Matthew 28:5 · Bible study
Matthew 28:5 Commentary: Angel's 'Fear Not' to the Women
Greek · 8 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
The angel tells the women not to be afraid because he knows they seek the crucified Jesus, a knowledge that turns sorrow into resurrection joy.
Research Summary
- Meaning: The angel assures the women that their devoted search for the crucified Jesus is seen, and they need not fear because he has risen.
- Key words: φοβεῖσθε (be afraid, present imperative, ongoing fear), ζητεῖτε (seek), οἶδα (I know, settled knowledge), ἐσταυρωμένον (crucified, perfect participle, completed state).
- Main debate: Whether the angel's knowledge comes from observation (watching their ministry) or direct revelation. Gill suggests the former; other commentators leave it open.
- Theological theme: God honours those who seek him, especially when their seeking costs them dearly. The resurrection does not erase the crucifixion; it fulfills it.
- Best use: Easter sermons, comfort for those grieving or in doubt, encouragement for continued faithfulness in unseen service.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
WEB World English Bible 2000
The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.
KJV King James Version 1769
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, who hath been crucified.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
And the messenger answering said to the women, `Fear not ye, for I have known that Jesus, who hath been crucified, ye seek;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
And the angel answering said to the women, Fear not ye, for I know that ye seek Jesus the crucified one.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
And the angel answering, said to the women: Fear not you: for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y respondiendo el ángel, dijo á las mujeres: No temáis vosotras; porque yo sé que buscáis á Jesús, que fué crucificado.
Mas o anjo disse às mulheres: Não vos atemorizeis, pois eu sei que buscais Jesus, o que foi crucificado.
Mais l’ ange prit la parole, et dit aux femmes: Pour vous, ne craignez pas; car je sais que vous cherchez Jésus qui a été crucifié.
Aber der Engel antwortete und sprach zu den Weibern: Fürchtet euch nicht! Ich weiß, daß ihr Jesus, den Gekreuzigten, sucht.
Maar de engel, antwoordende, zeide tot de vrouwen: Vreest gijlieden niet; want ik weet, dat gij zoekt Jezus, Die gekruisigd was.
Ma l’angelo prese a dire alle donne: Voi, non temete; perché io so che cercate Gesù, che è stato crocifisso.
Ale Anioł odpowiadając, rzekł do niewiast: Nie bójcie się wy; boć wiem, iż Jezusa ukrzyżowanego szukacie.
Ангел же, обратив речь к женщинам, сказал: не бойтесь, ибо знаю, что вы ищете Иисуса распятого;
天使 對婦女 說：「 不要 害怕！ 我知道 你們是尋找 那 釘十字架 的耶穌。
And the angel said to the women, Have no fear: for I see that you are searching for Jesus, who was put to death on the cross.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · Matthew 28:5
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that the angel's first words are a deliberate comfort. The emphatic "ye" in "Fear not ye" (as in the KJV and noted by Jamieson-Fausset-Brown) contrasts these faithful women with the terrified guards who "shook and became like dead men" (v.4). The angel knows their hearts: they seek Jesus, the one who was crucified. Clarke calls them "the first witnesses of the resurrection," noting their courage in attending Christ to the cross and now to the tomb. Gill observes that the angel's knowledge may come from watching them follow Jesus from Galilee and minister to him. Barnes adds that the women need not be troubled that the body is missing; they will see Jesus again. The shared point is clear: the angel's recognition of their devotion is the ground of their peace. They sought a dead body but found a living Lord, and the angel's words bridge that gap.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: The angel's words directly comfort the women by acknowledging their faithful seeking of the crucified Jesus, reassuring them that their devotion is seen and that the one they seek is alive.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| The nature of the angel's knowledge | All commentators agree that the angel genuinely knows the women's purpose and devotion. | Gill suggests the angel's knowledge may come from observing the women's actions over time; others do not specify and may assume divine revelation. |
| The emphasis on 'crucified' | The phrase identifies Jesus historically and ties the resurrection to his death on the cross. | Some see it as a deliberate contrast between the women's expectation of a dead body and the reality of his risen life; others read it as the angel affirming the identity of the one they love. |
| The contrast with the guards | The angel's 'Fear not ye' is intended to distinguish the women from the terrified guards. | Jamieson-Fausset-Brown place strong emphasis on the word 'ye' as an explicit contrast; others see it as a general reassurance for the women without necessarily excluding the guards from God's mercy. |
| Women as first witnesses | The women are the first human recipients of the resurrection announcement, a point valued across traditions. | Clarke argues this refutes the common opinion of women's untrustworthiness; other traditions simply note the historical fact without drawing cultural conclusions. |
Historical & Cultural Context
According to Matthew's account, after the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary" came to see the tomb. A great earthquake had already occurred; an angel descended, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, his clothing white as snow. The guards fainted from terror. The women arrived to find the stone removed and the angel seated, an image of calm authority.
The angel's opening phrase, "answered and said" (ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν), is a Hebraism common in the Gospels. As Gill notes, it does not imply a previous question but simply begins the speech. The women had not spoken; their fear did the speaking. The angel responds to their unspoken dread.
Culturally, women's testimony was often discounted in first-century Judaism. Yet God chose women to be the first witnesses of the resurrection. Clarke remarks that in those thoroughly converted to God, "the reverse" of common opinion about women's fickleness is true: they can be trusted. The angel's words honour their faithful seeking. The women came to anoint a dead body, expecting sorrow. Instead, they received a message that would turn the world upside down. The angel's knowledge of their search, "I know that ye seek Jesus", acknowledges their love and redirects it toward the living Christ.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for this verse. The phrase "answered and said" (ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν) is a Hebraistic idiom common in the Gospels, as Gill observes; it does not imply a previous question but simply introduces the angel's speech. The Greek text is stable across major manuscript families.
