Matthew 28:4

Authorized King James Version

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀπὸ
G575
for
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#2
δὲ
G1161
And
but, and, etc
#3
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
φόβου
G5401
fear
alarm or fright
#5
αὐτοῦ
G846
of him
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
#6
ἐσείσθησαν
G4579
did shake
to rock (vibrate, properly, sideways or to and fro), i.e., (generally) to agitate (in any direction; cause to tremble); figuratively, to throw into a
#7
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
τηροῦντες
G5083
the keepers
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
#9
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
ἐγένοντο
G1096
became
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#11
ὡσεὶ
G5616
as
as if
#12
νεκροί
G3498
dead
dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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