And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Instead of just a quick greeting, Jesus' first word, "Greetings!", was a profound declaration of peace and well-being, aiming to dispel their fear and usher in joy. The women's response, clinging to his feet, wasn't just reverence but a desperate need for tangible proof that the resurrected Christ was truly before them.
And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As the women hurry away from the empty tomb, still reeling with a mix of fear and elation from the angels' message, Jesus Himself appears to them on the road. He greets them, and in their overwhelming joy and astonishment, they cling to His feet and worship Him before He sends them to deliver the news of His resurrection to the disciples.
Imagine running from a tomb, heart pounding with a mix of terror and elation. What does it feel like to meet the very One you thought was gone forever?
The women's reaction wasn't simple joy. Matthew describes them departing 'with fear and great joy.' This blend of intense emotions is key.
Fear and Wonder
The resurrection was beyond anything they could have imagined. The supernatural event naturally evoked awe and a healthy fear – a recognition of God's immense power at work. This wasn't a paralyzing terror, but a profound sense of reverence.
Overwhelming Joy
Yet, beneath the fear was an 'exceeding joy.' The confirmation of Jesus's victory over death brought an explosion of happiness. This combination of fear and joy highlights how encountering the divine can simultaneously humble us and lift us up.
Jesus's first words to them weren't a stern reprimand for their fear, but a warm, reassuring greeting. What does His response reveal about His heart?
Jesus's immediate 'Greetings!' (or 'Rejoice!'/'Peace!') is incredibly tender. It’s an invitation to let go of their fear and embrace the good news.
The Physical Response
Their immediate action – coming up and taking hold of his feet, worshiping him – was a desperate need for tangible proof. They weren't just hearing about the resurrection; they needed to feel it.
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Worship as Confirmation
This physical act of holding his feet and worshiping him was more than just reverence. It was their way of confirming: 'It is really you!' It grounded their belief in the physical reality of the risen Lord, moving from the angelic announcement to a personal encounter.
Despite their fear, flight, and likely confusion, Jesus calls these women His 'brethren.' What does this startling term reveal about His relationship with us?
This is one of the most astonishing aspects of the resurrection accounts. Jesus, now glorified and victorious, extends the highest form of relationship to His followers.
Unwavering Grace
Even after the disciples had 'forsaken him and fled' during His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus doesn't hold it against them. He calls them 'my brethren' – a term that signifies deep intimacy, equality, and shared destiny.
A New Family Identity
This designation elevates them from mere followers to cherished family members. It points to the profound transformation that happens through Christ's resurrection: we are no longer just servants, but adopted sons and daughters, heirs with Christ. It’s a powerful declaration of His unconditional love and His desire to bring us into His divine family.
Understand the original words
chairete · Greek Verb
The Greek word used here (chairete) literally means 'rejoice,' serving as a common greeting but carrying profound theological weight when spoken by the resurrected Christ, signaling the arrival of the age of salvation.
prosekynēsan · Greek Verb
The act of showing profound reverence, adoration, and submission to God or Christ as an expression of recognition of His divinity and lordship.
This encounter on the road to tell the disciples is a pivotal moment, showing Jesus actively reassuring his followers in their fearful and joyful confusion immediately after his resurrection. It highlights his compassion and power to bring peace even amidst doubt.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Following his crucifixion, Jesus is resurrected on the first day of the week, an event central to Christian faith. This marks a turning point for his followers, moving from grief and despair to joy and renewed purpose.
c. 30 AD
First appearances to women
Jesus first appears to Mary Magdalene, then to other women including Mary the mother of James, as they visit his tomb. They are tasked with informing the disciples of his resurrection.
c. 30 AD
Jesus appears to disciples
Jesus begins to appear to his disciples over a period of forty days, offering them comfort, instruction, and the Great Commission, gradually rebuilding their faith and unity.
c. 33 AD
Ascension of Jesus
Jesus ascends into heaven in the presence of his disciples, promising the coming of the Holy Spirit to empower them for their mission.
This passage describes Jesus' first appearance after the resurrection to Mary Magdalene, highlighting her initial confusion and then her recognition and desire to hold onto Him, which Jesus also redirects.
Luke 24:13-35This account shows Jesus appearing to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, where their eyes are opened to recognize Him, mirroring the women's experience of encountering the risen Lord.
Psalm 2:7This Old Testament psalm speaks of the Son being declared by God, which is powerfully fulfilled in the resurrection where Jesus is proclaimed as God's Son with power, solidifying the worship He receives.
Philippians 2:5-11This passage describes Jesus humbling Himself and then being exalted by God to the highest name, to which every knee should bow and every tongue confess; the women's worship here is a foreshadowing of this universal recognition.
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.…
gillMatthew 28:9: "And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him."
And as they went to tell his disciples,.... This clause is wanting in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions, and in Beza's most ancient copy; but it stands in the Ethiopic version, and in Munster's Hebrew Gospel, behold, Jesus met them: that they might be confirmed in what the angel had told them, and their fear might be r…
Instead of just a quick greeting, Jesus' first word, "Greetings!", was a profound declaration of peace and well-being, aiming to dispel their fear and usher in joy. The women's response, clinging to his feet, wasn't just reverence but a desperate need for tangible proof that the resurrected Christ was truly before them.
As the women hurry away from the empty tomb, still reeling with a mix of fear and elation from the angels' message, Jesus Himself appears to them on the road. He greets them, and in their overwhelming joy and astonishment, they cling to His feet and worship Him before He sends them to deliver the news of His resurrection to the disciples.
As the women hurry away from the empty tomb, still reeling with a mix of fear and elation from the angels' message, Jesus Himself appears to them on the road. He greets them, and in their overwhelming joy and astonishment, they cling to His feet and worship Him before He sends them to deliver the news of His resurrection to the disciples.
"And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him." — Instead of just a quick greeting, Jesus' first word, "Greetings!", was a profound declaration of peace and well-being, aiming to dispel their fear and usher in joy. The women's response, clinging to…
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Last reviewed October 2026