.
It follows, Came Mary Magdalen, and the other Mary, &c. Late runs woman for pardon, who had run early to sin; in paradise she had taken up unbelief, from the sepulchre she hastes to take up faith; she now hastens to snatch life from death, who had before snatched death from life. And it is not, They come, but came, (in the singular,) for in mystery and not by accident, the two came under one name. She came, but altered; a woman, changed in life, not in name; in virtue, not in sex. The women go before the Apostles, bearing to the Lord's sepulchre a type of the Churches; the two Marys, to wit. For Mary is the name of Christ's mother; and one name is twice repeated for two women, because herein is figured the Church coming out of the two nations, the Gentiles and the Jews, and being yet one. Mary came to the sepulchre, as to the womb of the resurrection, that Christ might be the second time born out of the sepulchre of faith, who after the flesh had been born of her womb; and that as a virgin had borne Him into this life present, so a sealed sepulchre might bring Him forth into life eternal. It is proof of Deity to have left a womb virgin after birth, and no less to have come forth in the body from a closed sepulchre.
(Serm. 77 et 74.) If the earth thus quaked when the Lord rose again to the pardon of the Saints, how will it quake when He shall rise again to the punishment of the wicked? As the Prophet speaks, The earth trembled when the Lord rose again to judgment. (Ps. 76:8.) And how will it endure the Lord's presence, when it was unable to endure the presence of His Angel? And the Angel of the Lord descended from heaven. For when Christ arose, death was destroyed, commerce with heaven is restored to things on the earth; and woman, who had of old held communication to death with the Devil, now holds communication to life with the Angel.
(Serm. 74.) He said not 'rolled,' but rolled back; because the rolling to of the stone was a proof of death; the rolling it back asserted the resurrection. The order of things is changed; The Tomb devours death, and not the dead; the house of death becomes the mansion of life; a new law is imposed upon it, it receives a dead, and renders up a living, man. It follows, And sat thereon. He sat down, who was incapable of weariness; but sat as a teacher of the faith, a master of the Resurrection; upon the stone, that the firmness of his seat might assure the sted fastness of the believers; the Angel rested the foundations of the Faith upon that rock, on which Christ was to found His Church. Or, by the stone of the sepulchre may be denoted death, under which we all lay; and by the Angel sitting thereon, is shown that Christ hath by His might subdued death.
(Serm. 75.) The splendour of his countenance is distinct from the shining of his raiment; his countenance is compared to lightning, his raiment to snow; for the lightning is in heaven, snow on the earth; as the Prophet saith, Praise the Lord from the earth; fire and hail, snow and vapours. (Ps. 148:7.) Thus in the Angel's countenance is preserved the splendour of his heavenly nature; in his raiment is shown the grace of human communion. For the appearance of the Angel that talked with them is so ordered, that eyes of flesh might endure the still splendour of his robes, and by reason of his shining countenance they might tremble before the messenger of their Maker.
(Serm. 77.) But what means this raiment where there is no need of a covering? The Angel figures our dress, our shape, our likeness in the Resurrection, when man is sufficiently clothed by the splendour of his own body.
(Serm. 75.) For they kept watch over Him with a purpose of cruelty, not with the solicitude of affection. And no man can stand who is forsaken by his own conscience, or troubled with a sense of guilt. Hence the Angel confounds the wicked, and comforts the good.
(Serm. 77.) For their faith had been bowed by the cruel storm of His Passion, so that they sought Him yet as crucified and dead; I know that ye seek Jesus which was crucified; the weight of the trial had bent them to look for the Lord of heaven in the tomb, but, He is not here.
(Serm. 76.) Thus the Angel first announces His name, declares His Cross, and confesses His Passion; but straightway proclaims Him risen and their Lord. An Angel after such sufferings, after the grave acknowledges Him Lord; how then shall man judge that the Godhead was diminished by the flesh, or that His Might failed in His Passion. He says, Which was crucified, and points out the place where the Lord was laid, that they should not think that it was another, and not the same, who had risen from the dead. And if the Lord reappears in the same flesh, and gives evidence of His resurrection, why should man suppose that he himself shall reappear in other flesh? Or why should a slave disdain his own flesh, seeing the Lord did not change ours?
(Serm. 77.) As much as to say, Woman, now thou art healed, return to the man, and persuade him! to faith, whom thou didst once persuade to treachery. Carry to man the proof of the Resurrection, to whom thou didst once carry counsel of destruction.
The angel mentions the name of Jesus, alludes to his cross, speaks about his Passion and refers to his death. He then proclaims his resurrection and confesses his lordship. After all the punishment and after the sepulcher, the angel heralds the Lord, speaks of his subjection and sees that the full offense of the Passion has been transmuted into the glory of the resurrection. How could anyone judge that God was lessened by becoming human? Or believe that his power was demeaned by the Passion? Or think that his sovereignty was diminished by his servanthood? The angel speaks worthily of the crucified one. He shows the very place where the Lord’s body was laid, lest someone else and not he is believed to have risen from the dead.
(Hom. de Resur. iii.) After the mockings and scourgings, after the mingled draughts of vinegar and gall, the pains of the cross, and the wounds, and finally after death itself and Hades, there rose again from the grave a renewed flesh, there returned from obstruction a hidden life, health chained up in death broke forth, with fresh beauty from its ruin.
It is to be known that Matthew designs to hint to us a mystical meaning, of how great worthiness this most holy night drew from the noble conquest of death, and the Resurrection of Our Lord. With this purpose he says, On the evening of the Sabbath. For whereas according to the wonted succession of the hours of the day, evening does not dawn towards day, but on the contrary darkens towards night, these words show that the Lord shed, by the light of His resurrection joy and brilliance over the whole of this night.
The rolling back of the stone signifies the opening of Christ's sacraments, which were covered by the letter of the Law. For the Law having been writen on stones, is here denoted by the stone.
(Hom. in Ev. xxi. 4.) Or otherwise; Lightning inspires terror; snow is an emblem of equity; and as the Almighty God is terrible to sinners and mild to the righteous, so this Angel is rightly a witness of His resurrection, and is exhibited with a countenance as lightning, and with raiment as snow, that by His presence He might terrify the wicked, and comfort the good; and so it follows, And for fear of him the keepers did shake.
These who had not the faith of love were shaken with a panic fear; and they who would not believe the truth of the resurrection become themselves as dead men.
His fleshly presence, that is; for His spiritual presence is absent from no place. He is risen, as he said.
And this glad tiding is given not to you alone for the secret comfort of your own hearts, but ye must extend it to all who love Him; Go quickly, and tell his disciples.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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. 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.
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). 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. 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
Did the guards literally die or lose consciousness when they "became as dead men"?
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). 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. 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), anticipating the ultimate victory over death promised in passages like 1 Corinthians 15:54-57.