Luke 24:5 (KJV)

What does Luke 24:5 mean?

Luke 24:5 describes how the women who came to Jesus’ tomb were frightened and bowed down in fear when they saw two men in shining clothes, who then asked them why they were looking for the living (Jesus) among the dead. The verse highlights the surprise and confusion of the women as they encounter the message that Jesus is no longer in the tomb.

The setting is early on the first day of the week, just after Jesus’ crucifixion. Several women had come to the tomb with spices, expecting to find Jesus’ body. Instead, they are met by two angels who question their search, pointing out that Jesus is alive, not dead. This moment marks the turning point from mourning to the realization of the resurrection.

The Greek behind Luke 24:5

• The word for "afraid" is ἔμφοβοι (emphoboi), which means deeply terrified or struck with fear. This emphasizes the overwhelming awe and fear the women felt in the presence of the angels.
• The phrase "Why seek ye the living among the dead?" uses the Greek word ζῶντα (zōnta, "the living") and νεκροῖς (nekrois, "the dead"). The contrast is sharp: the angels are making it clear that Jesus belongs with the living, not among the dead, underlining the reality of the resurrection.
• The verb ζητεῖτε (zēteite, "seek") suggests an active search, highlighting that the women were intentionally looking for Jesus’ body, not expecting a resurrection.

Why Luke 24:5 matters

• This verse corrects the women’s (and the reader’s) expectations: Jesus is not to be found in the tomb because he is alive, challenging assumptions about death and resurrection.
• The question from the angels shifts the focus from grief and loss to hope and new life, which is central to the message of the resurrection.
• Luke 24:5 connects the discovery of the empty tomb to the announcement of Jesus’ resurrection, setting the stage for the rest of the chapter and the spread of the resurrection message.