New Testament
Matthew 28:4
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The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and appeared like dead men.
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And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
What Matthew 28:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the reaction of the guards who were stationed at the tomb of Jesus after His resurrection. When the angel appeared, the guards were overwhelmed with fear. Their fear was so intense that they trembled and became immobilized, resembling dead men. This illustrates the power and authority of God, as even trained soldiers could not withstand the divine presence. The guards, who were supposed to be vigilant and protect the tomb, were rendered powerless by the sight of the angel. This moment emphasizes the reality of the resurrection and the supernatural events surrounding it, showing that God's power can instill fear even in the strongest of men. The guards' reaction serves as a stark contrast to the joy and hope that the resurrection brings to believers, highlighting the different responses to divine intervention. It also sets the stage for the unfolding of the resurrection narrative, where fear gives way to faith and proclamation of the good news.
How to apply Matthew 28:4 to your life
This verse reminds us that encountering God's presence can evoke fear, but it also leads to transformation. We should approach God with reverence, recognizing His power. In our lives, we can choose faith over fear, trusting in God's plans even when we feel overwhelmed.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Empty Tomb (Matthew 28:1–10)
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Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 28:4 mean?
Matthew 28:4 describes the intense fear experienced by the guards at Jesus' tomb when an angel appeared. Their fear was so overwhelming that they trembled and appeared lifeless, highlighting the power of the divine presence.
What is the significance of the guards in Matthew 28:4?
The guards in Matthew 28:4 represent human vulnerability in the face of divine power. Their reaction emphasizes that even trained soldiers can be rendered powerless by God's authority, underscoring the miraculous nature of the resurrection.
How does Matthew 28:4 relate to the resurrection?
Matthew 28:4 is directly related to the resurrection as it captures the moment of divine intervention when Jesus rose from the dead. The guards' fear serves as a backdrop to the joy and hope that the resurrection brings to believers.
What can we learn from the fear of the guards in Matthew 28:4?
The fear of the guards in Matthew 28:4 teaches us about the reverence we should have for God's power. It reminds us that encountering the divine can be overwhelming, but it also invites us to choose faith over fear in our own lives.
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