And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
MATTHEW 28:7KJVWhat does Matthew 28:7 mean?
Matthew 28:7 records the angel telling the women at Jesus’ tomb to go quickly and inform his disciples that Jesus has risen from the dead and will meet them in Galilee. The angel assures them that Jesus is alive and that they will see him, emphasizing the truth and urgency of this message.
In this scene, the angel is speaking directly to the women who came to Jesus’ tomb after his crucifixion. The angel’s instructions are clear and urgent: the resurrection has happened, and the disciples need to know right away. The mention of Galilee points the disciples to a specific place where they can expect to see Jesus alive, just as he had previously told them.
The Greek behind Matthew 28:7
- "quickly" (ταχὺ, tachy): This word stresses the urgency of the angel’s command, showing that the news of Jesus’ resurrection is not something to delay.
- "risen" (ἠγέρθη, ēgerthē): This Greek term means "has been raised" or "has awakened," highlighting that Jesus’ resurrection is an act done to him, not something he did by his own power in this context.
- "behold" and "lo" (ἰδού, idou): This word is used twice for emphasis, drawing attention to the importance and certainty of what the angel is saying—first to the fact that Jesus is going ahead to Galilee, and again to underline that the message has been delivered.
Why Matthew 28:7 matters
- Matthew 28:7 clarifies that the resurrection was not a private event but something to be shared immediately with Jesus’ closest followers, showing the public nature of this turning point.
- The instruction to meet in Galilee connects back to earlier promises Jesus made, tying the resurrection to his ongoing relationship with his disciples.
- The angel’s message removes any doubt about Jesus’ death and resurrection, providing assurance and a clear direction for the disciples’ next steps.