What does Matthew 28:6 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 28:6 is part of the account of Jesus Christ's resurrection according to the Gospel of Matthew in the Christian Bible.

The verse is spoken by an angel to the women (Mary Magdalene and the other Mary) who have come to see Jesus' tomb.

The angel acknowledges that Jesus is not present in the tomb because he has risen from the dead, as Jesus had previously predicted.

The angel invites them to witness for themselves the empty space where Jesus had been laid, providing physical evidence that Jesus' body was no longer there.

This verse carries with it the foundational Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus, which is a cornerstone of Christian theology and a symbol of hope and eternal life.

The literal meaning is clear: the tomb is empty because Jesus has been resurrected.

The deeper meaning involves the fulfillment of prophecy, the confirmation of Jesus' divinity, and the promise of life after death for believers.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Matthew is believed to have been written between AD 70 and AD 110.

The audience for this Gospel was likely Jewish Christians, and one of its purposes was to show that Jesus was the promised Messiah according to Jewish prophecy.

The resurrection event occurs after Jesus’ crucifixion and burial.

This moment in the narrative is a critical fulfillment of Jesus' predictions and a pivotal event for early Christian preaching and teaching.

During the time the Gospel was written, the belief in a bodily resurrection was not universally accepted in Judaism or in the broader Greco-Roman world, which made the claim of Jesus' resurrection extraordinary and a matter of controversy among both followers and skeptics.

Theological Insights

From a Christian viewpoint, this verse affirms the divinity of Jesus, showcasing his power over death and his ability to fulfill his promises.

It serves as a basis for Christian eschatology, which pertains to the end times and the belief in the bodily resurrection of the dead for those who believe in Christ.

Variant theological interpretations might focus on the nature of Jesus' resurrection body, the historical and empirical evidence of the resurrection, and its implication for the nature of the afterlife.

Non-Christian perspectives might see this narrative either as a metaphor for spiritual renewal, a mythological account, or dismiss it as a historical event altogether.

Practical Applications

For believers, this verse can inspire faith and hope in the face of difficulty, emphasizing that, like Jesus, they too can overcome trials and even death. It can motivate Christians to live righteously, with the expectancy of an eternal life with God.

The verse also encourages believers to seek and celebrate evidential experiences of faith, just as the angel invited the women to see the empty tomb, suggesting that faith can be strengthened by witnessing and acknowledging signs of God’s actions in one's life.

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 24:6-7: "He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again."
• John 20:13-14: "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."
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"

Language Study

The original Greek language of the New Testament uses key terms that provide depth to this verse:

• "He is not here" (οὐκ ἔστιν ὧδε): This negation is absolute, emphasizing the physical absence of Jesus from the tomb.
• "For he is risen" (ἠγέρθη): Derived from the Greek verb ἐγείρω (egeirō), meaning “to raise up” or “to wake,” it is a passive form indicating Jesus was raised by the power of God.
• "As he said" (καθὼς εἶπεν): This phrase emphasizes the fulfillment of Jesus' own predictions concerning his death and resurrection.

Analyzing these key Greek terms enhances the understanding of the verse, showcasing the miraculous nature of the event and indicating divine action.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The narrative of a god or a divine being dying and returning to life is a theme present in various other ancient religions and mythologies, such as the stories of Osiris in Egyptian mythology, the Sumerian goddess Inanna, and the Greek god Dionysus.

However, in Christian theology, the resurrection of Jesus is unique in that it is not cyclical nor merely symbolic of natural seasons, but a singular event with salvific significance for humanity and a literal historical claim.

Scientific Perspectives

The resurrection is a supernatural claim and thus lies outside the scope of scientific investigation, which is limited to natural phenomena.

From a scientific standpoint, death is the cessation of biological functions, and there is no empirical evidence to support or refute an event like resurrection as described in the Bible.

However, some researchers have explored the psychological and social effects of belief in the resurrection, finding that such beliefs can have significant beneficial impacts on individuals' well-being and social cohesion.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered various interpretations and insights on this verse:

• Many traditional Christian commentators regard this verse as a historical record that confirms the truth of Jesus' resurrection and the fulfillment of his prophecies.
• Skeptical scholars may view the verse as part of a later Christian narrative developed to express the spiritual experience of the early church rather than as a literal historical event.
• Some contemporary theologians focus on the symbolic aspects of the resurrection as representing new beginnings, hope, and the triumph of good over evil.