Matthew 28:1 (KJV)

What does Matthew 28:1 mean?

Matthew 28:1 describes how, after the Sabbath ended and as the first day of the week was beginning to dawn, Mary Magdalene and another woman named Mary went to look at the tomb where Jesus had been buried. This verse sets the scene for the events that follow, showing the women visiting the tomb early in the morning.

The writer of Matthew is telling readers what happened right after the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) finished, marking the start of Sunday morning. The two women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, are specifically named as they go to see the tomb, which is important because they are the first witnesses to what will happen next. This moment takes place just before sunrise, emphasizing the transition from the darkness of night to the new day.

The Greek behind Matthew 28:1

• The word for "end" here is δὲ ὀψὲ (de opse, from G1161 and G3796), which together can mean "after" or "late." This phrase is often understood as marking the close of the Sabbath, not just the very end of the day, but the time after it had passed.
• "Sabbath" (σάββατον, sabbaton, G4521) refers to the Jewish day of rest, which lasted from Friday evening to Saturday evening. The timing matters because Jewish customs restricted travel and certain activities until the Sabbath ended.
• The word for "dawn" is ἐπιφωσκούσῃ (epiphōskousē, G2020), meaning "to begin to grow light" or "to dawn." This highlights that the women came very early, likely just as the first light appeared.
• "First day of the week" uses μίαν σαββάτων (mian sabbatōn, G3391 and G4521), which literally means "one of the Sabbaths," but in Jewish usage, it refers to Sunday, the day after the Sabbath.

Why Matthew 28:1 matters

• This verse clarifies the exact timing of the women's visit, showing that it happened at the earliest possible moment after the Sabbath, which would have been important for readers familiar with Jewish customs.
• By naming Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, Matthew highlights the role of women as the first witnesses to the resurrection events, which is significant in the context of the Gospel accounts.
• The transition from Sabbath to the first day of the week sets up the resurrection narrative, connecting the end of rest and waiting with the beginning of something new and momentous in the story.