King James Version

What Does Matthew 28:5 Mean?

Matthew 28:5 in the King James Version says “And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 28:5 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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.

7

And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. The angel's words reveal divine knowledge and distinguish the women from the terrified guards. While the guards fled in terror, the women receive comfort: 'Fear not ye' (Μὴ φοβεῖσθε ὑμεῖς/Mē phobeisthe hymeis). The emphatic 'ye' (ὑμεῖς/hymeis) contrasts them with the guards—'You need not fear; you are not objects of judgment but recipients of grace.'

The angel says 'I know' (οἶδα/oida)—perfect tense indicating complete, certain knowledge. God sees and knows those who seek Christ. The women's devotion, their journey to the tomb in the darkness, their desire to honor Jesus's body—all was known and approved by heaven. Their seeking was not in vain.

'Ye seek Jesus, which was crucified' (ζητεῖτε Ἰησοῦν τὸν ἐσταυρωμένον/zēteite Iēsoun ton estaurōmenon). The perfect passive participle 'crucified' emphasizes the completed state—Jesus who has been crucified and bore that crucifixion's marks. The angel acknowledges the reality of the cross; resurrection does not erase crucifixion but validates it. The Risen Christ is the Crucified Christ; His glorified body bears nail scars (John 20:27). The cross was not a tragic failure overcome by resurrection but the very means of redemption confirmed by resurrection.

The women sought Jesus at the place of death, but He is the Prince of Life. They came to anoint a corpse; they will announce a living Savior. Their misunderstanding would soon give way to joy, but their devotion even in ignorance was honored.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Women held low social status in first-century Judaism, their testimony deemed unreliable in legal proceedings. Yet God chose women as first witnesses of the resurrection—a detail no fabricator would invent, as it weakened the account's credibility to ancient audiences. This demonstrates the narrative's authenticity and reveals God's kingdom values that overthrow worldly hierarchies.

Mary Magdalene had been delivered from seven demons (Luke 8:2), representing the depths of Christ's transforming power. The 'other Mary' (likely the mother of James and Joses, Matthew 27:56) was also among women who supported Jesus's ministry. Their devotion was proven through accompanying Jesus to the cross (Matthew 27:55-56) and now to the tomb.

The phrase 'which was crucified' would have immediately identified Jesus to the hearers, as crucifixion was the specific mode of His death, publicly known in Jerusalem. This phrase became an early creedal element: 'Jesus Christ, and him crucified' (1 Corinthians 2:2). The early church did not avoid the scandal of the cross but proclaimed it boldly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the angel's 'Fear not' to the women illustrate the difference between servile fear of judgment and reverent fear that trusts in God's mercy through Christ?
  2. What encouragement can we draw from God knowing and honoring the women's devotion even when their understanding was incomplete?
  3. Why is it significant that Jesus is identified as 'which was crucified' even in resurrection—how does this shape our understanding of His ongoing mediatorial work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἀποκριθεὶς1 of 17

“answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

δὲ2 of 17

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τὸν3 of 17

“which”

G3588

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

ἄγγελος4 of 17

“the angel”

G32

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

εἶπεν5 of 17

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τὸν6 of 17

“which”

G3588

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

γυναιξίν,7 of 17

“unto the women”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

Μὴ8 of 17

“not”

G3361

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

φοβεῖσθε9 of 17

“Fear”

G5399

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

ὑμεῖς·10 of 17

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

οἶδα11 of 17

“I know”

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

γὰρ12 of 17

“for”

G1063

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

ὅτι13 of 17

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Ἰησοῦν14 of 17

“Jesus”

G2424

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

τὸν15 of 17

“which”

G3588

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

ἐσταυρωμένον16 of 17

“was crucified”

G4717

to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness

ζητεῖτε·17 of 17

“ye seek”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

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 28:5 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 28:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 1:17-18Hebrews 1:14Isaiah 41:10Luke 24:5Daniel 10:19Mark 16:6

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