Matthew 28:4 - For fear of him, the guards shook, and became like dead men.
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What does "Matthew 28:4" mean?
Matthew 28:4 describes the reaction of the Roman guards stationed to watch Jesus' tomb when an angel descended. Let's break down the meaning:
"For fear of him...": This highlights that the guards' response was driven by overwhelming fear. The "him" refers to the angel of the Lord described in the preceding verses (Matthew 28:2-3), who descended from heaven, rolled back the stone from the tomb, and sat on it. The angel's appearance was radiant and awe-inspiring.
"...the guards shook...": The physical trembling and shaking underscores the intensity of their fear. It's not just apprehension; it's a visceral, bodily reaction to something beyond their comprehension.
"...and became like dead men.": This is the most striking part of the verse. It means that the guards were rendered utterly powerless, frozen, and unresponsive, as if they were lifeless corpses. They were so terrified that they were incapacitated. This likely involved a combination of shock, terror, and possibly even a temporary loss of consciousness or paralysis.
Symbolic and Theological Implications
Power of the Divine: The verse demonstrates the immense power and authority associated with God's messengers and actions. The Roman guards, symbols of worldly power and authority, are rendered helpless in the face of divine intervention.
Witness to the Resurrection: While the guards were incapacitated, their presence establishes that the tomb was indeed guarded, countering any potential claims that the disciples stole the body while the guards were asleep. Their later reporting (Matthew 28:11-15) is further testament.
Contrast with the Resurrection: The guards' state of "death" contrasts sharply with the resurrection of Jesus, who overcame death and emerged victorious. The fear and powerlessness of the guards emphasize the ultimate victory of life over death.
Fear of the Lord: The verse can also be interpreted as an example of the biblical concept of the "fear of the Lord," which is not simply terror but a deep reverence, awe, and recognition of God's power and holiness.
In essence, Matthew 28:4 is a dramatic depiction of the supernatural event of the resurrection. The guards' terrified reaction serves to underscore the magnitude of what occurred and the profound power of the divine presence. It demonstrates that human authority is nothing compared to the power of God.
Matthew 28:4 - For fear of him, the guards shook, and became like dead men.
What does "Matthew 28:4" mean?
Matthew 28:4 describes the reaction of the Roman guards stationed to watch Jesus' tomb when an angel descended. Let's break down the meaning:
"For fear of him...": This highlights that the guards' response was driven by overwhelming fear. The "him" refers to the angel of the Lord described in the preceding verses (Matthew 28:2-3), who descended from heaven, rolled back the stone from the tomb, and sat on it. The angel's appearance was radiant and awe-inspiring.
"...the guards shook...": The physical trembling and shaking underscores the intensity of their fear. It's not just apprehension; it's a visceral, bodily reaction to something beyond their comprehension.
"...and became like dead men.": This is the most striking part of the verse. It means that the guards were rendered utterly powerless, frozen, and unresponsive, as if they were lifeless corpses. They were so terrified that they were incapacitated. This likely involved a combination of shock, terror, and possibly even a temporary loss of consciousness or paralysis.
Symbolic and Theological Implications
Power of the Divine: The verse demonstrates the immense power and authority associated with God's messengers and actions. The Roman guards, symbols of worldly power and authority, are rendered helpless in the face of divine intervention.
Witness to the Resurrection: While the guards were incapacitated, their presence establishes that the tomb was indeed guarded, countering any potential claims that the disciples stole the body while the guards were asleep. Their later reporting (Matthew 28:11-15) is further testament.
Contrast with the Resurrection: The guards' state of "death" contrasts sharply with the resurrection of Jesus, who overcame death and emerged victorious. The fear and powerlessness of the guards emphasize the ultimate victory of life over death.
Fear of the Lord: The verse can also be interpreted as an example of the biblical concept of the "fear of the Lord," which is not simply terror but a deep reverence, awe, and recognition of God's power and holiness.
In essence, Matthew 28:4 is a dramatic depiction of the supernatural event of the resurrection. The guards' terrified reaction serves to underscore the magnitude of what occurred and the profound power of the divine presence. It demonstrates that human authority is nothing compared to the power of God.