What does Matthew 28:5 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 28:5 comes from the New Testament of the Christian Bible and occurs during the narrative of Jesus Christ's resurrection.

This passage describes an encounter between an angel and the women who came to Jesus' tomb after his crucifixion.

The angel addresses their fear and reassures them by acknowledging their purpose for visiting the tomb, to seek Jesus, who was crucified.

This verse carries both the literal meaning of the angel's message to the women and the deeper spiritual meaning that signifies the confirmation of Jesus Christ's resurrection, which is fundamental to Christian faith.

Historical Context

Matthew 28:5 is set in the historical context of first-century Palestine, shortly after the crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ.

Jewish burial practices at the time typically involved anointing the body with spices, and it was common for mourners to visit the tomb after burial.

The Gospels record that women who were followers of Jesus came to the tomb early in the morning, only to find it empty.

The encounters with angels at the tomb are reported as affirming the miraculous event of Jesus' resurrection.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Matthew 28:5 is significant as it speaks to the revelation of the empty tomb and Jesus' victory over death.

From a Christian perspective, the angel's words are seen as a divine message confirming the fulfillment of Jesus' own prophecies regarding his death and resurrection.

Different Christian denominations may emphasize various aspects of this event.

For example, traditional Christian doctrine sees the resurrection as a cornerstone of the faith, validating Jesus as the Son of God.

Some liberal theologians might focus more on the transformative experience of the witnesses and the existential implications of resurrection.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse can inspire individuals to face their fears and to seek the truth with persistence.

The angel's command to "Fear not" can be taken as a call to trust in divine goodness and to hold on to faith even when circumstances seem dire.

It reminds believers to seek out Jesus in their daily lives and to find comfort in the certainty of His resurrection and presence.

Cross-References

• Mark 16:6: "And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him."
• Luke 24:5-6: "And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,"
• John 20:13: "And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words include:

• "ἀποκριθεὶς" (apokritheis) - translated "answered," commonly denotes a reply or response.
• "φοβεῖσθε" (phobeisthe) - translated as "fear not," it is the negative imperative form of "φοβέομαι" (phobeomai), meaning "to fear" or "be afraid."
• "ζητεῖτε" (zeteite) - translated as "ye seek," it is the present indicative active form of "ζητέω" (zeteo), meaning "to seek" or "to look for."

These terms reflect an immediate interaction, the addressing of fear, and the aspect of seeking, all crucial to the understanding of the verse.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, encounters with divine or angelic beings often signaled momentous events. The Greco-Roman world had myths of gods appearing to humans, often to deliver messages of destiny.

The Hebrew Scriptures feature angels as messengers of God, such as in the narratives of Abraham and Moses.

The concept of resurrection was also present in various forms in ancient religions, though the Christian concept of it as a unique event in Jesus Christ is distinct.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, explanations for the empty tomb and resurrection accounts range from acceptance as historical and supernatural events to hypotheses of natural explanations such as the Swoon Theory or the Wrong Tomb Theory.

However, such hypotheses often do not satisfy the theological or traditional historical interpretations held by Christian believers.

Commentaries

Various commentaries offer insights into Matthew 28:5:

• The Matthew Henry Commentary notes the compassion of the angel in addressing the fear of the women, emphasizing God's message of comfort to those who seek Jesus.
• The MacArthur Study Bible comments on the significance of the angel's presence as an affirmation of Jesus' victory over death and the truth of the resurrection.
• The IVP New Testament Commentary Series highlights the angel's role in explaining the fulfillment of Jesus' predictions of his death and resurrection, which removes fear and confirms faith.