Devine Scripture

Matthew 28:4

What does Matthew 28:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 28:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 28:4 means

The Roman soldiers who were guarding the tomb were overwhelmed by the angel's fearsome presence. They were gripped by such terror that they began to quake uncontrollably, ultimately falling into a state of unconsciousness, as if they were dead. This reaction highlights the sheer power and divine authority of the angel, demonstrating that no human force could prevent God's plan. Their incapacitation ensures that they could not have fabricated a story about the disciples stealing the body, as they later claimed.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And for fear of him the watchmen were shaking, and became as dead men.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and from the fear of him did the keepers shake, and they became as dead men.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And for fear of him, the guards were struck with terror and became as dead men.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And for fear of him the guards trembled and became as dead men.

Context

Following the description of the angel's dazzling appearance, this verse explains the immediate and profound impact on the Roman guards. Their terror and physical collapse contrast sharply with the comfort the angel offers the women next. This reaction of the guards is crucial, as their eyewitness account will later be corrupted by the chief priests in an attempt to suppress the truth of the resurrection.

v.3His appearance was as lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

v.4This passage

v.5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, who hath been crucified.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 27:65

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

  • Revelation 1:17

    And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as one dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am the first and the last,

  • Psalms 48:6

    Trembling took hold of them there, Pain, as of a woman in travail.

  • Daniel 10:7

    And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves.

  • Acts 16:29

    And he called for lights and sprang in, and, trembling for fear, fell down before Paul and Silas,

  • Job 4:14

    Fear came upon me, and trembling, Which made all my bones to shake.

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