Devine Scripture

Matthew 28:3

What does Matthew 28:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 28:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 28:3 means

The angel's appearance was incredibly vivid and awe-inspiring, described as brilliant as lightning and his clothing as dazzling white as snow. This radiant portrayal emphasizes his divine nature and the glory of the heavenly realm from which he came. Such an appearance would have conveyed not only power but also holiness, fitting for a messenger delivering news of such profound spiritual significance as the resurrection of the Son of God. It underscores the extraordinary nature of the event unfolding.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

His appearance was as lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

His appearance was as lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

His form was shining like the light, and his clothing was white as snow:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and his countenance was as lightning, and his clothing white as snow,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And his countenance was as lightning and his raiment as snow.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And his look was as lightning, and his clothing white as snow.

Context

This verse elaborates on the angel's majestic and fearsome appearance, which directly follows the description of his descent and the earthquake. This dramatic visual detail explains the guards' terrified reaction in the subsequent verse. The angel's glorious presence serves to validate his divine authority and the truth of the message he is about to deliver to the women about Jesus' resurrection.

v.2And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it.

v.3This passage

v.4and for fear of him the watchers did quake, and became as dead men.

Cross references

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

  • Daniel 10:5

    I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, a man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with pure gold of Uphaz:

  • Ezekiel 1:4

    And I looked, and, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, a great cloud, with a fire infolding itself, and a brightness round about it, and out of the midst thereof as it were glowing metal, out of the midst of the fire.

  • Revelation 3:4

    But thou hast a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments: and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy.

  • Revelation 10:1

    And I saw another strong angel coming down out of heaven, arrayed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire;

  • Matthew 17:2

    and he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light.

  • John 20:12

    and she beholdeth two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

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