Matthew 28 3

Matthew 28:3 kjv

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

Matthew 28:3 nkjv

His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.

Matthew 28:3 niv

His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.

Matthew 28:3 esv

His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.

Matthew 28:3 nlt

His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow.

Matthew 28 verses

Matthew 28 3 Meaning

Matthew 28:3 describes the appearance of the angel of the Lord at the empty tomb of Jesus, emphasizing the angel's majestic and terrifying glory. His radiant countenance, brilliant like a lightning flash, and his garment, dazzling white as snow, signify divine power, holiness, purity, and supernatural authority. This divine manifestation served to impress the fearful Roman guards and the women with the extraordinary nature of Christ's resurrection, confirming it as an act of God.

Matthew 28 3 Context

Matthew 28:3 occurs immediately after the profound earthquake and the angel's descent from heaven to roll back the stone from the tomb (v. 2). It sets the stage for the angel's proclamation of Jesus' resurrection to the women and the fear of the Roman guards. This verse emphasizes the dramatic, supernatural manifestation accompanying the climax of human history: the defeat of death by Jesus Christ. Historically, Roman guards were hardened soldiers, yet this divine display renders them paralyzed with fear, underscoring the undeniable power of God. The brilliance and purity described stand in stark contrast to the darkness and defilement of death that the tomb represents, asserting divine victory and holiness. It refutes any contemporary skepticism that the event was merely human trickery by highlighting its supernatural elements.

Matthew 28 3 Word analysis

• His countenance (Ἡ δὲ ἰδέα αὐτοῦ):

  • Idea (ἰδέα): In Koine Greek, this word signifies "appearance," "form," or "outward aspect." It refers to the visible shape or form that someone presents.
  • Significance: It indicates that the very presence and visible aspect of the angel were transformative and striking, not just his actions. This divine visage is awe-inspiring and overwhelming, distinguishing the angel as a messenger of the King of kings.

• was like (ἦν ὡς):

  • ēn hōs: "was as" or "was like."
  • Significance: Introduces a simile, comparing the angel's divine radiance to familiar earthly phenomena (lightning, snow) to convey its supernatural intensity. It highlights that the appearance transcends normal human experience.

• lightning (ἀστραπή):

  • astrapē: Refers to "lightning" or "a flash of light," signifying extreme brilliance, suddenness, and immense power.
  • Significance: Lightning evokes immediate terror and awe. It symbolizes divine power, judgment, speed, and unstoppable force. The angel’s face radiating like lightning demonstrates divine authority, an immediate striking presence that terrifies opposition and illuminates truth.

• and his clothing (καὶ τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ):

  • kai to endyma autou: "and his clothing," "his garment."
  • Significance: The angel’s attire is not mundane; it is an extension of his divine nature and the glory he reflects from God. Clothes in biblical contexts often signify status, character, or role.

• white as snow (λευκὸν ὡς χιών):

  • leukon hōs chiōn: "white as snow."
  • Significance: Snow-white represents ultimate purity, absolute holiness, dazzling brilliance, and often, heavenly glory or divine presence. It suggests a cleanliness that is supernaturally attained, devoid of blemish or stain, signifying the holy nature of the divine messenger and the holy outcome of the resurrection.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "His countenance... like lightning": This phrase paints a picture of intense, dynamic divine glory. The angel’s very face, the seat of his expression, radiated with blinding light. This communicates both terrifying power to the guards and glorious assurance to the women. It implies the angel is a visible manifestation of divine power breaking into the earthly realm.

• "and his clothing white as snow": Complementing the fiery radiance of the face, the dazzling whiteness of the clothing emphasizes absolute purity, holiness, and the divine nature. This is not merely aesthetic but a symbol of the perfect righteousness associated with God and His heavenly messengers. The visual impact is overwhelming, asserting undeniable divine presence and action. The combination of intense light and absolute purity signifies a divine entity acting with absolute authority and purpose in a pivotal moment of redemptive history.

Matthew 28 3 Bonus section

• The term idea (appearance) implies a deep perception of what the angel embodied, beyond just a superficial glance. It relates to the core form and nature conveyed by his very presence.
• The blinding radiance serves a double purpose: a defensive mechanism, terrifying to those hostile to God's plan (like the guards), and a glorious confirmation for those open to God's truth (like the women).
• The combination of "lightning" and "snow" offers a paradox: intense, consuming power (lightning) paired with serene, unblemished purity (snow). This imagery underscores the multi-faceted nature of God's majesty and the nature of His messengers.
• This visual portrayal acts as an immediate polemic against any attempts by Jewish or Roman authorities to deny the resurrection or claim the body was stolen, as the angel's appearance makes clear this was an event orchestrated by an undeniable divine force.

Matthew 28 3 Commentary

Matthew 28:3 powerfully captures the dramatic and divine character of the resurrection event. The description of the angel is not just decorative; it is highly theological. The "lightning" suggests the irresistible and overwhelming power of God that breaks forth, shattering the chains of death. This radiant majesty served as God's signature on the resurrection, validating it as a supernatural event beyond human interference or explanation. The "snow-white" garments speak to the absolute purity and holiness of God and the triumphant victory over sin and death achieved through Christ. This visual revelation communicates directly to the fear-stricken guards—paralyzing them with dread and a palpable sense of the divine—and indirectly to the disciples, who would later understand the profound glory accompanying Christ’s victory. The angel's appearance is an integral part of the larger divine witness to the empty tomb, underscoring the absolute truth and power of the resurrection. It’s an irrefutable testament to the authority and glory of the One who was raised.