Matthew 28:6

KJV

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

KJV (with Strong's)

He is {G2076} not {G3756} here {G5602}: for {G1063} he is risen {G1453}, as {G2531} he said {G2036}. Come {G1205}, see {G1492} the place {G5117} where {G3699} the Lord {G2962} lay {G2749}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He is not here, because he has been raised -- just as he said! Come and look at the place where he lay.

Berean Standard Bible

He is not here; He has risen, just as He said! Come, see the place where He lay.

American Standard Version

He is not here; for he is risen, even as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 28:6 encapsulates the triumphant climax of the Gospel narrative: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This profound declaration, delivered by an angel to the faithful women at the tomb, transforms their grief into an awe-filled realization of God's power and faithfulness. It serves as the foundational truth of Christian faith, affirming Jesus' victory over death, the fulfillment of His own prophecies, and an invitation to witness the undeniable proof of His life-giving power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic announcement in the resurrection narrative of [Matthew 28](/matthew/28 "Matthew 28 - The Resurrection Account"). It immediately follows the dramatic events of a great earthquake, the descent of an angel, and the terrifying effect of the angel's appearance on the Roman guards, who become "as dead men" ([Matthew 28:2-4](/matthew/28-2-4 "Matthew 28:2-4 - The Angel and the Guards")). The women, Mary Magdalene and the "other Mary," arrive at the tomb, intending to perform traditional burial rites by anointing Jesus' body ([Matthew 28:1](/matthew/28-1 "Matthew 28:1 - Women at the Tomb")). Their expectation of finding a corpse is shattered by the angel's earth-shattering news, which pivots the entire narrative from sorrow and despair to joy and mission. The angel's words in [Matthew 28:5-7](/matthew/28-5-7 "Matthew 28:5-7 - The Angel's Message") are a direct command and commission, leading directly to the women's joyful obedience and the subsequent appearance of Jesus Himself ([Matthew 28:8-10](/matthew/28-8-10 "Matthew 28:8-10 - Jesus Appears to the Women")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is early Sunday morning, the first day of the week, after the Jewish Sabbath had concluded at sunset on Saturday. Jewish burial customs involved wrapping the body in linen cloths with spices, a process that might be completed days after death, especially if the death occurred close to the Sabbath, as Jesus' did ([John 19:39-42](/john/19-39-42 "John 19:39-42 - Jesus' Burial")). The tomb was likely a rock-hewn cave, sealed with a large, heavy stone to prevent desecration or animal interference ([Matthew 27:60](/matthew/27-60 "Matthew 27:60 - Jesus Buried in a New Tomb")). The presence of Roman guards, placed there at the request of the chief priests and Pharisees to prevent the disciples from stealing the body ([Matthew 27:62-66](/matthew/27-62-66 "Matthew 27:62-66 - The Guard at the Tomb")), underscores the historical efforts to secure the tomb and inadvertently provides independent, hostile witnesses to the empty tomb, making the resurrection even more undeniable. The angel's address to the women is significant, as women were often not considered credible legal witnesses in that culture, yet God chose them to be the first heralds of the resurrection.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is undeniably the **Reality of the Resurrection**, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith. The angel's emphatic declaration, "He is not here: for he is risen," directly refutes any notion of Jesus remaining in the grave and establishes His triumph over death. This event also highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as the angel explicitly states, "as he said," referring to Jesus' repeated predictions of His death and resurrection, found in passages like [Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Predicts His Death"), [Matthew 17:22-23](/matthew/17-22-23 "Matthew 17:22-23 - Second Prediction of Death and Resurrection"), and [Matthew 20:18-19](/matthew/20-18-19 "Matthew 20:18-19 - Third Prediction of Death and Resurrection"). Furthermore, the invitation "Come, see the place where the Lord lay" emphasizes the **Verifiability of the Resurrection**, encouraging direct observation and personal witness to the empty tomb. This invitation transitions into the theme of **Witness and Commission**, as the women are immediately instructed to go and tell the disciples ([Matthew 28:7](/matthew/28-7 "Matthew 28:7 - Angel's Command to the Women")), setting the stage for the Great Commission in [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **for (Greek, _gár'_):** This particle serves as a crucial conjunction, introducing the reason or explanation for the preceding statement. In "He is not here: **for** he is risen," _gar_ directly links Jesus' absence from the tomb to the astonishing fact of His resurrection. It's not merely a sequential statement but a causal one, asserting that His absence is precisely *because* He has been raised. This emphasizes the direct, undeniable relationship between the empty tomb and the divine act of resurrection.
