Matthew 27:52

Authorized King James Version

And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
μνημεῖα
G3419
the graves
a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)
#4
ἀνεῴχθησαν
G455
were opened
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
#5
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
πολλὰ
G4183
many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#7
σώματα
G4983
bodies
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
#8
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
κεκοιμημένων
G2837
slept
to put to sleep, i.e., (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease
#10
ἁγίων
G40
of the saints
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#11
ἠγέρθη,
G1453
arose
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Matthew. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to gospel presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic hope, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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