Devine Scripture

Matthew 28:11

What does Matthew 28:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 28:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 28:11 means

While the women were on their way to deliver the resurrection news, some of the Roman guards, who had been incapacitated by the angel, recovered and went into the city. They reported all the astonishing events they had witnessed at the tomb to the chief priests. This eyewitness account, from those who were meant to prevent any tampering with the tomb, provided undeniable confirmation of the miraculous events—the earthquake, the angel, and the empty tomb—directly to Jesus' most vocal opponents.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city, and told unto the chief priests all the things that were come to pass.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city, and told unto the chief priests all the things that were come to pass.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now, while they were going, some of the watchmen came into the town and gave news to the chief priests of all the things which had taken place.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And while they are going on, lo, certain of the watch having come to the city, told to the chief priests all the things that happened,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Who when they were departed, behold, some of the guards came into the city and told the chief priests all things that had been done.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And as they went, behold, some of the watch went into the city, and brought word to the chief priests of all that had taken place.

Context

This verse shifts focus from the women and Jesus to the Roman guards and the religious authorities. It occurs concurrently with the women's journey to the disciples, setting up a sharp contrast in how two different groups react to the resurrection evidence. This report to the chief priests directly precedes their cynical decision to bribe the guards, highlighting their determined opposition to the truth and their efforts to fabricate a counter-narrative.

v.10Then saith Jesus unto them, Fear not: go tell my brethren that they depart into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

v.11This passage

v.12And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave much money unto the soldiers,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 28:4

    and for fear of him the watchers did quake, and became as dead men.

  • Matthew 27:65

    Pilate said unto them, Ye have a guard: go, make it as sure as ye can.

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