So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that the women’s response was not simply joy, but a potent mixture of "fear and great joy." This isn't a contradiction; rather, it captures the profound awe and overwhelming astonishment that arises when encountering the impossible truth of the resurrection, a feeling that shakes us to our core while simultaneously lifting our spirits.
So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The women, having encountered angelic messengers at the empty tomb, are now rushing to share the incredible news of Jesus' resurrection with the disciples. This urgent departure, marked by a profound mix of awe and elation, sets the stage for Jesus Himself to appear to them on the road, further solidifying their faith before they even reach the disciples.
Imagine the wildest news you've ever heard – so unbelievable you couldn't process it. That was the scene at Jesus' tomb.
Matthew tells us the women left the tomb with "fear and great joy." This wasn't a simple happiness; it was a potent mix of awe and shock.
A Divine Encounter
The presence of an angel, the empty tomb – these were staggering realities. Their fear wasn't just nerves; it was a reverent dread before God's powerful intervention. It’s the kind of awe you feel when witnessing something profoundly divine, something that shakes your very foundations.
Joy That Overwhelms
But then there was the "great joy." The angel's message – "He is risen!" – was the most incredible news imaginable. This joy was so immense it competed with their fear, creating a turbulent but exhilarating emotional state. It’s the feeling of hope exploding in a situation that seemed utterly hopeless.
They didn't just walk away; they ran. What drove their urgent haste?
The women's immediate action was to "run to tell his disciples." This wasn't a leisurely stroll; it was a sprint fueled by their encounter.
Obedience and Urgency
They had received a direct command from the angel to go and tell. This divine instruction spurred them into action. Their quick departure and running show a desire to obey and to share the life-changing news as soon as possible.
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The Power of the Gospel
This was no ordinary message; it was the core of the Christian faith. The resurrection of Jesus changed everything. Their urgent running highlights how powerful and essential this truth was, compelling them to share it without delay, even while still processing their own astonishment.
Understand the original words
phobou · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, this often refers to a profound awe, reverence, or trembling in the presence of the divine or supernatural, recognizing God's power and holiness.
charas · Greek Noun
A deep, divinely-given sense of gladness and delight that transcends earthly circumstances, often rooted in the awareness of God's presence or redemptive acts.
The women's hurried departure from the tomb, marked by 'fear and great joy,' vividly captures the initial shock and elation of encountering the resurrected Christ. This emotional whirlwind underscores the radical, world-altering nature of the resurrection, a truth so profound it initially defied belief even for those closest to Jesus.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Burial
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified and buried in a tomb near Jerusalem, marking the culmination of his earthly ministry.
c. 30 AD, First Day of the Week— this verse
Empty Tomb Discovered
Women, including Mary Magdalene, visit Jesus' tomb early on the first day of the week, finding the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.
c. 30 AD, First Day of the Week
Angelic Announcement
Angels appear to the women at the tomb, announcing that Jesus has risen as he said and instructing them to tell his disciples.
c. 30 AD, First Day of the Week
Women Report Resurrection
The women, experiencing a mix of fear and great joy, quickly run to tell the disciples the news of Jesus' resurrection.
c. 30 AD, First Day of the Week
Disciples' Disbelief
The disciples initially dismiss the women's accounts as 'idle tales,' struggling to believe the extraordinary news.
c. 30 AD, First Day of the Week
Jesus Appears to Women
Jesus himself appears to the women, reinforcing the angelic message and further confirming his resurrection.
c. 30 AD, First Day of the Week
Jesus Appears to Disciples
Jesus later appears to his disciples, calming their fears, proving his resurrection, and commissioning them to spread the gospel.
This passage shows Mary Magdalene's initial encounter with the resurrected Jesus, highlighting her own mixture of emotions and her immediate desire to share the news with the disciples, mirroring the urgency and joy described in Matthew.
Luke 24:9-12This account details the women reporting Jesus' resurrection to the apostles, emphasizing their words seeming like 'idle tales' to the men, which helps illustrate the magnitude of the news the women were carrying and the disbelief they likely faced.
Mark 16:9-11Mark focuses on Jesus appearing first to Mary Magdalene after his resurrection, showing her initial reporting of the news and the disciples' subsequent disbelief, which underscores the impact of the women's fearful joy and their haste to share.
1 Corinthians 15:3-8This passage provides a theological summary of the resurrection appearances, including the appearance to the women, grounding the event described in Matthew within the broader witness and confirmation of Christ's resurrection to his followers.
calvinMatthew 28:8-10: "And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word."
- And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to inform his disciples. 9. And while they went to inform his disciples, then, lo, Jesus met them, saying, Hail. [305] And they approached, and held his feet, and worshipped him. 10. Then Jesus saith to them, Fear not; go, tell my brethren to go into Galilee; and there shall they see me.
8.…
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 verse highlights that the women’s response was not simply joy, but a potent mixture of "fear and great joy." This isn't a contradiction; rather, it captures the profound awe and overwhelming astonishment that arises when encountering the impossible truth of the resurrection, a feeling that shakes us to our core while simultaneously lifting our spirits.
The women, having encountered angelic messengers at the empty tomb, are now rushing to share the incredible news of Jesus' resurrection with the disciples. This urgent departure, marked by a profound mix of awe and elation, sets the stage for Jesus Himself to appear to them on the road, further solidifying their faith before they even reach the disciples.
The women, having encountered angelic messengers at the empty tomb, are now rushing to share the incredible news of Jesus' resurrection with the disciples. This urgent departure, marked by a profound mix of awe and elation, sets the stage for Jesus Himself to appear to them on the road, further solidifying their faith before they even reach the disciples.
"So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples." — The verse highlights that the women’s response was not simply joy, but a potent mixture of "fear and great joy." This isn't a contradiction; rather, it captures the profound awe and overwhelming asto…
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Last reviewed October 2026