King James Version

What Does Matthew 28:3 Mean?

Matthew 28:3 in the King James Version says “His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 28:3 · 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.

5

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. This description of the angel's appearance emphasizes the glory and purity of heavenly beings. The Greek προσωπεία (prosōpeia, 'countenance/appearance') being 'like lightning' (ὡς ἀστραπή/hōs astrapē) suggests dazzling, brilliant light radiating from the angel's face, similar to Christ's transfiguration (Matthew 17:2) and Moses' shining face after encountering God (Exodus 34:29-30).

Lightning symbolizes divine presence, power, and judgment throughout Scripture (Ezekiel 1:13-14, Daniel 10:6, Revelation 4:5). This heavenly messenger carries the authority and glory of the throne room into the earthly sphere. The angel's appearance manifests the breaking in of eternity upon time, heaven intersecting earth.

His 'raiment white as snow' (ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ λευκὸν ὡς χιών/endyma autou leukon hōs chiōn) signifies absolute purity and holiness. White garments consistently represent righteousness, victory, and glory in biblical imagery (Daniel 7:9, Revelation 3:4-5, 7:9). This contrasts sharply with the darkness of the tomb and death—light, purity, and life triumph over darkness, corruption, and death.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Jewish apocalyptic literature frequently described angels as beings of brilliant light and awesome appearance (Daniel 10:5-6, 2 Maccabees 3:26). Such descriptions were not metaphorical but attempts to convey genuine otherworldly glory that exceeds normal human experience.

The comparison to lightning and snow would have been vivid to first-century readers familiar with Palestine's thunderstorms and Mount Hermon's snow-capped peak visible from much of Galilee. These natural phenomena represented the purest, brightest manifestations of light and whiteness in their experience.

This appearance recalls the Shekinah glory that filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35) and temple (1 Kings 8:10-11), and the pillar of fire that led Israel (Exodus 13:21). The angel's glory testified that God's presence now attended the empty tomb, confirming divine approval and power in Christ's resurrection.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the angel's glorious appearance teach us about the holiness and majesty of even God's servants, and how much more glorious must God Himself be?
  2. How should the reality of the supernatural realm—angels, glory, divine power—affect our everyday faith and worldview in a materialistic age?
  3. In what ways does the angel's purity and light symbolize the nature of Christ's resurrection body and our future glorified state?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ἦν1 of 14

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

δὲ2 of 14

“His”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἡ3 of 14
G3588

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

ἰδέα4 of 14

“countenance”

G2397

a sight (comparative figuratively "idea"), i.e., aspect

αὐτοῦ5 of 14

“his”

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

ὡς6 of 14

“like”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἀστραπὴ7 of 14

“lightning”

G796

lightning; by analogy, glare

καὶ8 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

τὸ9 of 14
G3588

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

ἔνδυμα10 of 14

“raiment”

G1742

apparel (especially the outer robe)

αὐτοῦ11 of 14

“his”

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

λευκὸν12 of 14

“white”

G3022

white

ὡσεὶ13 of 14

“as”

G5616

as if

χιών14 of 14

“snow”

G5510

snow

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 28:3 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 28:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 9:3Acts 1:10Mark 16:5Revelation 18:1John 20:12Revelation 3:4-5

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