Matthew 28:4

Modern

The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men.

Traditional

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

Literal

And those keeping guard trembled from fear of him, and they became like dead men.

Latin

Præ timore autem ejus exterriti sunt custodes, et facti sunt velut mortui.

Greek

English

The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men.

The four gospels each emphasize different aspects of the empty tomb and resurrection appearances. Matthew focuses on three things:

Theme notes and profiles

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,
Daniel 10:7
Only I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but a great terror fell upon them, and they ran and hid themselves.
Matthew 27:65–66
“You have a guard,” Pilate said. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.”
Matthew 28:11
While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.
Acts 16:29
Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.
Psalm 48:6
Trembling seized them there, anguish like a woman in labor.
Acts 9:3–7
As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.
Job 4:14
…fear and trembling came over me and made all my bones shudder.