Matthew 28:8

8 So they departed quickly from the tomb ¹with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

Matthew 28:8 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 28:8

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre
Or "they went out from it", as it may be rendered, and as it is in ( Mark 16:8 ) , which shows, that they went into the sepulchre upon the invitation of the angel, and saw the place where the Lord lay; and here it was the angel gave them their instructions, and errand to the disciples; which as soon as they received, they quitted the sepulchre in all haste, partly in obedience to the angel's orders, and partly through surprise and fear; for Mark says, "they fled from the sepulchre", ( Mark 16:8 ) , as persons terrified and affrighted: and it is added here,

with fear and great joy:
a mixture of both these; with fear and dread, because of the vision they had seen, and with joy at the news of Christ's resurrection; and yet in this their faith might not be so confirmed, as to have no doubt about it: they might fear the body was taken away, and removed to some other place, and that this they had seen might be a deception and a delusion. However, between both joy and fear, they set out,

and did run to bring his disciples word;
as Mary Magdalene ran to Peter, ( John 20:2 ) , nor is running unusual for women, or unbecoming them on certain occasions; see ( Genesis 24:20 Genesis 24:28 ) ( 29:12 ) . Their fright, as well as their joy, and their regard to the angel's order, might cause them to run, and make the quicker dispatch.

Matthew 28:8 In-Context

6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.

7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you. ”

8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings! ”And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.

10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me. ”

Cross References

• 1. 28:8 [Ps. 2:11]