King James Version

What Does Matthew 28:17 Mean?

Matthew 28:17 in the King James Version says “And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.”

Matthew 28:17 · KJV

Context

15

So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

16

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

17

And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

18

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teach: or, make disciples, or, Christians of all nations

Read Matthew 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. This verse presents honest, unembellished testimony. 'They worshipped him' (προσεκύνησαν αὐτῷ/prosekynēsan autō)—they rendered worship (proskyneō) due only to deity. Having encountered the risen Christ, seen His wounds, heard His voice, they responded with adoration. Worship is the proper response to resurrection revelation; Christ's victory over death proves His divine identity and authority.

'But some doubted' (οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν/hoi de edistasan)—remarkable honesty. If Matthew were fabricating, he would never include this detail. Doubt among the eyewitnesses seems to undermine credibility. Yet this very honesty validates the account's authenticity. Genuine testimony admits unflattering details; propaganda conceals them.

The verb ἐδίστασαν (edistasan) means to doubt, waver, hesitate. It's the same word used when Peter walked on water but began to sink (Matthew 14:31). This wasn't skeptical unbelief but uncertainty born of unprecedented experience—'Can this really be happening?' The resurrection was so far beyond normal experience that even seeing Jesus, some struggled to process it.

Yet Jesus did not condemn their doubt or delay His commission until doubt vanished. He met them where they were, spoke with authority (verse 18), and commanded mission (verses 19-20). Doubt is not unforgivable; Jesus works with doubting disciples, transforming their wavering into firm faith. These same doubters would soon preach resurrection boldly and die as martyrs. Christ's patience with doubt leads to faith's triumph.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This honesty about doubt among witnesses strengthens rather than weakens the resurrection case. Fabricators create stories where everyone immediately believes; authentic testimony includes doubt, confusion, and gradual conviction. The disciples' initial skepticism (Luke 24:11, John 20:24-25) makes their later certainty more credible—they weren't gullible enthusiasts but skeptical witnesses convinced by overwhelming evidence.

Who specifically doubted is uncertain. Some suggest 'the eleven' worshipped while others present (if the 500 of 1 Corinthians 15:6 were there) doubted. Others think some of the eleven themselves doubted at first sight before being convinced. Either way, doubt was real and acknowledged.

Church history shows these doubters didn't remain in unbelief. Thomas, the most famous doubter (John 20:24-29), according to tradition, became a missionary to India and died a martyr. None of the eleven (plus Matthias who replaced Judas, Acts 1:26) renounced resurrection testimony despite intense persecution. Their transformation from doubt to unwavering conviction and willingness to die testifies to resurrection's reality.

The inclusion of this detail also pastorally encourages struggling believers. If even those who saw the risen Jesus experienced doubt, believers today who struggle with doubt are not failures but stand in continuity with the apostolic company. Jesus meets doubters with patience and truth, leading them to faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Matthew's honesty about doubt among witnesses actually strengthen the resurrection account's credibility rather than weaken it?
  2. What encouragement can doubting believers today draw from Jesus's patience with His doubting disciples and His willingness to commission them despite their wavering?
  3. How do we reconcile worship and doubt existing simultaneously among the witnesses, and what does this teach us about the nature of faith's development?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
καὶ1 of 8

“And”

G2532

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

ἰδόντες2 of 8

“when they saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

αὐτῷ·3 of 8

“him”

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

προσεκύνησαν4 of 8

“they worshipped”

G4352

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

αὐτῷ·5 of 8

“him”

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

οἱ6 of 8
G3588

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

δὲ7 of 8

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐδίστασαν8 of 8

“some doubted”

G1365

properly, to duplicate, i.e., (mentally) to waver (in opinion)

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 28:17 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 28:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 2:12Psalms 45:11Matthew 16:28Matthew 28:9John 5:231 Corinthians 15:6

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