* **risen (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb means "to waken, rouse, raise up, or arise." Here, it is in the aorist passive indicative, _ēgerthē_, meaning "he was raised" or "he has been raised." The passive voice is highly significant, indicating that Jesus did not raise Himself, but rather was raised by an external, divine power—specifically, God the Father. This highlights the Father's sovereign act in validating Christ's sacrifice and inaugurating His triumph over death. It signifies a complete and decisive action, a finished work.
* **see (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb means "to see" (literally or figuratively) and, by implication in the perfect tense, "to know." In the imperative "Come, **see**," it is a direct command to observe and perceive. It's not just a casual glance but an invitation to a conclusive observation that leads to understanding and conviction. The angel invites the women, and by extension, all who hear the message, to verify the truth of the empty tomb for themselves, thereby moving from mere hearing to personal, undeniable experience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He is not here:"** This opening declaration immediately confronts the women's expectations. They came to a tomb expecting to find a body, but the angel's words shatter that assumption. It is a simple, direct statement of absence, setting the stage for the miraculous explanation that follows. This absence is the undeniable physical evidence of the resurrection.
* **"for he is risen,"** This clause provides the astounding reason for Jesus' absence. The Greek verb for "risen" (ἐγέρθη, _ēgerthē_) is in the passive voice, indicating that Jesus was raised by God the Father. This is the central, triumphant truth of the verse, proclaiming God's mighty power over death and the validation of Jesus' divine identity and mission. It is the core of the Gospel message.
* **"as he said."** This phrase underscores the fulfillment of prophecy and Jesus' own divine authority. Jesus had repeatedly foretold His death and resurrection to His disciples ([Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Predicts His Death"), [Matthew 17:22-23](/matthew/17-22-23 "Matthew 17:22-23 - Second Prediction of Death and Resurrection"), [Matthew 20:18-19](/matthew/20-18-19 "Matthew 20:18-19 - Third Prediction of Death and Resurrection")). The angel's words confirm that the resurrection was not an unexpected event but a preordained, divinely orchestrated act, validating every word Jesus spoke.
* **"Come, see the place where the Lord lay."** This is an imperative invitation, urging the women to personally verify the empty tomb. It serves as an undeniable piece of evidence. The phrase "the Lord lay" acknowledges that Jesus' body was indeed there, making His absence all the more miraculous and authenticating the resurrection. This invitation extends beyond the women, encouraging all believers to examine the evidence and embrace the truth of the resurrection.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 28:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Direct Declaration**, as the angel delivers the news with absolute certainty, leaving no room for doubt ("He is not here: for he is risen"). This declarative statement is immediately followed by a powerful **Causal Conjunction** ("for"), which explicitly links Jesus' absence from the tomb to the fact of His resurrection, establishing a logical and undeniable connection. The phrase "as he said" serves as a powerful instance of **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, highlighting Jesus' divine foresight and the reliability of His words. Furthermore, the verse uses **Imperative** commands ("Come, see"), which act as an urgent invitation to personal verification and witness. This active engagement encourages the audience to move beyond mere hearing to direct observation, reinforcing the verifiability of the resurrection. Finally, the stark contrast between the women's expectation of a dead body and the reality of a living, resurrected Lord creates a profound **Dramatic Irony**, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the event and God's surprising power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 28:6 stands as the theological bedrock of Christianity, affirming the absolute triumph of God's power over sin, death, and the grave. The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a historical event but the divine vindication of Christ's identity as the Son of God and the efficacy of His atoning work on the cross. It signifies the defeat of Satan's power and the inauguration of God's new creation. This truth transforms human despair into hope, demonstrating that death does not have the final word and that God's promises are utterly trustworthy. The empty tomb is the ultimate proof that Jesus is who He claimed to be, and that His sacrifice was perfectly acceptable to God, securing justification and eternal life for all who believe.

* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Core of the Gospel")
* [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")
* [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The message of Matthew 28:6 resonates deeply with believers today, offering an anchor of hope in a world often defined by despair and death. The resurrection of Jesus means that our faith is not in vain, and our future is secure. It assures us that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to us, enabling us to overcome sin, fear, and the challenges of life. This truth empowers us to live with courage, knowing that even in our darkest moments, new life and transformation are possible through Christ. It calls us to be witnesses, just as the women were commissioned, sharing the good news of the living Savior with a world desperately in need of hope. The empty tomb reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, and that our ultimate destiny is not the grave, but eternal life with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the reality of Jesus' resurrection impact your daily life and your perspective on challenges?**
* **In what ways does the phrase "as he said" strengthen your trust in God's promises for your own life?**
* **What does "Come, see the place where the Lord lay" invite you to personally examine or verify in your faith journey?**
* **How can the triumph of the resurrection empower you to share the hope of Christ with others?**

### FAQ
**Who announced the resurrection to the women at the tomb?**

Answer: The resurrection was announced by an angel of the Lord. Matthew's account specifies that "the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it" ([Matthew 28:2](/matthew/28-2 "Matthew 28:2 - The Angel at the Tomb")). This divine messenger delivered the pivotal news to Mary Magdalene and the "other Mary" who had come to the tomb.

**Why was it important for the angel to say, "as he said"?**

Answer: The phrase "as he said" ([Matthew 28:6](/matthew/28-6 "Matthew 28:6 - The Angel's Declaration")) is crucial because it emphasizes the fulfillment of Jesus' own prophecies concerning His death and resurrection. Jesus had repeatedly told His disciples that He would be killed and would rise again on the third day, as recorded in passages like [Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Predicts His Death"), [Matthew 17:22-23](/matthew/17-22-23 "Matthew 17:22-23 - Second Prediction of Death and Resurrection"), and [Matthew 20:18-19](/matthew/20-18-19 "Matthew 20:18-19 - Third Prediction of Death and Resurrection"). This phrase validates Jesus' divine foresight and authority, confirming that His resurrection was not an unexpected event but a preordained act of God, essential to His mission and identity as the Messiah.

**What is the significance of the invitation "Come, see the place where the Lord lay"?**

Answer: The invitation "Come, see the place where the Lord lay" ([Matthew 28:6](/matthew/28-6 "Matthew 28:6 - The Angel's Invitation")) is an invitation to personal verification and witness. It underscores the physical reality of the empty tomb as undeniable evidence of the resurrection. The angel doesn't just declare the truth; he encourages the women to observe it for themselves, thereby removing any doubt and providing them with firsthand proof. This act of seeing transforms them from passive recipients of news into active witnesses, preparing them to share the incredible truth with others. It also highlights the historical and verifiable nature of the resurrection, inviting all who hear the message to examine the evidence for themselves.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 28:6 is the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment, revealing Jesus as the victorious Lord over sin and death, precisely as He promised. His resurrection is the cornerstone of the Gospel, validating His identity as the Son of God with power ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")) and confirming the efficacy of His atoning sacrifice. The empty tomb signifies that Christ's death was not a defeat but a strategic victory, disarming the powers of darkness and triumphing over death's sting ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). Because He is risen, believers are not merely forgiven but also justified ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus' Resurrection for Our Justification")) and raised to new life in Him ([Ephesians 2:5-6](/ephesians/2-5-6 "Ephesians 2:5-6 - Made Alive with Christ")). Christ's resurrection is the guarantee of our own future resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), establishing Him as "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). He is not merely a historical figure who died, but the living Lord who reigns eternally, having conquered the very last enemy, death itself ([1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - The Last Enemy, 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

Mark 16:6

And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

Matthew 12:40

For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Luke 24:6

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

Luke 24:8

And they remembered his words,

Matthew 16:21

¶ From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Luke 24:23

And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.

Matthew 27:63

Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.