King James Version

What Does Matthew 28:10 Mean?

Matthew 28:10 in the King James Version says “Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.”

Matthew 28:10 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

8

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

9

And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

10

Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

11

Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

12

And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

Read Matthew 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. Jesus's first words to the women are 'Be not afraid' (Μὴ φοβεῖσθε/Mē phobeisthe)—the same comfort the angel offered (verse 5). Christ calms their fears, assuring them of His favor and kindness. Though they worship Him rightly, they need not cower in terror. The risen Christ is still the gentle Shepherd who knows His sheep and speaks tenderly to them.

Jesus commissions them: 'go tell' (ὑπάγετε ἀπαγγείλατε/hypagete apangeilate)—double imperative emphasizing the command. The resurrection must be proclaimed. Christianity is inherently evangelistic; good news demands sharing. These women become the first preachers of resurrection, though cultural norms deemed women's testimony unreliable. God's kingdom overthrows worldly hierarchies.

'My brethren' (τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς μου/tois adelphois mou)—remarkable designation! Despite the disciples' abandonment, denial, and cowardice during Jesus's arrest and trial, He calls them 'brethren.' This demonstrates Christ's unfailing love and the restoration He offers to failing followers. He does not disown them but affirms relationship. Having 'tasted death for every man' (Hebrews 2:9), He is 'not ashamed to call them brethren' (Hebrews 2:11).

The instruction to meet in Galilee (repeated from the angel's message) ensures the disciples will gather in a specific place at a specific time for Jesus's post-resurrection teaching and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). God's sovereign plan unfolds precisely; nothing is random or accidental. The risen Christ orchestrates events according to His eternal purpose.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus's reference to the disciples as 'my brethren' after their spectacular failures illustrates the gospel of grace. Peter had denied Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75); all had fled (Matthew 26:56). By worldly logic, Jesus should have recruited new, more faithful followers. Instead, He restores the fallen, demonstrating that His kingdom is built not on human merit but on divine grace and calling.

Galilee's selection as meeting place fulfilled Jesus's prediction in Matthew 26:32: 'After I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.' Every detail of redemptive history unfolds according to divine foreknowledge and plan. God's word never fails.

The disciples' journey from Jerusalem to Galilee (about 80-100 miles, requiring several days' travel) would allow time for the resurrection news to spread and for them to process these astounding events. During this period, Jesus appeared multiple times (Luke 24:13-49, John 20:19-29), progressively convincing them of His resurrection and preparing them for their apostolic mission.

Early church tradition holds that all the apostles except Judas Iscariot (who had committed suicide, Matthew 27:5) received restoration and commissioning. Even 'doubting Thomas' who initially refused to believe became a missionary tradition places in India, dying as a martyr. Christ's restoration is complete and effective.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus calling the failed disciples 'my brethren' encourage us when we have sinned, failed, or denied Christ through our words or actions?
  2. What does the recurring theme of 'go tell' throughout this passage teach us about the church's evangelistic mission and individual believers' responsibility to testify to Christ?
  3. Why is it significant that Jesus personally appeared to the women rather than only sending angelic messengers—what does this reveal about His care for His people?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
τότε1 of 20

“Then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

λέγει2 of 20

“said”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐταῖς3 of 20

“unto 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

ὁ4 of 20
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς5 of 20

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Μὴ6 of 20

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

φοβεῖσθε·7 of 20

“Be”

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

ὑπάγετε8 of 20

“they go”

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

ἀπαγγείλατε9 of 20

“tell”

G518

to announce

τοῖς10 of 20
G3588

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

ἀδελφοῖς11 of 20

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

μου12 of 20

“my”

G3450

of me

ἵνα13 of 20

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἀπέλθωσιν14 of 20

“go”

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

εἰς15 of 20

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν16 of 20
G3588

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

Γαλιλαίαν17 of 20

“Galilee”

G1056

galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine

κἀκεῖ18 of 20

“and there”

G2546

likewise in that place

με19 of 20

“me”

G3165

me

ὄψονται20 of 20

“shall they see”

G3700

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 28:10 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 Matthew 28:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 8:29Matthew 28:7John 20:17Matthew 14:27Matthew 28:5Mark 16:7

Places in This Verse

Galilee 1Region · Modern: Galilee · 32.76°N, 35.53°E78 verses across 10 books
View all places in Matthew 28 →

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