Matthew 27:52-53
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This verse highlights that the opening of graves and the resurrection of saints happened after Jesus's resurrection, not during the earthquake itself. They rose as tangible proof of Christ's victory, not as apparitions, appearing to those who knew them to confirm their own future resurrection.
The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus breathes His last, a violent earthquake shakes the land, tearing open ancient tombs near Jerusalem. While many bodies of believers who had died are raised to life during this chaos, they don't emerge from their graves until after Jesus Himself rises. These resurrected saints then walk into the city and appear to many who knew them, serving as a powerful testament to Christ's victory over death.
A violent earthquake shakes the land, splitting rocks and opening tombs. But this wasn't just a natural disaster – it was a divine signpost.
Matthew 27:51 tells us the temple veil was torn from top to bottom at the exact moment Jesus died. Immediately following this, the graves were opened.
A Divine Connection
This wasn't a coincidence! The earthquake, a powerful display of God's might, was directly linked to Jesus' death. It wasn't merely breaking open tombs; it was symbolically shattering the grip of death itself. The opening of the graves points to the breaking of the power of the grave, signifying that death no longer has the final say.
Bodies of 'saints' rise from their tombs. Who were these holy individuals, and what does their rising signify?
The text specifically mentions 'many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep.' This isn't a random resurrection; these are people set apart for God.
Firstfruits of a New Era
Commentators suggest these saints likely rose after Jesus' resurrection, serving as tangible proof of His victory. They were like the 'firstfruits' – the initial harvest that guarantees the full harvest to come. Their rising body and soul demonstrated that Jesus' resurrection wasn't an isolated event but the beginning of a new reality where death is conquered and resurrection is assured for all who belong to Him.
Known and Recognized
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These weren't just anonymous bodies. The fact that they 'appeared unto many' suggests they were individuals known to the community. This points to their tangible, recognizable bodies being raised, serving as a powerful testimony to the reality of the resurrection that was being witnessed.
Understand the original words
koimaō · Greek Verb
A state of death for believers, reflecting the hope of a future, bodily resurrection, much as one awakens from natural sleep.
hagios · Greek Noun/Adjective
Those set apart by God for His service and purposes; under the new covenant, this refers to all who are sanctified by faith in Christ.
egersis · Greek Noun
The climactic event of Jesus' life and ministry, demonstrating His victory over death and the inauguration of the new creation.
hagia polis · Greek Noun phrase
The earthly city of Jerusalem, which serves as the site of the temple and the focal point of God's redemptive work in the Old Testament.
This verse points to a miraculous event occurring precisely at the moment of Jesus' death, highlighting His cosmic authority. The raised saints, appearing after Jesus’ resurrection, serve as witnesses to His victory over death, underscoring His role as the 'firstfruits' of the resurrection and offering comfort to those mourning believers.
c. 1500 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, establishing His covenant with them and leading them to the Promised Land. This event forms the foundational narrative of Israel's identity and relationship with God.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian Exile of Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, deporting many Israelites and scattering them. This event serves as a harsh consequence of the nation's unfaithfulness to God.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile of Southern Kingdom
The Babylonian Empire destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the remaining Judeans. This catastrophic event deeply impacts Jewish identity and theology, leading to a renewed focus on God's promises.
c. 538 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile
Cyrus the Great of Persia allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks a period of restoration and re-establishment of religious life.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God, performs miracles, and teaches with authority, culminating in his crucifixion in Jerusalem. This pivotal event is central to Christian faith.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Resurrection
Following his crucifixion, Jesus is raised from the dead, validating his claims and demonstrating his victory over death. This event is the cornerstone of Christian belief.
c. AD 40s-60s
Early Spread of the Gospel
The apostles and early Christians begin to spread the message of Jesus' resurrection throughout the Roman Empire, establishing new communities and facing persecution.
This passage directly foreshadows the resurrection of the dead that will occur after a period of great trial, mirroring the event in Matthew as a sign of Christ's victory.
1 Corinthians 15:20Paul calls Christ 'the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep,' directly linking the resurrection of believers to Christ's own resurrection, which is exemplified by the saints rising in Matthew.
1 Peter 3:18-19This passage speaks of Christ being 'put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,' and preaching to spirits in prison, suggesting a spiritual reality where Christ's victory over death impacts even the departed.
Daniel 12:2This Old Testament prophecy speaks of many 'who sleep in the dust of the earth' awakening, some to everlasting life and some to shame, aligning with the concept of resurrection that Matthew describes.
John 5:25Jesus declares that 'an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live,' a profound statement about His power over death that finds a tangible demonstration in Matthew's account.
clarkeMatthew 27:52: "And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,"
And the graves were opened - By the earthquake; and many bodies of saints which slept, i.e. were dead, sleep being a common expression for death in the Scriptures.
gillMatthew 27:52: "And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,"
And the graves were opened,.... Which were near the city of Jerusalem: this was a proof of Christ's power over death and the grave, by dying; when he through death, destroyed him that had the power of it, and abolished death itself; and became the plague of death and the destruction of the grave, taking into his hands the keys of hell and death: and many bodies of saints which slept, arose: not that th…
This verse highlights that the opening of graves and the resurrection of saints happened after Jesus's resurrection, not during the earthquake itself. They rose as tangible proof of Christ's victory, not as apparitions, appearing to those who knew them to confirm their own future resurrection.
As Jesus breathes His last, a violent earthquake shakes the land, tearing open ancient tombs near Jerusalem. While many bodies of believers who had died are raised to life during this chaos, they don't emerge from their graves until after Jesus Himself rises. These resurrected saints then walk into the city and appear to many who knew them, serving as a powerful testament to Christ's victory over death.
As Jesus breathes His last, a violent earthquake shakes the land, tearing open ancient tombs near Jerusalem. While many bodies of believers who had died are raised to life during this chaos, they don't emerge from their graves until after Jesus Himself rises. These resurrected saints then walk into the city and appear to many who knew them, serving as a powerful testament to Christ's victory over death.
"The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many." — This verse highlights that the opening of graves and the resurrection of saints happened after Jesus's resurrection, not during the earthquake itself. They rose as tangible proof of Christ's victor…
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Last reviewed October 2026
