Matthew 28:8

8 And they went out soon from the burials [And they went out soon from the sepulchre], with dread and great joy, running to tell to 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 is risen, as he said; come ye, and see ye the place [come ye, and see the place], where the Lord was laid.

7 And go ye soon, and say ye to his disciples [And ye going soon, say to his disciples], that he is risen. And lo! he shall go before you into Galilee; there ye shall see him. Lo! I have before-said to you.

8 And they went out soon from the burials [And they went out soon from the sepulchre], with dread and great joy, running to tell to his disciples.

9 And lo! Jesus met them, and said [saying], Hail ye. And they approached [+Forsooth they nighed/they came to], and held his feet, and worshipped him.

10 Then Jesus said to them, Do not ye dread; go ye, tell ye to my brethren, that they go into Galilee; there they shall see me.