Matthew 28:7

KJV

And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} go {G4198} quickly {G5035}, and tell {G2036} his {G846} disciples {G3101} that {G3754} he is risen {G1453} from {G575} the dead {G3498}; and {G2532}, behold {G2400}, he goeth before {G4254} you {G5209} into {G1519} Galilee {G1056}; there {G1563} shall ye see {G3700} him {G846}: lo {G2400}, I have told {G2036} you {G5213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then go quickly and tell the talmidim, `He has been raised from the dead, and now he is going to the Galil ahead of you. You will see him there.' Now I have told you."

Berean Standard Bible

Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ See, I have told you.”

American Standard Version

And go quickly, and tell his disciples, He is risen from the dead; and lo, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 28:7 records the angel's urgent commission to Mary Magdalene and the "other Mary" at the empty tomb. They are instructed to swiftly inform Jesus' disciples of His resurrection from the dead and to direct them to Galilee, where Jesus promised to meet them. This verse serves as the initial proclamation of the triumphant resurrection and sets the stage for Christ's post-resurrection appearances and the subsequent Great Commission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 28:7 is nestled within the climactic narrative of Jesus' resurrection. Immediately preceding this verse, Mary Magdalene and the "other Mary" arrive at the tomb at dawn on the first day of the week. They witness a dramatic earthquake, the descent of an angel of the Lord, who rolls back the stone from the tomb's entrance and sits upon it. The angel's appearance is described as dazzling, terrifying the Roman guards, who become like dead men. This verse, therefore, delivers the angel's direct message to these women, who are the first human recipients of the news of the empty tomb and the glorious reality of Christ's triumph over death. It transitions from the awe-inspiring display of divine power to the urgent dissemination of the good news.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish culture, women were generally not considered reliable legal witnesses, yet God chose women to be the first witnesses and messengers of the resurrection. This choice underscores God's counter-cultural methods and elevates the status of these faithful women. The practice of visiting tombs to mourn and anoint bodies was a common Jewish custom, explaining why the women were at the tomb so early. Galilee, mentioned as the meeting place, was Jesus' primary area of ministry, contrasting with Jerusalem, the center of Jewish religious authority and the place of His crucifixion. This return to Galilee symbolizes a new beginning, a re-gathering of His dispersed followers in a familiar, less hostile environment, away from the immediate scrutiny of the Jerusalem authorities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is foundational to several key themes in Matthew and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **Reality of the Resurrection**, unequivocally declared: "he is risen from the dead." This truth validates all of Jesus' claims and prophecies and forms the cornerstone of Christian faith, as profoundly articulated in [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message"). Another crucial theme is the **Urgency of the Good News**, conveyed by the command "go quickly." The resurrection message is not to be delayed but to be proclaimed with immediate zeal. This leads directly to the theme of **Divine Commission and Evangelism**, as the women are tasked with being the first evangelists, "tell his disciples." This initial instruction foreshadows the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission") given later in the chapter, establishing a pattern for spreading the gospel. Finally, the **Promise of a Future Encounter** in Galilee provides assurance and direction, fulfilling Jesus' earlier prophecies (cf. [Matthew 26:32](/matthew/26-32 "Matthew 26:32 - Jesus Predicts His Disciples' Desertion and His Resurrection Appearance in Galilee")) and setting the stage for His post-resurrection appearances and further instructions to His followers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **risen (Greek, _egeírō_):** This verb signifies "to awaken," "to raise up," or "to rouse from death." Its use here emphasizes that Jesus was not merely resuscitated (brought back to a former state of life) but divinely raised to a new, glorified, and eternal life by God's power. It denotes a permanent triumph over death and the grave, a definitive act of God that inaugurates a new reality.
* **go quickly (Greek, _tachý_):** This adverb means "swiftly," "without delay," or "soon." The angel's instruction to "go quickly" underscores the immediate and vital nature of the resurrection announcement. It highlights the urgency required in proclaiming this life-altering good news, emphasizing that there should be no hesitation or procrastination in sharing such a momentous truth.
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs_):** Derived from a word meaning "to learn," a disciple is a learner, a pupil, or a follower. The angel's directive to tell "his disciples" specifies the initial audience for this world-changing news. It indicates that the message was first for those who had been closely associated with Jesus, who had learned from Him, and who would be entrusted with carrying on His mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And go quickly, and tell his disciples":** This is a direct, urgent command from the angel, initiating the first evangelistic mission of the Christian era. The "go quickly" emphasizes the immediate importance of the news, while "tell his disciples" designates the specific recipients of this foundational message. It's a divine commission to spread the truth of the resurrection.
* **"that he is risen from the dead":** This is the core message, the glorious truth that forms the bedrock of Christian faith. It is a declarative statement of Jesus' triumph over death, confirming His divine identity and validating all His claims. This phrase marks the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and Jesus' own predictions about His resurrection.
* **"and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him":** This part provides specific instruction and a promise. "Behold" (ἰδού, _idoú_) draws attention to a significant upcoming event. Jesus is not merely risen but is actively leading the way to Galilee. This promise of a future encounter serves as both an assurance and a directive, giving the disciples a clear destination and the expectation of seeing their resurrected Lord.
* **"lo, I have told you.":** The angel concludes with a strong affirmation, reiterating the certainty and divine authority of the message. "Lo" (ἰδού, _idoú_) again emphasizes the importance and reliability of what has been said. This concluding phrase underscores that the message is not a suggestion but a divinely ordained instruction and a guaranteed promise.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. The **Imperative Mood** is prominent, with commands like "go quickly" and "tell" conveying the urgency and divine authority of the angel's message. This immediate call to action emphasizes the critical nature of the resurrection news. **Repetition** of the Greek word ἰδού (_idoú_), translated as "behold" and "lo," serves as a rhetorical marker, drawing the listener's attention to the momentous nature of the announcement and reinforcing the certainty and divine origin of the message. Furthermore, the angel's words create **Anticipation** and **Foreshadowing** by directing the disciples to Galilee, setting the stage for Jesus' post-resurrection appearances and further instructions, which would culminate in the Great Commission. This specific geographical directive provides both comfort and purpose, guiding the disciples toward their next encounter with the risen Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 28:7 stands as a pivotal moment in salvation history, marking the definitive victory of life over death and the inauguration of the new covenant. The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a historical event but a theological truth that underpins the entire Christian faith. It validates Christ's identity as the Son of God, His atoning work on the cross, and His power over sin and death. The angel's commission to the women highlights God's inclusive nature, choosing those often marginalized to be the first bearers of the gospel. This divine mandate to "go and tell" establishes the church's enduring mission: to proclaim the good news of the risen Christ to all nations, beginning with those closest to Him and extending to the ends of the earth. The promise of meeting in Galilee signifies a new beginning, a re-gathering of the scattered flock under the leadership of their resurrected Shepherd, preparing them for the global mission ahead.

