Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:53

What does Matthew 27:53 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:53 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:53 means

After Jesus’ resurrection these raised saints came out of the tombs and entered the holy city, appearing to many. This post-resurrection movement shows the public aspect of God’s vindication: witnesses saw the reality of life returning. Their appearances authenticate the resurrection’s power and signal the beginning of the new age inaugurated by Christ. The phrasing connects Jesus’ resurrection with a wider bodily renewal, demonstrating that his victory over death has tangible, visible effects on God’s people.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and coming forth out of the tombs after his resurrection they entered into the holy city and appeared unto many.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and coming forth out of the tombs after his resurrection they entered into the holy city and appeared unto many.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And coming out of their resting-places, after he had come again from the dead, they went into the holy town and were seen by a number of people.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having come forth out of the tombs after his rising, they went into the holy city, and appeared to many.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, came into the holy city and appeared to many.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and going out of the tombs after his arising, entered into the holy city and appeared unto many.

Context

This verse concludes the account of supernatural events tied to Jesus’ death (vv. 51–53). It links the saints’ resurrection to Jesus’ own rising and serves to reinforce the truth of his victory. The narrative then moves to individual human response—the centurion’s confession (v. 54)—and to those who ministered to Jesus (vv. 55–56).

v.52and the tombs were opened; and many bodies of the saints that had fallen asleep were raised;

v.53This passage

v.54Now the centurion, and they that were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

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