And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

MATTHEW 28:5KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 28:5 (KJV)

What does Matthew 28:5 mean?

Matthew 28:5 shows an angel speaking to the women at Jesus’ tomb, telling them not to be afraid because he knows they are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. The angel reassures the women and acknowledges their purpose for coming to the tomb.

This moment takes place early on the first day of the week, after Jesus’ crucifixion. The women, followers of Jesus, have come to visit his tomb and instead encounter an angel. The angel’s words directly address their fear and confusion, making it clear that their search for Jesus is understood and important.

The Greek behind Matthew 28:5

  • The word for "angel" is ἄγγελος (angelos), which means "messenger." In this context, the angel acts as a divine messenger, delivering reassurance and information from God.
  • The phrase "Fear not" uses the Greek word φοβέομαι (phobeo), which means "to be afraid" or "to fear." The angel’s command is gentle but firm, aiming to calm the women in a moment of shock and awe.
  • The verb "seek" is ζητέω (zeteo), meaning "to look for" or "to search." The angel recognizes the women’s devotion and intent, highlighting their active role in the story.

Why Matthew 28:5 matters

  • This verse clears up that the women were not trespassers or intruders but were seeking Jesus out of devotion, which the angel affirms.
  • The angel’s reassurance, “Fear not,” sets the tone for the resurrection account, shifting the mood from fear to hope.
  • By stating that Jesus was crucified, the angel connects the women’s expectations with the reality of Jesus’ death, preparing them for the news of his resurrection that follows.

Where else these words appear

“crucified” Greek G4717 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 20:19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
  • Mark 15:24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
  • John 19:20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

“Fear” Greek G5399 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Luke 1:50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
  • Acts 13:26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

“seek” Greek G2212 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
  • John 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?