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 28:7KJV
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Matthew 28:7 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“quickly” Greek G5035 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • John 11:29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.
  • Revelation 11:14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

“before” Greek G4254 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
  • Mark 6:45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
  • Acts 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

“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.