Matthew 28:6 (KJV)

What does Matthew 28:6 mean?

Matthew 28:6 announces that Jesus is no longer in the tomb because he has risen from the dead, just as he had previously told his followers he would. The verse invites the women at the tomb to see for themselves the place where Jesus’ body had been laid, confirming that he is gone.

In this scene, an angel is speaking to the women who came to Jesus’ tomb after his crucifixion. The angel explains that Jesus’ absence is not because someone took his body, but because he has come back to life. The invitation to “come, see the place where the Lord lay” is a concrete way for the women to witness the reality of the resurrection for themselves.

The Greek behind Matthew 28:6

• The word for “risen” is ἐγήγερται (egēgertai), which means “has been raised” or “has awakened.” This word emphasizes that Jesus’ return to life is an act of God, not something he did by himself.
• The word for “Lord” is κύριος (kyrios), a title that means “master” or “Lord.” In this context, it highlights Jesus’ authority and status even in death and resurrection.
• The phrase “as he said” uses καθὼς (kathōs) and εἶπεν (eipen), pointing back to Jesus’ earlier predictions about his resurrection. The angel is reminding the women that Jesus’ words have come true.

Why Matthew 28:6 matters

• Matthew 28:6 directly addresses the reality of the resurrection, clearing up any idea that Jesus’ body was simply missing or stolen.
• The verse emphasizes that Jesus’ resurrection happened just as he had promised, reinforcing his trustworthiness and the reliability of his words.
• By inviting the women to see the empty place, the verse grounds the resurrection in physical evidence, connecting faith to something witnessed and real.