Reception History
This verse has been central to Easter liturgy and proclamation from the earliest centuries. The angel's command "Fear not" has comforted Christians facing persecution, reminding them that God sees their faithfulness. In medieval art, the scene of the angel seated on the stone addressing the women became a standard icon of the resurrection. Protestant and Catholic traditions alike have used the angel's words to emphasize that the crucified Jesus is the risen Lord, and that those who seek him with devotion will not be disappointed. The women's example has inspired countless sermons on the value of persistent, loving service even when the outcome is not yet visible.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The command to stop fearing. The present imperative "Fear not" (μὴ φοβεῖσθε) means "stop being afraid." The angel distinguishes these women from the guards, whose terror was rooted in guilt and unbelief. For those who seek Christ, fear has no final hold.
- The knowledge that grounds assurance. "I know that you seek Jesus." The angel's verb οἶδα implies settled, certain knowledge. He sees their devotion, their journey from Galilee, their vigil at the cross, their early morning visit. God sees every step we take toward him.
- The identity of the one they seek. Jesus, "who was crucified" (the perfect participle ἐσταυρωμένον marks a completed action with lasting significance). He is not only the risen Lord but still the crucified One, bearing the marks of his love. The angel names the death before announcing the life.
Five-point outline
- The setting: dawn, earthquake, empty tomb, terrified guards.
- The audience: women who loved Jesus to the end.
- The command: "Fear not ye", a word for the faithful, not for the fearful world.
- The ground: "I know that you seek Jesus", the Lord knows his own.
- The pivot: "who was crucified", the death that leads to resurrection.
Illustration hooks
- A parent searching for a child lost in a crowded market, then the child appears from behind a stall. The relief comes when the seeker's devotion is rewarded with presence.
- A student spends hours looking for a missing textbook, only to learn it was never lost, just in a different place. The seeking itself shows what matters to them.
- A friend drives through the night after hearing a loved one is in danger, only to arrive and find the danger passed. The journey proved their love before the outcome was known.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why does God sometimes tell us not to be afraid when our situation seems frightening?
- How does knowing that God sees our seeking change the way we pray or serve?
- What do we do when we come to the tomb expecting one thing and find something else entirely?
Leading a Discussion
The women came with spices for a dead body. They found an empty tomb, an angel, and a message of life. Their fear was natural, but the angel met them with knowledge: "I know that you seek Jesus." Their search was not in vain. As you discuss, think about a time you sought God earnestly and found more than you expected.
Discussion questions
- What do the women's actions (coming to the tomb early, bringing spices) tell you about their love for Jesus?
- Why does the angel begin with "Fear not"? What fears might the women have had?
- The angel says "I know that you seek Jesus." Why is that knowledge important? How does it change the command?
- Why does the angel call Jesus "who was crucified" when he is about to announce the resurrection? What does that say about the connection between his death and his victory?
- How does this verse challenge the idea that our faithful efforts go unnoticed by God?
- In what ways do you "seek" Jesus today, in worship, in Scripture, in service? How does knowing he sees you affect that seeking?
- The women left the tomb with "fear and great joy" (v.8). Can both exist together? What does that look like in your life?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Psalms 105:3 | Glory in his holy name. Let the heart of those who seek Yahweh rejoice. |
| Psalms 105:4 | Seek Yahweh and his strength. Seek his face forever more. |
| Isaiah 35:4 | Tell those who have a fearful heart, “Be strong! Don’t be afraid! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, God’s retribution. He will come and save you. |
| Isaiah 41:10 | Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. |
| Isaiah 41:14 | Don’t be afraid, you worm Jacob, and you men of Israel. I will help you,” says Yahweh. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. |
| Daniel 10:12 | Then he said to me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come for your words’ sake. |
| Daniel 10:19 | He said, “Greatly beloved man, don’t be afraid. Peace be to you. Be strong. Yes, be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” |
| Matthew 14:27 | But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.” |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
8 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke argues that the women who came to the tomb disprove the common claim that women are more fickle and less courageous than men. Their faithful ministry to Jesus through life, cross, and tomb shows that converted people of either sex can be fully trusted.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes harmonizes the Gospel accounts of the angel at the tomb, answering three common objections. He explains that one angel sitting does not contradict two standing, since the speaker may have risen. Mentioning one angel does not deny another's presence, and calling an angel a "man" follows Scripture's pattern of depicting them in human form.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
This commentator treats the slight differences among the Gospel accounts of the resurrection as natural given the witnesses' agitation. He then constructs a single probable order of events that harmonizes the four versions, placing Mary Magdalene's first visit, Peter and John's inspection, and Jesus's appearance to her alone before a second appearance to the group of women.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
But the Angel answered, and said to the women, Feare ye not: for I know that ye seeke Iesus which was crucified:
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights the angel's emphasis on the word "
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB highlights the emphatic Greek word for "ye" in the angel's command. The angel draws a sharp contrast: the terrified guards, sent to secure a dead man, became like dead men themselves, but the women, who came seeking Jesus the Crucified, have nothing to fear.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange argues that Matthew deliberately shapes the resurrection account to contrast Christ's kingly glory with Jewish messianic expectations centered on Jerusalem and the temple. For Lange, the differences between Gospel reports are not contradictions but signs of the resurrection's overwhelming impact, like independent voices in a motet that together produce a higher harmony.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry observes that God's wisdom deliberately chose not to let anyone witness Jesus actually rising from the dead. The women saw the empty tomb and the risen Lord, but the moment of resurrection itself remained hidden, a mystery fitting for Christ's new, glorified state.