Matthew 28:4
Arabic SVD 1865 Version (Smith and Van Dyke)
فمن خوفه ارتعد الحراس وصاروا كاموات.
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes the guards at Jesus' tomb shaking in fear and becoming as though they were dead when they saw an angel. No one is speaking directly, but the key message is about the power of God through the angel.
Explained for Children
Imagine you are watching a scary movie and suddenly there's a big boom! You get so scared that you freeze up like a statue, not moving at all. That’s how the guards felt when they saw an angel!
Historical Background
Matthew wrote this account of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection likely in the late first century AD. The audience was primarily Jewish Christians who were familiar with Hebrew scripture but also needed to understand how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.
Living It Out Today
This verse can remind us that sometimes unexpected events can shock us into stillness or fear. Think about a time when you felt paralyzed by an unforeseen event, like getting unexpectedly called out in class and feeling frozen with worry.
Topics
resurrectionfearangelic encountersguardianshipmiraclespower of God
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the guards so afraid at Jesus’ tomb?
The guards were likely overwhelmed by the supernatural event, specifically seeing an angel, which caused them to be paralyzed with fear and unable to move.
What does 'became as dead men' mean in this verse?
'Became as dead men' means that the guards were so terrified they became motionless and seemingly lifeless, like statues or corpses.
How does Matthew 28:4 relate to other parts of the Bible?
This verse connects with other accounts of angelic appearances in both the Old and New Testaments where angels often cause those who see them to be overwhelmed by their divine presence.
What can we learn from Matthew 28:4 about fear?
We can learn that sometimes, fear can paralyze us but also lead to a realization of something greater than ourselves. It's important not to let fear control our actions but to find courage in the face of it.