Matthew 27:53
And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μνημείων
the graves
G3419
μνημείων
the graves
Strong's:
G3419
Word #:
5 of 17
a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)
μετὰ
after
G3326
μετὰ
after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 17
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
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίαν
the holy
G40
ἁγίαν
the holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
13 of 17
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
This event is unique to Matthew's Gospel, perhaps because Matthew wrote primarily to Jewish audiences who would be most impacted by OT saints appearing in Jerusalem. The appearance to 'many' ensured widespread testimony, yet it didn't convert unbelievers en masse—a reminder that even spectacular miracles don't compel faith apart from God's grace.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is it significant that these saints appeared 'after his resurrection' rather than immediately—what does this teach about Christ's unique role as firstfruits?
- What does the fact that they 'appeared unto many' teach us about God providing sufficient evidence for faith while not forcing belief?
- How does this preview of the final resurrection encourage believers facing death or mourning believing loved ones?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. The raised saints emerged 'after his resurrection' (μετὰ τὴν ἔγερσιν αὐτοῦ/meta tēn egersin autou), establishing Christ's priority as 'firstfruits from the dead' (1 Corinthians 15:20, Colossians 1:18). Though their tombs opened at His death, they appeared after He rose, maintaining His unique status as the first to conquer death permanently.
'Went into the holy city' (εἰσῆλθον εἰς τὴν ἁγίαν πόλιν/eisēlthon eis tēn hagian polin)—Jerusalem. 'Appeared unto many' (ἐνεφανίσθησαν πολλοῖς/enephanisthēsan pollois)—numerous witnesses saw them, providing testimony to resurrection's reality. This was no hallucination or legend but a witnessed event with multiple credible observers.