King James Version

What Does Matthew 28:2 Mean?

Matthew 28:2 in the King James Version says “And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. was: or, had been”

Matthew 28:2 · KJV

Context

1

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

2

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. was: or, had been

3

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

4

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. The word 'behold' (ἰδού/idou) demands attention to the extraordinary nature of what follows. A 'great earthquake' (σεισμὸς μέγας/seismos megas) accompanied this divine intervention, echoing the earthquake at Christ's death (Matthew 27:51) and demonstrating creation's response to its Creator's victory over death.

The 'angel of the Lord' (ἄγγελος Κυρίου/angelos Kyriou) is a singular being of remarkable authority, 'descended from heaven' (καταβὰς ἐξ οὐρανοῦ/katabas ex ouranou), indicating direct divine commissioning. Angels serve as God's messengers at crucial redemptive moments—announcing Christ's birth (Luke 1:26-38), ministering after His temptation (Matthew 4:11), and now heralding His resurrection.

The angel 'rolled back the stone' (ἀπεκύλισε τὸν λίθον/apekylise ton lithon)—not to let Jesus out, for He had already risen, passing through grave clothes and sealed tomb in His glorified body (John 20:19). Rather, the stone was removed to let witnesses in, to verify the empty tomb. The resurrection occurred before the stone's removal; this act revealed what had already happened.

The angel then 'sat upon it' (ἐκάθητο ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ/ekathēto epanō autou)—a posture of triumphant authority over death and the grave. This recalls Christ's own posture of completion and authority (Hebrews 1:3, 10:12). The tomb could not hold Him; the stone meant to imprison the dead becomes a throne for the angelic herald of victory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Earthquakes were understood in biblical times as manifestations of divine presence and power (Exodus 19:18, 1 Kings 19:11-12). The great earthquake at Christ's death tore the temple veil (Matthew 27:51); this resurrection earthquake announces the new temple—Christ's body raised and glorified.

Roman guards stationed at the tomb (Matthew 27:65-66) would have experienced this terrifying display of divine power. Their role was to prevent the disciples from stealing the body; instead, they witnessed supernatural intervention that left them paralyzed with fear (Matthew 28:4). Later they were bribed to spread false reports (Matthew 28:11-15).

The stone's removal was physically significant—these blocking stones weighed between one and two tons and rolled in a groove. Multiple strong men were required to move them. The women had discussed this problem (Mark 16:3). The angel's effortless removal demonstrated power far exceeding human capacity.

Ancient Jewish and pagan literature contains no credible parallel to this event. Pagan myths of dying and rising gods (Osiris, Adonis, etc.) involved seasonal cycles and mystery cult symbolism, not historical events with named witnesses and verifiable locations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the earthquake and angelic appearance demonstrate that Christ's resurrection was a cosmic event affecting all creation, not merely a spiritual or subjective experience?
  2. What does the angel's authority over death's barriers teach us about Christ's complete victory and our confidence in facing death ourselves?
  3. Why does God choose to reveal the resurrection through such dramatic signs rather than subtle or private manifestations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

ἰδού,2 of 22

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

σεισμὸς3 of 22

“earthquake”

G4578

a commotion, i.e., (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake

ἐγένετο4 of 22

“there was”

G1096

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

μέγας·5 of 22

“a great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἄγγελος6 of 22

“the angel”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

γὰρ7 of 22

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

κυρίου8 of 22

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

καταβὰς9 of 22

“descended”

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

ἐξ10 of 22

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

οὐρανοῦ11 of 22

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

προσελθὼν12 of 22

“and came”

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

ἀπεκύλισεν13 of 22

“and rolled back”

G617

to roll away

τὸν14 of 22
G3588

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

λίθον15 of 22

“the stone”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ16 of 22

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς17 of 22
G3588

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

θύρας,18 of 22

“the door”

G2374

a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)

καὶ19 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

ἐκάθητο20 of 22

“sat”

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

ἐπάνω21 of 22

“upon”

G1883

up above, i.e., over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.)

αὐτοῦ22 of 22

“it”

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

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 28:2 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 28:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 20:12-13Acts 16:26Luke 24:2-5Mark 16:3-5John 20:11 Timothy 3:16

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