King James Version

What Does Matthew 28:8 Mean?

Matthew 28:8 in the King James Version says “And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.”

Matthew 28:8 · KJV

Fear & CourageJoy

Context

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.

8

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

9

And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

10

Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Read Matthew 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. The women's response combines 'fear' (φόβου/phobou) and 'great joy' (χαρᾶς μεγάλης/charas megalēs)—emotions that seem contradictory but properly characterize encounters with the living God. Fear here is not terror but awe, reverence, holy amazement at divine power manifested. They had witnessed the supernatural—angels, glory, empty tomb, resurrection announcement. Such experiences produce trembling wonder.

Yet simultaneously, 'great joy'—the adjective 'great' (μεγάλης/megalēs) intensifies the noun, indicating overwhelming gladness. The one they loved, mourned, and sought is alive! Death could not hold Him; the grave is defeated; their hope was not in vain. This joy was not shallow happiness but profound, soul-satisfying gladness grounded in objective reality: Jesus lives.

'They departed quickly' (ἀπῆλθον ταχὺ/apēlthon tachy) shows immediate obedience to the angel's commission. 'Did run' (ἔδραμον/edramon) suggests urgency and excitement. They did not walk sedately but ran—unladylike in ancient culture but appropriate to the news's magnitude. Decorum gives way to zeal when the gospel is at stake.

'To bring his disciples word' (ἀπαγγεῖλαι τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ/apangeilai tois mathētais autou)—their mission is proclamation. They become the first evangelists of resurrection, carrying the message that would transform the cowering, scattered disciples into bold apostles willing to die for this truth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The combination of fear and joy reflects authentic eyewitness testimony. Fabricated accounts typically portray heroes with simple, expected emotions. The women's complex emotional state—trembling yet joyful—marks genuine human response to unprecedented events.

The disciples were likely hiding in Jerusalem, fearing arrest (John 20:19). They had abandoned Jesus at His arrest (Matthew 26:56), denied Him (Peter), and witnessed His brutal execution. They were emotionally devastated, fearful, and confused. Into this darkness, the women brought light: 'He is risen!'

Mark's Gospel notes the women initially 'said nothing to any man; for they were afraid' (Mark 16:8), which some see as contradicting Matthew. More likely, they said nothing to strangers encountered on the way but went directly to the disciples, as Matthew describes. The various Gospel accounts provide complementary perspectives, not contradictions.

The women's role as first witnesses is even more remarkable given cultural context. Jewish law required two or three male witnesses to establish testimony (Deuteronomy 19:15). Women's testimony was generally inadmissible. Yet God chose women to first announce resurrection—another instance of God exalting the humble and confounding the wise.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can we cultivate the balance of holy fear (reverence) and great joy that properly characterizes Christian experience of God's presence and mighty acts?
  2. What does the women's immediate obedience and urgency ('departed quickly... did run') teach us about appropriate response to encounters with Christ and His word?
  3. In what ways are we called to 'bring word to the disciples'—to announce resurrection truth to fellow believers who may be discouraged, fearful, or doubting?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

“And”

G2532

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

ἐξελθοῦσαι2 of 16

“they departed”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ταχὺ3 of 16

“quickly”

G5035

shortly, i.e., without delay, soon, or (by surprise) suddenly, or (by implication, of ease) readily

ἀπὸ4 of 16

“from”

G575

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

τοῦ5 of 16
G3588

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

μνημείου6 of 16

“the sepulchre”

G3419

a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)

μετὰ7 of 16

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

φόβου8 of 16

“fear”

G5401

alarm or fright

καὶ9 of 16

“And”

G2532

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

χαρᾶς10 of 16

“joy”

G5479

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

μεγάλης11 of 16

“great”

G3173

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

ἔδραμον12 of 16

“and did run”

G5143

which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ

ἀπαγγεῖλαι13 of 16

“to bring”

G518

to announce

τοῖς14 of 16
G3588

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

μαθηταῖς15 of 16

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ16 of 16

“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

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 28:8 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 28:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 2:11Mark 16:8Luke 24:36-41John 16:20John 20:20-21Ezra 3:12-13

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