Matthew 28:8

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

And {G2532} they departed {G1831} quickly {G5035} from {G575} the sepulchre {G3419} with {G3326} fear {G5401} and {G2532} great {G3173} joy {G5479}; and did run {G5143} to bring {G518} his {G846} disciples {G3101} word {G518}.

So they left the tomb quickly, frightened yet filled with joy; and they ran to give the news to his talmidim.

So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples.

And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word.

Commentary

Matthew 28:8 KJV Commentary: Fear, Joy, and Urgent Proclamation

Context of Matthew 28:8

This verse immediately follows the astounding revelation at the empty tomb. Mary Magdalene and the "other Mary" (mentioned in Matthew 28:1) had gone to see the sepulchre. There, an angel of the Lord descended, rolled back the stone, and announced that Jesus was not there, for He had risen, just as He said (Matthew 28:5-7). The angel also commanded them to go quickly and tell His disciples that He had risen from the dead and would meet them in Galilee. Verse 8 describes the women's immediate, powerful reaction to this divine encounter and incredible news.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Paradoxical Emotions: Fear and Great Joy: The women's response encapsulates the profound impact of encountering the divine and witnessing a miracle. The "fear" (Greek: phobos) was not merely terror, but a deep sense of awe, reverence, and perhaps bewilderment in the presence of the supernatural power of God. This awe was coupled with "great joy" (Greek: chara megale)—an overwhelming elation at the news that Jesus, whom they loved and mourned, was alive. This mixture of emotions is a common human response to profound spiritual experiences.
  • Urgency and Obedience: The phrase "departed quickly" and "did run" highlights the immediate and fervent obedience of the women to the angel's command. There was no hesitation; the news was too significant to delay. Their swift action underscores the urgency inherent in proclaiming the good news of the resurrection.
  • The First Evangelists: These women, often overlooked in ancient society, became the very first messengers of the resurrection. They were entrusted with the most pivotal news in human history, demonstrating God's pattern of using the humble and unexpected to accomplish His purposes. Their race to tell the disciples foreshadows the global mission to spread the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "fear," phobos (φόβος), used here, often denotes a respectful awe or reverence rather than mere terror, especially when in the presence of God or His mighty acts. It's a recognition of divine power and majesty. Coupled with chara megale (χαρὰ μεγάλη), "great joy," it paints a vivid picture of a deeply spiritual and emotionally charged moment. The verb for "did run" (trechō - τρέχω) conveys a sense of eager haste and determination.

Practical Application and Reflection

Matthew 28:8 offers powerful insights for believers today. Our encounter with the risen Christ should also evoke a similar blend of awe and profound joy. The resurrection is not just a historical event but a living reality that transforms lives. This verse calls us to:

  • Embrace Awe and Joy: To approach God with both reverence for His power and joyful celebration of His victory over death.
  • Respond with Urgency: To not delay in sharing the life-changing news of Jesus Christ with others, just as the women ran to tell the disciples. The Gospel is too good to keep to ourselves.
  • Be Messengers of Hope: To recognize our role in sharing the hope of the resurrection, empowering us to overcome fear and embrace the joy of proclaiming His truth. Just as the women were instructed to tell the disciples that Jesus would meet them in Galilee (Matthew 28:10), we are called to invite others into a personal encounter with the living Savior.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 2:11

    Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

  • 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.

  • Luke 24:36

    ¶ And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you.

  • Luke 24:41

    And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

  • John 16:20

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

  • John 16:22

    And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

  • Ezra 3:12

    But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, [who were] ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy: