· Translation: KJV

Matthew 28:5The angel answered the women, "Don't be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.

The setting

The women approach the tomb with spices to anoint Jesus' body. The angel speaks first words of comfort in history's darkest moment...

The emotion here: overwhelmed by grace witnessing God's tenderness

The original word

phobeo (φοβεῖσθε) — don't be terrified, stop your trembling fear

Why it matters

Women weren't considered reliable witnesses in Jewish law, yet God chose them as first resurrection witnesses

Read with care

What most readers miss in Matthew 28:5

The angel knows exactly WHO they're looking for — this isn't coincidence but divine appointment

Common misconceptionPeople focus on 'don't be afraid' as general comfort, but the angel specifically acknowledges their devotion to the crucified Jesus — grief and loyalty are honored before fear is addressed.

Bible Genome reading

Matthew 28:5 — Bible Genome reading

SpeakerAngel
Eragospel
Primary emotionresting
Literary typenarrative
MarkPromise of God
MarkCommand

Emotional genome

Comfort power90%
Quotability85%
Memorability80%
Crisis relevance85%
Standalone70%
Themes:comfortunderstanding

In context

No verse stands alone.

Read the conversation around it.

Open Matthew 28

Matthew 28:5 comes from the book of Matthew, written during the gospel period. These words are attributed to Angel. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 90% and a tone that is tender. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include comfort, understanding. Notable phrases: Don't be afraid; I know that you seek Jesus. This verse contains a promise of God. This verse contains a command.

Your reflection

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