Matthew 28:2

Authorized King James Version

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

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
ἰδού,
G2400
behold
used as imperative lo!
#3
σεισμὸς
G4578
earthquake
a commotion, i.e., (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake
#4
ἐγένετο
G1096
there was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#5
μέγας·
G3173
a great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#6
ἄγγελος
G32
the angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#7
γὰρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#8
κυρίου
G2962
of the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#9
καταβὰς
G2597
descended
to descend (literally or figuratively)
#10
ἐξ
G1537
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#11
οὐρανοῦ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#12
προσελθὼν
G4334
and came
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
#13
ἀπεκύλισεν
G617
and rolled back
to roll away
#14
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
λίθον
G3037
the stone
a stone (literally or figuratively)
#16
ἀπὸ
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#17
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
θύρας,
G2374
the door
a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)
#19
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
ἐκάθητο
G2521
sat
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
#21
ἐπάνω
G1883
upon
up above, i.e., over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.)
#22
αὐτοῦ
G846
it
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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Matthew. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within gospel presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic hope to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources