King James Version

What Does Matthew 28:9 Mean?

Matthew 28:9 in the King James Version says “And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Matthew 28:9 · KJV

Context

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.

11

Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

Read Matthew 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The risen Christ personally appears to the women—'Jesus met them' (Ἰησοῦς ὑπήντησεν αὐταῖς/Iēsous hypēntēsen autais). This is more than angels' testimony; they encounter the living Lord Himself. Jesus takes initiative, revealing Himself to those who seek Him. As He promised, 'Seek and ye shall find' (Matthew 7:7).

'All hail' (Χαίρετε/Chairete) is a common Greek greeting meaning 'Rejoice!' But on resurrection morning, this greeting carries profound significance—true joy is found only in the risen Christ. The imperative calls them to continue in the joy already filling their hearts (verse 8). Ironically, the same word was mockingly spoken by soldiers at His trial (Matthew 27:29); now the Risen King genuinely offers the joy those mockers could not comprehend.

'They came and held him by the feet' (ἐκράτησαν αὐτοῦ τοὺς πόδας/ekratēsan autou tous podas)—this physical contact proves Jesus's bodily resurrection. He is not a ghost or vision but possesses a real, tangible (though glorified) body. Thomas would later touch His wounds (John 20:27); Jesus ate food (Luke 24:42-43). Early heresies claiming Jesus only rose spiritually are refuted by such details. Christianity confesses bodily resurrection, not mere immortality of the soul.

'And worshipped him' (προσεκύνησαν αὐτῷ/prosekynēsan autō)—they rendered worship (proskyneō) appropriate only for deity. Jesus accepted this worship, confirming His divine nature. A mere man or angel would refuse worship (Revelation 19:10, 22:9), but Jesus receives it as His due. The resurrection vindicated Jesus's divine claims; He is truly 'Emmanuel—God with us' (Matthew 1:23), now revealed in resurrection power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Holding someone's feet was an ancient gesture of reverence, supplication, and homage (2 Kings 4:27). It expressed humility before superior authority while also confirming the person's reality—they could touch Him, proving He was not an apparition.

This appearance to the women is recorded in Matthew and John (who specifically mentions Mary Magdalene, John 20:14-18). Some suggest these are different appearances, but more likely they describe the same event from different perspectives, with John focusing particularly on Mary Magdalene's experience.

Critics have claimed the resurrection accounts contradict each other. However, differences in perspective and emphasis (which Gospel writers chose which details to include) do not constitute contradictions. Multiple witnesses to an event naturally recall different aspects while agreeing on central facts—in this case, the women encountered the risen Jesus who commissioned them to tell the disciples.

The physical nature of Jesus's resurrection body became crucial in early church debates against Gnostic heresies that denied matter's goodness and bodies' resurrection. The Apostles' Creed explicitly affirms 'resurrection of the body,' grounded in Christ's own bodily resurrection as firstfruits and pattern for believers' future resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20, 42-44).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's bodily, tangible resurrection (evidenced by the women holding His feet) assure us of our own future bodily resurrection rather than mere spiritual immortality?
  2. What does Jesus accepting worship from the women teach us about His divine identity and the appropriateness of rendering Him full adoration and devotion?
  3. How does Jesus personally meeting the women (going beyond what the angel had announced) demonstrate His personal care for individual believers and His desire for intimate relationship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
ὡς1 of 25

“as”

G5613

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

δὲ2 of 25

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπορεύοντο3 of 25

“they went”

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

ἀπαγγεῖλαι4 of 25

“to tell”

G518

to announce

τοῖς5 of 25
G3588

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

μαθηταῖς6 of 25

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτῷ7 of 25

“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

καὶ8 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

ἰδού,9 of 25

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ὁ10 of 25
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς11 of 25

“Jesus”

G2424

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

ἀπήντησεν12 of 25

“met”

G528

to meet away, i.e., encounter

αὐτῷ13 of 25

“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

λέγων,14 of 25

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Χαίρετε15 of 25

“All hail”

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

αἱ16 of 25
G3588

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

δὲ17 of 25

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

προσελθοῦσαι18 of 25

“they came”

G4334

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

ἐκράτησαν19 of 25

“held”

G2902

to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῷ20 of 25

“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

τοὺς21 of 25
G3588

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

πόδας22 of 25

“by the feet”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

καὶ23 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

προσεκύνησαν24 of 25

“worshipped”

G4352

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

αὐτῷ25 of 25

“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

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 28:9 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 28:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 28:17Matthew 14:33John 20:14-17John 20:28Luke 24:52Revelation 5:11-14

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