Matthew 28:4

4 The guards at the tomb were scared to death. They were so frightened, they couldn't move.

Matthew 28:4 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 28:4

And for fear of him the keepers did shake
Though they were soldiers, Roman soldiers and veterans, who had been used to terrible sights in the field of battle; were men of courage, and fearless of danger; and yet were seized with a panic, and every limb of them shook and trembled at the sight of the angel, for fear he was come as an executioner of divine vengeance upon them; who had been concerned in the crucifixion of Christ, had watched him as he hung upon the cross, and now his body in the sepulchre: and even supposing no consciousness of guilt in them, or dread of punishment from him; yet such was the glory and majesty in which he appeared, of which they had never seen the like before, that it had this effect upon them:

and became as dead men:
they turned pale, as dead men, and had scarce any life, or spirit, left in them.

Matthew 28:4 In-Context

2 Suddenly the earth reeled and rocked under their feet as God's angel came down from heaven, came right up to where they were standing. He rolled back the stone and then sat on it.

3 Shafts of lightning blazed from him. His garments shimmered snow-white.

4 The guards at the tomb were scared to death. They were so frightened, they couldn't move.

5 The angel spoke to the women: "There is nothing to fear here. I know you're looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross.

6 He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed.