Matthew 28:3 - His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.

Generated Verse: Matthew 28:3

What does "Matthew 28:3" mean?


This verse, Matthew 28:3, describes the appearance of an angel who appeared at Jesus' tomb after the resurrection. Let's break down what the description means:

"His appearance was like lightning": This suggests a radiant, dazzling, and almost terrifying brilliance. Lightning is a powerful and sudden burst of light, and associating the angel with it implies that he was emitting an intense, awe-inspiring light that commanded attention. It evokes a sense of divine power and otherworldly presence.

"and his clothing white as snow": White is often associated with purity, holiness, and righteousness. The extreme whiteness, "as snow," emphasizes the angel's pure and holy nature. It signifies that he is unblemished, without sin, and a messenger of God.

In summary, the verse is conveying the following:

Divine Power and Authority: The lightning-like appearance underscores the angel's supernatural power and authority. He is not just a regular being, but a messenger directly from God.

Purity and Holiness: The white clothing symbolizes the angel's purity, holiness, and righteous nature, reinforcing his role as a divine messenger.

Awe and Wonder: The overall effect is to inspire awe and wonder in the reader. The angel's appearance is meant to be striking and memorable, emphasizing the importance of the events unfolding at the tomb.

The effect on the witnesses (mentioned later in the chapter):

The soldiers guarding the tomb were so terrified by the angel's appearance that they shook and became like dead men (Matthew 28:4). This emphasizes the sheer impact and overwhelming power of the angel's presence.

Ultimately, the description of the angel is not just about physical appearance; it's about communicating the divine nature and significance of the resurrection of Jesus. It reinforces that this is not an ordinary event, but a pivotal moment in salvation history marked by divine intervention.

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