Matthew 28:3
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient Jewish apocalyptic literature frequently described angels as beings of brilliant light and awesome appearance (Daniel 10:5-6, 2 Maccabees 3:26). Such descriptions were not metaphorical but attempts to convey genuine otherworldly glory that exceeds normal human experience.
The comparison to lightning and snow would have been vivid to first-century readers familiar with Palestine's thunderstorms and Mount Hermon's snow-capped peak visible from much of Galilee. These natural phenomena represented the purest, brightest manifestations of light and whiteness in their experience.
This appearance recalls the Shekinah glory that filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35) and temple (1 Kings 8:10-11), and the pillar of fire that led Israel (Exodus 13:21). The angel's glory testified that God's presence now attended the empty tomb, confirming divine approval and power in Christ's resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the angel's glorious appearance teach us about the holiness and majesty of even God's servants, and how much more glorious must God Himself be?
- How should the reality of the supernatural realm—angels, glory, divine power—affect our everyday faith and worldview in a materialistic age?
- In what ways does the angel's purity and light symbolize the nature of Christ's resurrection body and our future glorified state?
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Analysis & Commentary
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. This description of the angel's appearance emphasizes the glory and purity of heavenly beings. The Greek προσωπεία (prosōpeia, 'countenance/appearance') being 'like lightning' (ὡς ἀστραπή/hōs astrapē) suggests dazzling, brilliant light radiating from the angel's face, similar to Christ's transfiguration (Matthew 17:2) and Moses' shining face after encountering God (Exodus 34:29-30).
Lightning symbolizes divine presence, power, and judgment throughout Scripture (Ezekiel 1:13-14, Daniel 10:6, Revelation 4:5). This heavenly messenger carries the authority and glory of the throne room into the earthly sphere. The angel's appearance manifests the breaking in of eternity upon time, heaven intersecting earth.
His 'raiment white as snow' (ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ λευκὸν ὡς χιών/endyma autou leukon hōs chiōn) signifies absolute purity and holiness. White garments consistently represent righteousness, victory, and glory in biblical imagery (Daniel 7:9, Revelation 3:4-5, 7:9). This contrasts sharply with the darkness of the tomb and death—light, purity, and life triumph over darkness, corruption, and death.