And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

MATTHEW 28:8KJV
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Matthew 28:8 (KJV)

What does Matthew 28:8 mean?

Matthew 28:8 describes how the women who visited Jesus’ tomb left quickly, feeling both fear and great joy, and hurried to tell his disciples what they had seen. The verse highlights their emotional response and their eagerness to share the news of the empty tomb.

The scene takes place just after the women discover that Jesus’ tomb is empty and hear the angel’s message that he has risen. The women are not only afraid—likely from encountering the angel and the astonishing news—but also filled with overwhelming joy at the hope that Jesus is alive. Their immediate action to run and inform the disciples shows the urgency and importance of the message they have received.

The Greek behind Matthew 28:8

  • φόβος (phobos, "fear"): This word often means a mix of awe and trembling, not just being scared. Here, it suggests the women are deeply moved and overwhelmed by the supernatural events.
  • χαρά (chara, "joy"): The Greek word used for "joy" points to a deep, intense gladness. The phrase "great joy" (χαρᾶς μεγάλης, charas megalēs) emphasizes just how powerful their happiness is in this moment.
  • ταχέως (tacheōs, "quickly"): The word for "quickly" shows their sense of urgency and eagerness—they do not hesitate or linger but act right away.
  • τρέχω (trechō, "run"): The use of "run" underlines both their excitement and the importance of the message. It’s not a casual walk; they are in a hurry to share what they have witnessed.

Why Matthew 28:8 matters

  • Matthew 28:8 shows that the women’s reaction to the resurrection is both emotional and immediate, combining fear and joy rather than just one or the other.
  • The verse highlights the role of these women as the first messengers of the resurrection, which is significant in the context of the Gospel narrative.
  • The urgency and emotional intensity in this verse help set the tone for the dramatic and world-changing news that Jesus has risen, connecting the angel’s message to the disciples’ coming encounter with the risen Jesus.

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.

“run” Greek G5143 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 27:48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
  • John 20:2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
  • Galatians 2:2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

“sepulchre” Greek G3419 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 8:28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
  • Mark 16:8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
  • John 11:31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.

“fear” Greek G5401 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 14:26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
  • Acts 5:5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
  • Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.