Matthew 28:4
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
American King James Version (AKJV)
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
American Standard Version (ASV)
and for fear of him the watchers did quake, and became as dead men.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
And for fear of him the watchmen were shaking, and became as dead men.
Webster's Revision
And for fear of him the keepers trembled and became as dead men.
World English Bible
For fear of him, the guards shook, and became like dead men.
English Revised Version (ERV)
and for fear of him the watchers did quake, and became as dead men.
Definitions for Matthew 28:4
Clarke's Matthew 28:4 Bible Commentary
The keepers - became as dead men - God can, by one and the same means, comfort his servants, and terrify his enemies. The resurrection of Christ is a subject of terror to the servants of sin, and a subject of consolation to the sons of God; because it is a proof of the resurrection of both, the one to shame and everlasting contempt - the other to eternal glory and joy.
Barnes's Matthew 28:4 Bible Commentary
The keepers did shake - It was night. The appearance was sudden and unexpected, and to them terrific. The stone was probably suddenly removed. At the noise, the light, the suddenness of the appearance, they were affrighted.
And became as dead men - Probably by terror they fainted, or were thrown into a swoon. At this time it is probable that the Lord Jesus arose, and hence he was not seen by them when he came forth. At what precise time of the night this was we are not certainly informed. The narrative, however, leads us to suppose that it was not long before the women came to the sepulchre, or near the break of day.
