King James Version

What Does Luke 24:4 Mean?

Luke 24:4 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout , behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout , behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:”

Luke 24:4 · KJV

Context

2

And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

3

And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

4

And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout , behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

5

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? the living: or, him that liveth

6

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

Read Luke 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. The women's perplexity (Greek diaporeō, διαπορέω) means to be thoroughly puzzled, at a complete loss—they expected a corpse but found an empty tomb. The phrase "it came to pass" (egeneto, ἐγένετο) introduces divine intervention into their confusion. The sudden appearance (idou, ἰδού, "behold") of two men in shining garments (andres dyo en esthēti astraptousē, ἄνδρες δύο ἐν ἐσθῆτι ἀστραπτούσῃ) signals heavenly messengers—angels appearing in human form, their radiant clothing reflecting God's glory.

The number two establishes legal testimony (Deuteronomy 19:15)—resurrection truth comes with double witness. Luke's restraint in calling them "men" rather than immediately identifying them as angels reflects the women's initial perception, though verse 23 clarifies they were angels. Their shining garments (astraptousē, ἀστραπτούσῃ, "flashing like lightning") echo the Transfiguration (Luke 9:29) and anticipate Christ's return (Luke 17:24), connecting resurrection to divine glory.

This angelic appearance transforms confusion into revelation. The empty tomb alone might perplex, but divine messengers will explain it (verses 5-7). God graciously meets seeking hearts with understanding, never leaving His people in bewilderment about saving truth.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century Jewish thought, angels served as God's messengers and frequently appeared at pivotal salvation-history moments—announcing Isaac's birth (Genesis 18), delivering the Law (Acts 7:53, Galatians 3:19), announcing Jesus' birth (Luke 1:26-38, 2:9-14). Their appearance at the empty tomb places resurrection among history's most significant divine interventions.

The women came expecting to complete burial rites, bringing spices prepared before Sabbath (Luke 23:56). Finding the stone rolled away and tomb empty would have been shocking and confusing. Ancient tombs often had antechambers where mourners might linger; the angels apparently stood in this space. The women's perplexity was natural—resurrection wasn't expected despite Jesus' predictions. Jewish resurrection theology anticipated general resurrection at history's end, not an individual rising on the third day.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God meet our confusion about spiritual realities with divine revelation rather than leaving us perplexed?
  2. What significance does the presence of two angelic witnesses hold for establishing resurrection truth?
  3. How do the shining garments connect resurrection to other moments of divine glory in Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγένετο2 of 17

“it came to pass”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐν3 of 17

“as”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ4 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διαπορεῖσθαι5 of 17

“they were much perplexed”

G1280

to be thoroughly nonplussed

αὐταῖς6 of 17

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

περὶ7 of 17

“thereabout”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τούτου8 of 17
G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

καὶ9 of 17

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἰδού,10 of 17
G2400

used as imperative lo!

δύο11 of 17

“two”

G1417

"two"

ἄνδρες12 of 17

“men”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἐπέστησαν13 of 17

“stood by”

G2186

to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)

αὐταῖς14 of 17

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐν15 of 17

“as”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐσθήσεσιν16 of 17

“garments”

G2067

clothing (concretely)

ἀστραπτούσαις17 of 17

“shining”

G797

to flash as lightning

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 24:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 24:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 16:5John 20:11-12Acts 1:10Matthew 28:2-6Genesis 18:2

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 24 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes