King James Version

What Does Matthew 28:4 Mean?

Matthew 28:4 in the King James Version says “And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 28:4 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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.

6

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Read Matthew 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. The Roman guards stationed at the tomb experienced overwhelming terror at the angel's appearance. The phrase 'did shake' (ἐσείσθησαν/eseisthēsan) uses the same root as 'earthquake' (σεισμός/seismos) in verse 2—they were shaken both by the earth's trembling and by fear. This was no mere startlement but complete terror before supernatural power.

'Became as dead men' (ἐγενήθησαν ὡς νεκροί/egenēthēsan hōs nekroi) indicates they fell unconscious or were paralyzed with fear, like corpses themselves. The irony is profound: those sent to guard a dead man became like dead men themselves when confronted with the Living One's triumph. The guards meant to prevent resurrection became witnesses to it, though they later suppressed the truth for money (Matthew 28:11-15).

This parallels other biblical instances where sinful humans encounter divine holiness: Isaiah crying 'Woe is me' (Isaiah 6:5), Daniel left without strength (Daniel 10:8), John falling as dead at Christ's feet (Revelation 1:17). The presence of holy God or His messengers exposes human weakness and unworthiness.

Yet notice the contrast: the guards collapsed in fear while the women who came in faith received the message 'Fear not' (verse 5). Fear of God's judgment versus reverential awe that receives His grace—two responses to divine power, depending on one's relationship to God through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman soldiers were trained to face death without flinching, maintaining discipline under extreme conditions. For battle-hardened guards to collapse in terror reveals the overwhelming nature of this supernatural manifestation. These were not superstitious peasants but professional soldiers.

The guards had been stationed specifically to prevent disciples from stealing the body (Matthew 27:64-66). Pilate had granted the Jewish leaders' request for security, providing Roman soldiers or temple guards (the text allows either interpretation). Their presence made any natural explanation of the empty tomb impossible—neither disciples nor anyone else could have moved the body past armed guards.

After witnessing these events, some guards reported to the chief priests rather than their Roman commander (verse 11), suggesting they may have been temple guards under Jewish authority. The chief priests then bribed them to claim the disciples stole the body while they slept (Matthew 28:12-13)—an absurd story, since sleeping guards could not know who took the body, and Roman soldiers faced execution for sleeping on duty.

This attempted cover-up paradoxically confirms the resurrection: Jewish authorities never produced the body or offered plausible alternative explanations. They resorted to bribery and impossible claims because the truth—resurrection—was undeniable but unacceptable to their unbelief.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the guards' reaction to angelic glory illustrate humanity's inability to stand before God apart from Christ's mediation and righteousness?
  2. What does the guards' later decision to accept bribes and suppress truth teach us about the human heart's resistance to divine revelation when it threatens our interests?
  3. Why is the guards' testimony to the resurrection significant even though they ultimately rejected and concealed what they witnessed?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ἀπὸ1 of 12

“for”

G575

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

δὲ2 of 12

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τοῦ3 of 12
G3588

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

φόβου4 of 12

“fear”

G5401

alarm or fright

αὐτοῦ5 of 12

“of 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

ἐσείσθησαν6 of 12

“did shake”

G4579

to rock (vibrate, properly, sideways or to and fro), i.e., (generally) to agitate (in any direction; cause to tremble); figuratively, to throw into a

οἱ7 of 12
G3588

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

τηροῦντες8 of 12

“the keepers”

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

καὶ9 of 12

“and”

G2532

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

ἐγένοντο10 of 12

“became”

G1096

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

ὡσεὶ11 of 12

“as”

G5616

as if

νεκροί12 of 12

“dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

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 28:4 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 Matthew 28:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 1:17Daniel 10:7Matthew 27:65-66Acts 16:29Matthew 28:11Acts 9:3-7

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