Matthew 28:4

4 And for fear of him the watchmen were shaking, and became as dead men.

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 And there was a great earth-shock; for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, rolling back the stone, took his seat on it.

3 His form was shining like the light, and his clothing was white as snow:

4 And for fear of him the watchmen were shaking, and became as dead men.

5 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.

6 He is not here, for he has come to life again, even as he said. Come, see the Lord's resting-place.