Luke 24:4 (KJV)

What does Luke 24:4 mean?

Luke 24:4 describes how the women who came to Jesus’ tomb were confused and uncertain when they found it empty, and then suddenly saw two men in shining clothes standing beside them. This moment sets the stage for a significant revelation about Jesus’ resurrection.

The setting is early on the first day of the week, just after the Sabbath, as several women visit Jesus’ tomb to anoint his body. Instead of finding Jesus, they are confronted with an empty tomb and the appearance of two men in bright, dazzling garments—often understood as angels. The women’s confusion highlights the unexpected nature of what they are witnessing and prepares the reader for the message these two figures are about to deliver.

The Greek behind Luke 24:4

• The word for "perplexed" (διαπορέω, diaporeō) means to be at a complete loss or utterly puzzled, showing the women’s deep confusion and distress at finding the tomb empty.
• The phrase "shining garments" uses the word ἀστραπτούσῃς (astraptousēs), which is related to lightning or something flashing brightly, emphasizing the supernatural and awe-inspiring appearance of these two men.
• The verb "stood by" (ἐπέστησαν, epestēsan) often carries the sense of someone suddenly appearing close by, suggesting that the arrival of these two men was unexpected and startling.

Why Luke 24:4 matters

• Luke 24:4 helps clear up that the women did not immediately understand what had happened to Jesus’ body; their confusion is an honest reaction to an extraordinary event.
• The description of the two men in shining garments connects this moment to other biblical encounters with angels, signaling to the reader that something divine is taking place.
• This verse prepares the reader for the announcement of Jesus’ resurrection, marking a turning point from grief and confusion to revelation and hope in the narrative.