Luke 24:23
And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμα
body
G4983
σῶμα
body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
5 of 16
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
αὐτὸν
his
G846
αὐτὸν
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἦλθον
they came
G2064
ἦλθον
they came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
7 of 16
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
λέγουσιν
said
G3004
λέγουσιν
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀγγέλων
of angels
G32
ἀγγέλων
of angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
11 of 16
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
ἑωρακέναι
seen
G3708
ἑωρακέναι
seen
Strong's:
G3708
Word #:
12 of 16
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
οἳ
which
G3739
οἳ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
λέγουσιν
said
G3004
λέγουσιν
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Historical Context
Jewish angelology held that angels served as divine messengers, particularly at critical redemptive moments (compare Gabriel's announcements in Luke 1). The empty tomb alone didn't prove resurrection—it required angelic interpretation and later personal encounters with Christ. Ancient critics claimed body theft (Matthew 28:13); the gospel accounts refute this by emphasizing the grave clothes and multiple witnesses.
Questions for Reflection
- Why wasn't the empty tomb sufficient evidence for resurrection faith?
- How do the angels' words 'he is alive' challenge modern attempts to spiritualize the resurrection as merely symbolic?
- What role does testimony play in building faith when we haven't personally seen Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When they found not his body (μὴ εὑροῦσαι τὸ σῶμα, mē heuroûsai to sōma)—The absence of Christ's sōma (body) initiates the resurrection narrative. This wasn't grave robbery; the burial clothes remained (John 20:6-7), and Roman guards secured the tomb (Matthew 27:66). The missing body posed an inexplicable puzzle until angelic interpretation provided the solution.
A vision of angels, which said that he was alive (ὀπτασίαν ἀγγέλων... λέγουσιν αὐτὸν ζῆν, optasian angelōn... legousin auton zēn)—The term optasia (vision/appearance) describes supernatural revelation, not hallucination. The angels' proclamation uses the present infinitive zēn (to be living), emphasizing ongoing life. Yet notice the disciples' secondhand reporting: 'they came, saying'—they hadn't personally encountered the risen Christ yet, creating incomplete conviction.