New Testament
Luke 24:4
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While they stood there, very perplexed, two men suddenly appeared beside them, dressed in shining garments.
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And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
What Luke 24:4 means
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.
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
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Empty Tomb (Luke 24:1–12)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Luke 24:4
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
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.
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