Bible Strands
Matthew 28:5
But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The angel speaks to the women at the tomb immediately after the guards trembled and became like dead men, and directly before announcing that Jesus has risen.
The words — Ἀποκριθεὶς (Apokritheis) literally means "answering," and μὴ (mē) is a negative particle that introduces the command "do not be afraid."
The thread — The command "do not be afraid" parallels the divine reassurance in Isaiah 41:10 and the heavenly address in Revelation 1:17, while the angel's presence reflects the role described in Hebrews 1:14.
Why it lands — The text places the fear command before the explanation of the women's search, requiring the reader to face the reality of the crucified Jesus without letting terror obscure the upcoming resurrection account.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
- Hebrews 1:14 Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
- Revelation 1:17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,
- Luke 1:30 So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
- Luke 24:5 As the women bowed their faces to the ground in terror, the two men asked them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?
- Psalms 105:3 Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
- Isaiah 35:4 Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.”
- Isaiah 41:14 Do not fear, O Jacob, you worm, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
- Daniel 10:12 “Do not be afraid, Daniel,” he said, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.
- Daniel 10:19 “Do not be afraid, you who are highly precious,” he said. “Peace be with you! Be strong now; be very strong!” As he spoke with me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”