New Testament

Matthew 28:8

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ClearClear Bible Translation

The women quickly left the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

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KJVKing James Version

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

What Matthew 28:8 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the women who visited Jesus' tomb after his resurrection experienced a mix of emotions. They felt fear, likely due to the miraculous event of the empty tomb and the angel's message, but they also felt great joy because they realized that Jesus had risen from the dead. This combination of fear and joy reflects the profound impact of witnessing such a significant event. Their immediate response was to run and share this incredible news with the disciples, demonstrating their eagerness to spread the message of hope and resurrection. This moment marks a pivotal point in the Christian faith, as it signifies the victory over death and the promise of eternal life. The urgency in their actions highlights the importance of sharing the good news with others, which is a central theme in Christianity.

How to apply Matthew 28:8 to your life

This verse encourages us to share our faith with others, especially when we experience joy and hope in our lives. Just as the women ran to tell the disciples, we should be eager to share the good news of Jesus' resurrection and the hope it brings. Our personal experiences can inspire others.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

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A painting of the empty tomb of Jesus

Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Empty Tomb (Matthew 28:1–10)

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Jesus

The low dark stone ruins of Capernaum, with the Sea of Galilee and hills behind.

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 28:8 mean?

Matthew 28:8 describes the moment when the women discovered Jesus' resurrection. They felt both fear and joy, highlighting the emotional impact of witnessing such a miraculous event and their eagerness to share the news with the disciples.

What is the significance of fear and joy in Matthew 28:8?

The combination of fear and joy in Matthew 28:8 reflects the overwhelming nature of the resurrection. The women were astonished by the miracle, which filled them with both reverence and happiness, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus' victory over death.

What does 'ran to tell his disciples' mean in Matthew 28:8?

The phrase 'ran to tell his disciples' indicates the women's eagerness and urgency to share the incredible news of Jesus' resurrection. It highlights the importance of spreading the message of hope and faith to others.

How does Matthew 28:8 relate to evangelism?

Matthew 28:8 illustrates the essence of evangelism by showing how the women were compelled to share the good news of Jesus' resurrection. Their immediate response serves as a model for believers to actively share their faith and experiences with others.

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