His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

MATTHEW 28:3KJV
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Matthew 28:3 (KJV)

What does Matthew 28:3 mean?

Matthew 28:3 describes the appearance of the angel at Jesus’ tomb as dazzling and awe-inspiring, with a face like lightning and clothing as white as snow. This vivid description highlights the angel’s heavenly origin and the extraordinary nature of the resurrection event.

In this scene, the women who came to Jesus’ tomb encounter an angel. The Gospel writer uses striking imagery to show that this being is not ordinary. The angel’s face shines with intense brightness, and his clothing is pure and radiant, setting him apart from any human and signaling something momentous is happening.

The Greek behind Matthew 28:3

  • "countenance" (εἰδέα, eidea): This word refers to the appearance or visible form, not just the face. The Greek here suggests the whole visible presence of the angel was like lightning, not only his facial features.
  • "lightning" (ἀστραπή, astrapē): This word means a sudden, brilliant flash, emphasizing the angel’s overwhelming brightness and the sense of awe it would inspire.
  • "raiment" (ἔνδυμα, endyma): This refers to clothing or garments. The Greek word here points to the angel’s entire attire being strikingly white, not just a single piece of clothing.
  • "white" (λευκός, leukos): This word often means dazzlingly bright or radiant, not just plain white. The emphasis is on an intense, pure brilliance, reinforcing the supernatural aspect of the angel’s appearance.

Why Matthew 28:3 matters

  • This verse helps readers understand why the women at the tomb reacted with fear and amazement—the angel’s appearance was unlike anything they had ever seen.
  • The description connects to other biblical moments where heavenly beings appear with overwhelming brightness, linking the resurrection to God’s powerful actions in history.
  • By emphasizing the angel’s radiant and awe-inspiring presence, Matthew 28:3 sets the stage for the announcement that Jesus has risen, marking the event as a direct act of God.

Where else these words appear

“snow” Greek G5510 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 9:3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
  • Revelation 1:14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

“raiment” Greek G1742 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Matthew 22:11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

“lightning” Greek G796 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
  • Luke 11:36 If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.
  • Revelation 8:5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

“white” Greek G3022 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
  • Acts 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
  • Revelation 6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.