* [Mark 16:7](/mark/16-7 "Mark 16:7 - The Angel's Message to the Disciples")
* [John 20:17-18](/john/20-17-18 "John 20:17-18 - Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Power to Be Witnesses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 28:7 is a powerful reminder of the urgency and privilege of sharing the Gospel. Just as the women were commissioned to "go quickly" and proclaim the resurrection, believers today are called to be active messengers of this life-transforming truth. The initial fear and astonishment of the women quickly gave way to obedience and joy, demonstrating that even in the face of overwhelming divine encounters, our response should be one of faithful action. This verse challenges us to consider how readily and enthusiastically we share the central message of our faith – that Jesus is risen! It also reinforces the reliability of God's promises; just as Jesus met His disciples in Galilee as promised, He continues to meet us in our lives, fulfilling His word and guiding us. Our task is to go where He leads, proclaim what He has done, and trust in His unfailing presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the angel's urgent command to "go quickly" imply about the nature of the resurrection message for believers today?**
* **How does the choice of women as the first witnesses to the resurrection challenge conventional human wisdom and reveal God's character?**
* **In what "Galilee" might Christ be calling you to meet Him or to serve Him in a new way today?**
* **How can we cultivate the same immediate obedience and eagerness to share the good news that the women demonstrated?**

### FAQ

**Why was Galilee chosen as the meeting place for Jesus and His disciples?**
Answer: Galilee was Jesus' primary region of ministry, where He spent most of His earthly life and performed many miracles. It was a familiar and relatively safe territory for His disciples, away from the hostile religious authorities in Jerusalem. The choice of Galilee for the post-resurrection appearances symbolizes a new beginning for the disciples and the nascent church, a return to the roots of Jesus' public ministry before the global mission. It also fulfills Jesus' own prophecy in [Matthew 26:32](/matthew/26-32 "Matthew 26:32 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection Appearance in Galilee"), demonstrating His faithfulness to His word.

**What is the significance of the angel's command to "tell his disciples"?**
Answer: The command to "tell his disciples" is profoundly significant because it initiates the spread of the Gospel message. It designates the disciples as the primary recipients of this foundational truth, who would then be commissioned to carry it further. This act establishes the pattern for evangelism: the good news is received, and then it is shared. It also highlights the importance of community and fellowship among believers, as the message is first given to those who are part of Jesus' inner circle, preparing them for their future roles as apostles and leaders of the church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 28:7, with its declaration that "he is risen from the dead," is the very heart of Christ-centered fulfillment. The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate validation of His identity as the Son of God and the triumphant culmination of His redemptive work. It confirms that His death on the cross was not a defeat but a victorious sacrifice for the sins of humanity, leading to a new creation and a new covenant. Through His resurrection, Christ conquered sin, death, and the grave, offering eternal life and reconciliation with God to all who believe. This pivotal event ushers in the age of the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to live a new life in Christ, as described in [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ"). The angel's instruction to "go quickly, and tell his disciples" directly foreshadows the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"), where the risen Christ empowers His followers to make disciples of all nations. Thus, Matthew 28:7 is not just a historical report but a living testament to the power of God, revealing Jesus as the resurrected Lord who continues to lead His people, fulfill His promises, and commission them to share the life-giving truth of His victory, which is the very essence of the Gospel proclaimed in [1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, the Firstfruits of the Resurrection").

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

Matthew 26:32

But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

Luke 24:22

Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;

Luke 24:24

And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found [it] even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

Matthew 28:10

Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

John 16:4

But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

Mark 16:7

But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

Mark 16:8

And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any [man]; for they were afraid.