And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The soldiers' terror wasn't just a reaction to the earthquake or the rolling stone; it was a direct response to the sheer, overwhelming presence of the divine angel. They became "like dead men" not just from fear of punishment, but from experiencing a power so immense it rendered them utterly helpless and speechless.
And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As the Sabbath day ends and dawn breaks on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and another Mary arrive at Jesus' tomb to find the stone already rolled away. They then witness a terrifying angelic apparition, complete with a face like lightning and clothes white as snow, causing the Roman guards stationed there to tremble in fear and collapse as if dead. This powerful divine display, which immediately precedes the angel's message of reassurance to the women, underscores the magnitude of Christ's resurrection.
Imagine being a hardened soldier, sworn to duty, suddenly paralyzed by fear. What could cause such a reaction?
The appearance of the angel at Jesus' tomb wasn't just a visual spectacle; it was a raw display of divine power. The soldiers guarding the tomb, accustomed to earthly authority and violence, were utterly overwhelmed. Their trembling and becoming like 'dead men' wasn't just fear of the unknown, but a visceral reaction to the holiness and might of God's messenger.
Overwhelmed by Majesty
The same event that sent soldiers into a panic was a message of incredible hope. How can one event have such opposite effects?
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a pivotal moment with dramatically different implications depending on one's relationship with God. For the guards, it was a terrifying confirmation of a power they couldn't control, leading to their incapacitation and likely their attempt to cover up the event.
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A Tale of Two Reactions
Understand the original words
phobos · Greek Noun
A visceral, often overwhelming, response to the presence of the divine or supernatural, manifesting as awe, terror, or deep reverence.
The presence of Roman guards at the tomb highlights the perceived need to prevent any doubt about Jesus' death. Their terrified flight before the angel's appearance and the empty tomb dramatically underscores the supernatural power at play, making their subsequent false report even more damning.
c. AD 30— this verse
Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus
Jesus is crucified and then buried in a tomb, which is sealed with a large stone and guarded by Roman soldiers to prevent any disturbance.
c. AD 30, early morning on the first day of the week
Resurrection of Jesus
A powerful earthquake occurs, and an angel of the Lord descends, removing the stone from the tomb and sitting upon it. The angel's appearance is dazzling and terrifying.
c. AD 30, shortly after the resurrection
Roman Guards Flee
The Roman soldiers guarding the tomb are overcome with terror at the sight of the angel and the events, becoming like dead men and fleeing the scene.
c. AD 30, shortly after the guards flee
Women Discover the Empty Tomb
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary arrive at the tomb to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty, encountering angels who announce Jesus' resurrection.
c. AD 30, following the discovery
Report to Authorities
The terrified guards report the events to the chief priests, who then bribe them to spread a false story that Jesus' body was stolen by his disciples.
This passage describes the overwhelming terror of the Egyptian army at the Red Sea, mirroring the soldiers' reaction to divine power, showing God's ability to strike enemies with fear.
Daniel 10:7-9Daniel and his companions experienced intense fear and physical weakness in the presence of angelic beings, which parallels the guards' reaction to the angel at the tomb.
Luke 24:4-5While Matthew focuses on the guards' fear, Luke describes the women's fear of the angel, showing a contrast in reactions to the same supernatural event—terror for the godless, awe for the faithful.
Revelation 1:17The Apostle John's reaction of falling as dead before the glorified Christ highlights the profound and overwhelming impact of divine majesty on mortals, similar to the guards' experience.
Judges 7:3Gideon's army was reduced by God to a small number, sending home those who were fearful; this shows God often uses supernatural means and overwhelming power, causing fear in His enemies while empowering His servants.
calvinMatthew 28:1-7: "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."
- Now in the evening of the Sabbaths, [298] which began to dawn towards the first of the Sabbaths, came Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, to see the sepulcher. 2. And lo, there was a great earthquake; for the angel of the Lord came down from heaven, and approached, and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3. And his c…
henryMatthew 28:1-8: "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."
28:1-8 Christ rose the third day after his death; that was the time he had often spoken of. On the first day of the first week God commanded the light to shine out of darkness. On this day did He who is the Light of the world, shine out of the darkness of the grave; and this day is from henceforward often mentioned in the New Testament,…
The soldiers' terror wasn't just a reaction to the earthquake or the rolling stone; it was a direct response to the sheer, overwhelming presence of the divine angel. They became "like dead men" not just from fear of punishment, but from experiencing a power so immense it rendered them utterly helpless and speechless.
As the Sabbath day ends and dawn breaks on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and another Mary arrive at Jesus' tomb to find the stone already rolled away. They then witness a terrifying angelic apparition, complete with a face like lightning and clothes white as snow, causing the Roman guards stationed there to tremble in fear and collapse as if dead. This powerful divine display, which immediately precedes the angel's message of reassurance to the women, underscores the magnitude of Christ's resurrection.
As the Sabbath day ends and dawn breaks on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and another Mary arrive at Jesus' tomb to find the stone already rolled away. They then witness a terrifying angelic apparition, complete with a face like lightning and clothes white as snow, causing the Roman guards stationed there to tremble in fear and collapse as if dead. This powerful divine display, which immediately precedes the angel's message of reassurance to the women, underscores the magnitude of Christ's resurrection.
"And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men." — The soldiers' terror wasn't just a reaction to the earthquake or the rolling stone; it was a direct response to the sheer, overwhelming presence of the divine angel. They became "like dead men" not j…
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Last reviewed October 2026