Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

MATTHEW 28:10KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“there” Greek G2546 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
  • Mark 1:38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.
  • Acts 17:13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.

“tell” Greek G518 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 8:34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
  • Acts 12:14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

“see” Greek G3700 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
  • Luke 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
  • Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

“Galilee” Greek G1056 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 3:7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
  • Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.