New Testament
Luke 24:4
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the women who had come to the tomb of Jesus were confused and troubled by what they found.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
While they stood there, very perplexed, two men suddenly appeared beside them, dressed in shining garments.
And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the women who had come to the tomb of Jesus were confused and troubled by what they found. Instead of the body of Jesus, they encountered two men in shining clothes, likely angels, who appeared suddenly beside them. Their appearance was startling and added to the women's perplexity. The shining garments symbolize divine presence and glory, indicating that these men were messengers from God. This moment marks a significant turning point, as it leads to the revelation of Jesus' resurrection. The women were not only surprised but also filled with questions about what had happened. This encounter emphasizes the transition from despair to hope, as the angels would soon deliver the message of Jesus' victory over death, encouraging the women to share this good news with others.
Key themes
Related topics
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 24:4 to your life
When faced with confusion or uncertainty, we can seek divine guidance and remain open to unexpected revelations. Just as the women were reassured by the angels, we too can find hope and clarity in our moments of doubt by trusting in God's presence and promises.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 24:4 mean?
Luke 24:4 describes the moment when women visiting Jesus' tomb were confused to find it empty and were startled by the sudden appearance of two men in shining garments, likely angels. This encounter signifies a pivotal moment of revelation regarding Jesus' resurrection.
What is the significance of the shining garments in Luke 24:4?
The shining garments worn by the two men in Luke 24:4 symbolize their divine nature and authority as messengers from God. Their appearance emphasizes the miraculous nature of the resurrection and the hope it brings.
Who are the two men in shining garments in Luke 24:4?
The two men in shining garments in Luke 24:4 are generally understood to be angels. They appear to the women at the tomb to deliver the message of Jesus' resurrection.
Why were the women perplexed in Luke 24:4?
The women were perplexed in Luke 24:4 because they expected to find Jesus' body in the tomb, but instead encountered an empty tomb and two angels. This unexpected situation left them confused and questioning what had happened.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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