New Testament
Matthew 27:52
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Matthew 27:52, the verse describes a miraculous event that occurred at the moment of Jesus' death.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
And the graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints who slept arose,
And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Matthew 27:52, the verse describes a miraculous event that occurred at the moment of Jesus' death. The graves being opened signifies a powerful act of God, indicating that death is not the end. The 'saints who slept' refers to those who had died in faith, and their resurrection symbolizes hope and the promise of eternal life. This event serves as a precursor to Jesus' own resurrection, demonstrating His authority over death. It emphasizes the belief that through Christ, believers will also experience resurrection. This moment is significant as it illustrates the victory of life over death and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. The resurrection of these saints serves as a testament to the power of God and the reality of life after death, encouraging believers to hold onto their faith in the face of mortality.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 27:52 to your life
This verse encourages believers to have hope in the face of death, reminding us that death is not the end. It calls us to live in faith, knowing that God has the power to bring life from death. We should share this hope with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 27:52 mean about the graves being opened?
Matthew 27:52 describes a miraculous event that occurred at the moment of Jesus' death, where the graves were opened. This signifies God's power over death and serves as a demonstration that death is not the final state for believers. It indicates a divine act that foreshadows the resurrection of Jesus and symbolizes hope for eternal life.
Who are the 'saints' mentioned in Matthew 27:52?
The 'saints' referred to in Matthew 27:52 are those who had died in faith prior to Jesus' resurrection. They are considered holy or righteous individuals who believed in God. Their resurrection at this moment signifies the promise of eternal life and serves as a testament to the power of God to bring life from death.
How does Matthew 27:52 relate to the resurrection of Jesus?
Matthew 27:52 is closely related to the resurrection of Jesus as it occurs at the moment of His death. The resurrection of the saints serves as a precursor to Jesus' own resurrection, highlighting His authority over death. This event emphasizes the belief that through Christ, all believers will also experience resurrection, reinforcing the hope of eternal life.
What is the significance of the resurrection of the saints in this verse?
The resurrection of the saints in Matthew 27:52 is significant as it illustrates God's victory over death and the fulfillment of His promises. It serves as a powerful reminder to believers that death is not the end, but rather a transition to eternal life. This event encourages faith and hope, reinforcing the belief in life after death for those who trust in God.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Unlock the full Matthew summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.