Breakdown of Matthew 28:5-7

"But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen…" — The angel explicitly says "Fear not ye," drawing a clear distinction between the women and the guards who were terrified. This highlights that while the divine power on display might overwhelm anyone…

Matthew 28:5-7 Meaning Explained

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Matthew 28:5-7

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”

English Standard Version (ESV)

The angel explicitly says "Fear not ye," drawing a clear distinction between the women and the guards who were terrified. This highlights that while the divine power on display might overwhelm anyone, the women's seeking heart for Jesus makes them recipients of comfort, not just fear.

What Matthew 28:5-7 means

The women, led by Mary Magdalene, arrive at Jesus' tomb early on Sunday morning, expecting to anoint his body, only to find the stone already rolled away. Inside, they encounter an angelic messenger who, seeing their fear and confusion after the earthquake and the guards' terrified reaction, immediately reassures them. The angel knows they are searching for Jesus, the one who was crucified, and is there to deliver the astonishing news of His resurrection.

Fear Not, You Seek the Crucified

Why would an angel immediately tell the women 'Do not be afraid' in the tomb? What was so terrifying, and what did the angel know about their hearts that calmed their fears?

The women arrived at the tomb in the dark, after a tumultuous earthquake, and found the stone rolled away. The scene was understandably terrifying, especially after the trauma of Jesus' crucifixion. The guards, in contrast, were struck with paralyzing fear and became like dead men.

However, the angel singles out the women, saying, 'Do not be afraid, you...' This emphasis on 'you' highlights a crucial difference. While the soldiers were terrified by the divine power and the unknown, the women’s fear, though present, stemmed from a different source. The angel knows they are seeking Jesus who was crucified. This means the angel recognizes their love, their loyalty, and their sorrow over the one they lost. Their search wasn't fueled by terror of God's power, but by grief and devotion to Jesus, even in his death.

The Crucified One, Now Risen

The angel explicitly mentions Jesus 'who was crucified.' Why bring up his death right at the moment of his resurrection announcement? What's the connection?

The angel doesn't just say 'I know you seek Jesus.' He specifies 'Jesus who was crucified.' This is profound. Their love for Jesus persisted even after the ultimate humiliation and defeat of the cross. Their desire to anoint his body shows they still saw him as worthy of honor, despite his crucifixion.

The angel's words connect these two realities: death and life. He acknowledges their loyalty to the crucified Jesus, then immediately declares, 'He is not here; for he has risen, as he said.' The very one they mourned as dead is alive! This highlights that the resurrection isn't a separate event but the divine triumph over the crucifixion. Their devotion to the crucified Jesus is precisely why the news of his resurrection is the ultimate good news, confirming their faith and love.

Understand the original words

Original language

crucifiedσταυρόω

stauroō · Greek Verb (Passive Participle)

The historical act of Jesus Christ being executed by Roman crucifixion, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and serving as the substitutionary atonement for the sins of humanity.

has risenἠγέρθη

ēgerthē · Greek Verb

To return to life after death, specifically referring to Christ's bodily resurrection as the foundation of the Christian faith. It signifies victory over sin, death, and the grave.

disciplesμαθηταῖς

mathētais · Greek Noun

The followers of Jesus who were taught by Him; it denotes one who learns from a master and commits to following their teachings and lifestyle.

Historical context

Written: Around 60-65 AD
Author: Matthew the Apostle, traditionally
Location: Jerusalem and Galilee
Genre: Gospel narrative; features dialogue and vivid descriptions

Historical background

c. AD 30— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified by Roman authorities under Pontius Pilate. His body is placed in a tomb.
c. AD 30, early Sunday morning
Discovery of the Empty Tomb
Women, including Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, arrive at Jesus' tomb to anoint his body, finding the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. An angel announces Jesus' resurrection.
c. AD 30
Post-Resurrection Appearances
Jesus appears to various individuals and groups, including the women at the tomb, his disciples (including Peter and the 'two on the road to Emmaus'), and later to larger groups.
c. AD 30
The Great Commission
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus instructs his disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them, promising his presence with them always.
c. AD 33
The Day of Pentecost

Key themes

01Divine comfort in fear
02Seeking the crucified
03Resurrection's power revealed
04Women's faith rewarded

Cross-references

Luke 24:3-6

This passage describes the women finding the tomb empty and encountering two men in dazzling apparel who ask them why they seek the living among the dead, echoing the angel's message of Jesus' resurrection.

John 20:11-13

Here, Mary Magdalene weeps at the tomb and sees two angels, who ask her why she is weeping, offering a parallel to the angel's gentle questioning and reassurance in Matthew.

Philippians 3:10

This verse speaks about Paul's desire to 'know Christ and the power of his resurrection,' highlighting the central importance of the resurrection, which is the very message the angel delivers.

1 Corinthians 15:3-5

This foundational passage in Scripture summarizes the gospel, explicitly mentioning Christ's death for our sins, his burial, and his resurrection on the third day, which is the core truth the angel is confirming.

Hebrews 4:15

This verse assures us that we have a High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses, not one who was merely crucified but one who was raised and now intercedes, aligning with the angel's knowledge of their seeking the crucified Christ.

Scholarly commentary

Matthew 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…

calvin

Matthew 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,…
henry

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What Matthew 28:5-7 means

Original language

crucifiedσταυρόω

stauroō · Greek Verb (Passive Participle)

The historical act of Jesus Christ being executed by Roman crucifixion, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and serving as the substitutionary atonement for the sins of humanity.

has risenἠγέρθη

ēgerthē · Greek Verb

To return to life after death, specifically referring to Christ's bodily resurrection as the foundation of the Christian faith. It signifies victory over sin, death, and the grave.

disciplesμαθηταῖς

mathētais · Greek Noun

The followers of Jesus who were taught by Him; it denotes one who learns from a master and commits to following their teachings and lifestyle.

Historical background

c. AD 30— this verse

Crucifixion of Jesus

Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified by Roman authorities under Pontius Pilate. His body is placed in a tomb.

c. AD 30, early Sunday morning

Discovery of the Empty Tomb

Women, including Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, arrive at Jesus' tomb to anoint his body, finding the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. An angel announces Jesus' resurrection.

c. AD 30

Post-Resurrection Appearances

Jesus appears to various individuals and groups, including the women at the tomb, his disciples (including Peter and the 'two on the road to Emmaus'), and later to larger groups.