Matthew 28:5

KJV

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the angel {G32} answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto the women {G1135}, Fear {G5399} not {G3361} ye {G5210}: for {G1063} I know {G1492} that {G3754} ye seek {G2212} Jesus {G2424}, which {G3588} was crucified {G4717}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the angel said to the women, "Don't be afraid. I know you are looking for Yeshua, who was executed on the stake.

Berean Standard Bible

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

American Standard Version

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, who hath been crucified.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 28:5 captures the pivotal moment at the empty tomb where an angel of the Lord addresses Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, calming their fear and confirming their earnest search for Jesus. The angel's words serve as a divine prelude to the astonishing news of Christ's resurrection, validating the women's devotion while setting the stage for the most significant event in human history: the triumph of life over death through the crucified Savior.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a dramatic scene unique to Matthew's Gospel, where a great earthquake signals the descent of an angel from heaven, whose appearance terrifies the Roman guards into a death-like state ([Matthew 28:2-4](/matthew/28-2-4 "Matthew 28:2-4 - The Angel's Descent and the Guards' Fear")). The women, Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary," have arrived at the tomb at dawn on the first day of the week, presumably to anoint Jesus' body, a common practice for the deceased. The angel's address in [Matthew 28:5](/matthew/28-5 "Matthew 28:5 - The Angel's Reassurance to the Women") directly follows this display of divine power, shifting the narrative focus from the awe-struck guards to the receptive, seeking women, preparing them for the earth-shattering news of the resurrection in [Matthew 28:6](/matthew/28-6 "Matthew 28:6 - The Angel Proclaims Jesus' Resurrection").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, women were often marginalized, yet here they are the first witnesses to the resurrection, a profound reversal of societal norms. Visiting tombs to mourn and prepare bodies was a customary practice, especially for women, reflecting their deep devotion and familial roles. The presence of Roman guards, assigned to secure the tomb by Pilate at the request of the Jewish leaders ([Matthew 27:62-66](/matthew/27-62-66 "Matthew 27:62-66 - The Guard at the Tomb")), underscores the historical efforts to prevent any claims of resurrection, making the angel's subsequent proclamation all the more powerful and undeniable. The early morning setting, "as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week" ([Matthew 28:1](/matthew/28-1 "Matthew 28:1 - The Women Come to the Tomb")), signifies the new creation ushered in by Christ's victory.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 28:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel. It highlights the theme of **divine revelation and comfort**, as the angel's "Fear not" is a common angelic greeting preceding momentous news, demonstrating God's compassionate approach to humanity in the face of the supernatural. The verse also underscores the theme of **sincere seeking and devotion**, validating the women's earnest desire to find Jesus, even in death, setting them apart from those who opposed Him. Crucially, it serves as a bridge between the **reality of the crucifixion** and the **imminent triumph of the resurrection**, emphasizing that the Jesus they sought, the one who truly died, is the same one who will be revealed as alive, thereby grounding the miraculous event in historical fact and paving the way for the Great Commission found in [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear not (Greek, _phobéō_ with _mḗ_):** The imperative "Fear not" (φοβέω μή) is a common divine address in Scripture, used to calm human apprehension in the presence of the supernatural or before a significant divine revelation. Here, it addresses the women's natural terror at the angel's appearance and the earthquake, preparing their hearts to receive the incredible news of the resurrection without being paralyzed by dread. It signifies God's tender regard for His people, offering reassurance before delivering life-altering truth.
* **seek (Greek, _zētéō_):** This verb (ζητέω) denotes an earnest and purposeful search, whether literal or figurative. In this context, it highlights the women's deep devotion and their active pursuit of Jesus, even in death. Their "seeking" is recognized and affirmed by the angel, indicating that their sincere desire to honor Jesus, despite their sorrow and the apparent finality of the tomb, is known and valued by heaven. This sets them apart from the fearful, passive guards.
* **crucified (Greek, _stauróō_):** The perfect passive participle (ἐσταυρωμένον) of this verb (σταυρόω) emphasizes a completed action with ongoing results. It powerfully confirms the brutal, historical reality of Jesus' death on the cross, grounding the impending resurrection in verifiable fact. By specifically mentioning "Jesus, which was crucified," the angel connects the suffering Savior directly to the triumphant Lord, ensuring that the women understand the continuity of identity between the one they mourned and the one they would soon worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the angel answered and said unto the women,"**: This clause establishes the speaker and the audience, highlighting the divine initiative in communicating this vital message. The angel, a messenger from God, directly addresses the women, signaling the importance and authority of the words to follow. The term "answered" (ἀποκρίνομαι) suggests a response to their unspoken fear or the general atmosphere of awe, rather than a direct question from the women.
* **"Fear not ye:"**: This is a direct command and a common angelic greeting, designed to calm the women's understandable terror in the presence of a supernatural being and the dramatic events surrounding the tomb. It is an invitation to set aside apprehension and prepare to receive good news, emphasizing divine compassion and reassurance.
* **"for I know that ye seek Jesus,"**: The angel provides the reason for his comforting words, validating the women's sincere intentions. This demonstrates divine omniscience and affirmation; God sees and acknowledges their devotion and purpose in coming to the tomb. It distinguishes them from the guards, whose fear was rooted in self-preservation, whereas the women's was a natural reaction to the miraculous, intertwined with their grief and love for Jesus.
* **"which was crucified."**: This crucial phrase anchors the identity of the Jesus they seek to the historical reality of His death. It confirms that the one they are looking for is indeed the very same individual who suffered and died on the cross, emphasizing the continuity between His suffering and the impending triumph of His resurrection. This grounds the miraculous event in verifiable historical fact and underscores the profound significance of His atoning sacrifice.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 28:5 employs several powerful **literary devices**. The initial appearance of the angel and the earthquake constitute a **theophany** (or more specifically, an **angelophany**), a dramatic manifestation of divine presence and power that sets an awe-inspiring tone. The angel's opening words, "**Fear not**," serve as an **imperative**, a direct command that immediately addresses the women's emotional state, acting as a calming agent before the delivery of profound news. This phrase is also a form of **reassurance**, a common motif in biblical encounters between humans and divine messengers. Furthermore, the verse uses **contrast** by subtly distinguishing the women's seeking devotion from the guards' paralyzing fear, highlighting the different responses to divine power. The phrase "Jesus, which was crucified" employs **identification** and **specification**, ensuring that the women understand the continuity of the person they seek, connecting His past suffering with His present reality. Finally, the entire verse functions as a powerful piece of **foreshadowing**, building anticipation for the glorious news of the resurrection that will be explicitly declared in the very next verse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 28:5 offers profound theological insights, particularly regarding God's compassionate engagement with humanity and the foundational truth of Christ's identity. The angel's "Fear not" underscores a recurring biblical theme of divine comfort offered to those who encounter God's power or receive His message, demonstrating that God's presence, while awe-inspiring, is ultimately for our good and peace. The validation of the women's "seeking" highlights God's recognition of sincere devotion, even when it is expressed in sorrow or uncertainty. Most significantly, the reference to "Jesus, which was crucified" firmly grounds the impending resurrection in the historical reality of Christ's atoning death, emphasizing that the victory over death is inextricably linked to His sacrifice on the cross. This verse thus serves as a theological bridge, connecting the despair of Calvary with the dawning hope of the empty tomb, affirming that the path to new life passes directly through the reality of the cross.

* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise to Help and Uphold")
* [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 28:5 resonates deeply with the human experience of fear, seeking, and ultimately, finding hope in the midst of despair. Just as the angel calmed the women's natural apprehension, this verse reminds us that in moments of fear, uncertainty, or grief, God often meets us with a word of peace and reassurance. Our earnest desire to seek Jesus, even when we feel lost or are grappling with difficult circumstances, is recognized and honored by God. The women came seeking a dead body, but their sincere pursuit led them to encounter the living Lord. This encourages us to persist in our spiritual journey, knowing that our pursuit of Christ is never in vain, and that even in our deepest sorrows, His presence can transform our fear into profound joy. The angel's words also ground our faith in the historical reality of Christ's crucifixion, reminding us that our hope is not built on a myth, but on the verifiable truth of His atoning death, which then makes His resurrection all the more powerful and meaningful for our lives today.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to hear the angel's words, "Fear not"?**
* **How does the angel's acknowledgment of the women's "seeking" encourage you in your own spiritual journey, especially during times of doubt or sorrow?**
* **How does remembering that you seek "Jesus, which was crucified" ground your faith and give you hope in the face of life's challenges?**

### FAQ

**Why did the angel tell the women "Fear not"?**

Answer: The angel told the women "Fear not" (Greek: _mḗ phobéō_) for several reasons. First, the angelic appearance itself, described as "like lightning" with "raiment white as snow" ([Matthew 28:3](/matthew/28-3 "Matthew 28:3 - The Angel's Appearance")), was terrifying, causing the Roman guards to become "as dead men" ([Matthew 28:4](/matthew/28-4 "Matthew 28:4 - The Guards' Reaction")). It was a natural human reaction to such a supernatural display. Second, this phrase is a common divine greeting in the Bible, often preceding a significant revelation or good news, as seen when [Gabriel tells Mary "Fear not" in Luke 1:30](/luke/1-30 "Luke 1:30 - Gabriel's Reassurance to Mary"). The angel needed to calm the women's fear so they could be receptive to the astonishing and joyous news of Jesus' resurrection, which he was about to announce in [Matthew 28:6](/matthew/28-6 "Matthew 28:6 - The Angel Proclaims Jesus' Resurrection").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 28:5, though spoken by an angel, points directly to the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly His triumph over death. The angel's declaration, "I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified," serves as a profound Christ-centered statement. It acknowledges the historical reality of Christ's atoning death on the cross, the ultimate act of self-giving love for humanity's sin, as prophesied throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled in the Gospels ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")). However, the very context of the empty tomb and the angel's presence immediately foreshadows that this "crucified" Jesus is no longer dead. He is the one who, by His resurrection, conquered sin and death, becoming "the firstfruits of those who are asleep" ([1_corinthians/15-20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). The women's seeking of the crucified Jesus is transformed into an encounter with the resurrected Christ, who now holds "the keys of death and of Hades" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). This verse, therefore, is not merely about an angel's message, but about the profound shift from the sorrow of the cross to the glory of the empty tomb, revealing Jesus as the victorious Savior who died for us and lives forevermore, offering eternal life to all who seek Him ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")).

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

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Hebrews 1:14

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

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:

Revelation 1:18

[I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Luke 24:5

And as they were afraid, and bowed down [their] faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

Daniel 10:19

And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace [be] unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

Luke 1:12

And when Zacharias saw [him], he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.