What does Matthew 28:4 mean?

Explanation

[Matthew 28:4, KJV] "And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men." This verse is situated in the narrative of the resurrection of Jesus Christ according to the Gospel of Matthew.

The "keepers" refers to the Roman guards who had been stationed at the tomb of Jesus to prevent His body from being stolen by His followers, as the authorities feared this could inspire claims that He had risen from the dead.

The phrase "for fear of him" likely refers to the appearance of an angel of the Lord, described in the previous verse as descending from heaven, causing an earthquake, and rolling back the stone from the tomb's entrance.

The guards were so overcome with fear at this supernatural occurrence that they shook and became like "dead men," an expression suggesting that they were immobilized or rendered unconscious by their fear.

Historical Context

This verse forms part of the resurrection narrative found in the last chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, which was written in the first century AD.

It is traditionally believed by many Christians that the gospel was authored by Matthew, one of the twelve apostles.

The historical context of this event takes place during the rule of the Roman Empire over the region of Judea and reflects the tensions between the early Christian community, Jewish authorities, and Roman governance.

Roman soldiers were tasked with guarding the tomb because the Jewish authorities wanted to prevent any attempt by the disciples of Jesus to claim He had risen, as He Himself had predicted.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse typifies the New Testament theme of the triumph of God's power over death and human authority.

The reaction of the guards, as representatives of the imperial power of Rome, demonstrates the sheer majesty and authority of divine intervention.

In Christian theology, this passage emphasizes that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human efforts and that Christ's victory over death is incontrovertible.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, this verse may serve as a reminder for individuals to recognize and respect the power of the divine.

It contains a message about the limitations of human control and the need for humility in the face of greater forces.

For modern readers, the narrative challenges them to confront their own fears and to recognize that ultimate security and hope come not from earthly power but from faith in the divine.

Cross-References

• Matthew 28:2-3: "And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:"

• Mark 16:5-6: "And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted."
• Acts 5:19: "But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,"

Language Study

Key words/phrases in the original Greek text include:

• "ephobounto" translates to "they feared" or "were afraid".

This term does not merely imply ordinary fear, but an intense, paralyzing terror.

• "eseisthēsan" translates to "did shake," indicating a shaking or trembling often associated with fear or awe.
• "genomenoi hōsei nekroi" means "became as dead men," a metaphor indicating that they were rendered motionless or powerless.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparison to other cultural and religious narratives often involves supernatural events at key moments, such as divine interventions, appearances of angels, and encounters with the divine that cause fear or awe.

Ancient Greek and Roman mythology also describes mortals who are struck with fear or petrified in the presence of gods or divine phenomena.

In Egyptian mythology, the dead undergo transformation and judgement, although there are no direct parallels to the Christian resurrection narrative.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the description of guards shaking and becoming as dead men could be interpreted psychologically as a response to extreme stress or fear, which can indeed cause physical reactions akin to paralysis or fainting.

However, the context of the biblical narrative is miraculous, not seeking to provide natural explanations for the events described.

commentaries

Biblical commentators have offered various insights into this verse:

• William Barclay posits that the presence of the divine in the form of the angel instills a fear that incapacitates the guards, contrasting the might of Rome with the power of God.
• Matthew Henry comments that the guards were struck with fear so that they couldn't prevent Christ's resurrection, suggesting God's ability to disable the might of men to achieve His purpose.
• John Calvin notes that this fear was a form of God's judgement on those who were complicit in trying to suppress the truth of Christ's resurrection.