And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

MATTHEW 28:9KJV
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Matthew 28:9 (KJV)

What does Matthew 28:9 mean?

Matthew 28:9 describes how, as the women were on their way to tell Jesus’ disciples about the empty tomb, Jesus himself suddenly met them, greeted them, and they responded by holding onto his feet and worshipping him. This verse shows the women’s immediate recognition of Jesus and their deep reverence for him after his resurrection.

In this scene, the women who had visited Jesus’ tomb encounter the risen Jesus on the road. Jesus greets them with a word of peace, and their reaction—grasping his feet and worshipping—shows both their joy and their belief that he is truly alive. This moment highlights the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and the honor given to him by his followers.

The Greek behind Matthew 28:9

  • The word “hail” is from χαίρετε (chairete), which is a common Greek greeting meaning “rejoice” or “greetings.” Here, it carries a sense of joyful welcome and peace, not just a casual hello.
  • The word for “worshipped” is προσεκύνησαν (prosekynēsan), which means to bow down or show deep reverence, often used for acts of worship toward God. The use of this word shows the women’s recognition of Jesus’ divine status.
  • The phrase “held him by the feet” uses the word ἐκράτησαν (ekratēsan), meaning to grasp or hold tightly. This detail emphasizes that Jesus was physically present—not just a vision or spirit.

Why Matthew 28:9 matters

  • This verse makes clear that Jesus’ resurrection was a physical event, as the women could touch and hold his feet, countering ideas that he was only a spirit or apparition.
  • The women’s immediate worship of Jesus highlights their faith and sets an example of recognizing Jesus’ true identity after his resurrection.
  • Matthew 28:9 connects the resurrection to real, personal encounters, showing that Jesus’ followers experienced him directly, which is a key theme in the closing chapter of Matthew.

Where else these words appear

“met” Greek G528 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 5:2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
  • Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
  • John 4:51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.

“tell” Greek G518 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 8:34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
  • Acts 12:14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

“held” Greek G2902 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 9:25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.
  • Mark 7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
  • Acts 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

“worshipped” Greek G4352 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • John 4:20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
  • Revelation 9:20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: