Matthew 28:1

¶ In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first [day] of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

In the end {G1161}{G3796} of the sabbath {G4521}, as it began to dawn {G2020} toward {G1519} the first {G3391} day of the week {G4521}, came {G2064} Mary {G3137} Magdalene {G3094} and {G2532} the other {G243} Mary {G3137} to see {G2334} the sepulchre {G5028}.

After Shabbat, as the next day was dawning, Miryam of Magdala and the other Miryam went to see the grave.

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.

Now late on the sabbath day, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

Commentary

Matthew 28:1 marks the pivotal moment immediately following the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, setting the stage for the most significant event in Christian history: the resurrection. This verse describes the quiet, early morning visit of two faithful women to Jesus' tomb, unaware of the divine drama that had already unfolded.

Context

This verse directly follows the account of Jesus' burial by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, and the sealing of the tomb by the Roman guard at the request of the Jewish authorities (Matthew 27:57-66). The women, Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary" (likely Mary, the mother of James and Joses, as mentioned in Matthew 27:56), had been witnesses to the crucifixion and burial. Their visit to the sepulchre was likely motivated by grief, respect, and perhaps a desire to complete the anointing rites for Jesus' body, which would have been impossible on the Sabbath.

Key Themes

  • Anticipation and Transition: The phrase "In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week" beautifully captures a moment of transition. It signifies the end of the old covenant's emphasis on the Sabbath and the dawn of a new era inaugurated by the resurrection, centered on the "first day of the week."
  • Faithfulness of the Women: Mary Magdalene and the other Mary demonstrate remarkable devotion, being among the first to seek Jesus after His death. Their perseverance and love lead them to be the first witnesses to the resurrection message.
  • The Empty Tomb: While the verse only describes their approach to the sepulchre, it powerfully anticipates the glorious discovery of the empty tomb, which is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Their intent to "see the sepulchre" quickly transforms into encountering the miraculous.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "In the end of the sabbath" (Greek: opse sabbaton) refers to the close of the Jewish Sabbath, which ran from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.
  • "As it began to dawn toward the first day of the week" (Greek: epiphoskousēs eis mian sabbatōn) precisely indicates the early hours of Sunday morning. This timing is crucial, as it establishes the day of Jesus' resurrection and subsequently, the Christian observance of Sunday as the Lord's Day (Revelation 1:10), commemorating the triumph of Christ over death.

Practical Application

Matthew 28:1 reminds believers of the profound shift brought about by Jesus' resurrection. The transition from the darkness of the tomb to the light of dawn symbolizes the hope and new life offered through Christ. It encourages us to be diligent in seeking Him, just as these women sought the sepulchre. Their faithfulness, even in sorrow, was rewarded with the first news of the greatest victory. This verse invites us to consider the significance of Sunday as a day of worship and celebration, reflecting on the new creation initiated by the risen Lord.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 16:1 (11 votes)

    ¶ And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the [mother] of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

  • Mark 16:8 (11 votes)

    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.

  • John 20:1 (9 votes)

    ¶ The first [day] of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

  • John 20:10 (9 votes)

    Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

  • Matthew 27:56 (8 votes)

    Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.

  • Luke 23:56 (7 votes)

    And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

  • Luke 24:10 (7 votes)

    It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary [the mother] of James, and other [women that were] with them, which told these things unto the apostles.