Matthew 28:10 (KJV)

What does Matthew 28:10 mean?

Matthew 28:10 records Jesus telling the women who saw Him after His resurrection not to be afraid and instructing them to tell His disciples to go to Galilee, where they will see Him. Jesus reassures them and gives a clear message for His followers about where they will meet Him next.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the women who had come to His tomb and found it empty. After revealing Himself to them alive, He calls His disciples "my brethren," showing closeness and acceptance despite their earlier failures. The instruction to go to Galilee points to a planned meeting, emphasizing both Jesus’ authority and the importance of Galilee as a place of new beginnings for His followers.

The Greek behind Matthew 28:10

• The word "afraid" comes from the Greek φοβέω (phobeō), which means to fear or be terrified. Jesus’ use of this word is a gentle command to calm their fears in a moment of shock and wonder.
• "Tell" is from the Greek ἀπαγγέλλω (apangellō), meaning to announce or report. Jesus is giving the women a specific role as messengers to the disciples, highlighting their importance in the resurrection story.
• "Brethren" is ἀδελφός (adelphos), meaning brothers or close companions. By calling the disciples this, Jesus signals restored relationship and acceptance.
• "See" comes from ὁράω (horaō), which means to see or perceive. The promise that the disciples will "see" Jesus in Galilee is both literal and carries the sense of a significant encounter.

Why Matthew 28:10 matters

• Matthew 28:10 clears up any idea that the disciples were rejected for abandoning Jesus; instead, Jesus calls them "my brethren," showing forgiveness and continued relationship.
• The verse highlights the role of women as the first messengers of the resurrection, which was unusual in the cultural context and underscores their importance in the story.
• The instruction to meet in Galilee connects to earlier promises Jesus made (Matthew 26:32) and sets the stage for the Great Commission, showing that the resurrection leads to new purpose and mission for Jesus’ followers.