What does Matthew 28:1 mean?
"In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre." - Matthew 28:1

Matthew 28:1 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre." This verse marks the beginning of the story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is one of the most important events in Christianity.
The verse sets the scene for the discovery of the empty tomb of Jesus. It takes place at the end of the Sabbath, as dawn breaks on the first day of the week. The mention of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary indicates that these were the women who came to the tomb. This verse begins the account of the greatest miracle in Christianity, the resurrection of Jesus, which serves as the foundation of the Christian faith.
The themes in this verse are resurrection, hope, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The verse speaks of the end of the Sabbath, which symbolizes the end of the old era and the beginning of a new one. As dawn breaks on the first day of the week, it symbolizes the dawning of a new age, the age of the resurrection and the victory over sin and death. The women coming to the sepulchre represent the faithfulness and devotion of the followers of Jesus, who were seeking to honor him even in death. The verse also points to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, as the resurrection of Jesus was foretold in the scriptures.
The context of this verse is the crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ. The preceding chapters in the book of Matthew describe the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, including his betrayal, trial, and crucifixion. The burial of Jesus is also described in detail, as Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus laid his body in a tomb. This sets the stage for the discovery of the empty tomb and the subsequent appearances of Jesus to his disciples.
The symbolism in this verse is rich and significant. The end of the Sabbath and the dawn of the first day of the week symbolize the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant, from law to grace, and from death to life. The empty tomb symbolizes the victory of Jesus over sin and death, as well as the hope that believers have in the resurrection. The women who come to the sepulchre symbolize the faith and devotion of the followers of Jesus, who remained faithful even in the face of his death. The resurrection of Jesus fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament, demonstrating that Jesus is the promised Messiah and the Savior of the world.
Overall, Matthew 28:1 is a pivotal verse in the New Testament, as it marks the beginning of the most important event in Christianity, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The themes of resurrection, hope, and fulfillment of prophecy are central to this verse, and the context and symbolism surrounding it underscore the significance of this moment in the Christian faith. The empty tomb of Jesus stands as a powerful symbol of hope and victory, and the faithful devotion of the women who came to the sepulchre serves as a model for believers today.
Have questions about Matthew 28:1?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Matthew 28:1 Artwork
Matthew 28:1 - "In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre."
"In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre." - Matthew 28:1
Matthew 28:1-7 - "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you."
"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you." - Matthew 28:1-7
"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”" - Matthew 28:1-10
"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you." - Matthew 28:1-7
Matthew 28:1-10 - "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”"
"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you." - Matthew 28:1-7
matthew 28:19
matthew 28:19
MATTHEW 28: 23
matthew 8:28
Matthew 23:28
Matthew 28:11
Matthew 23:28
Matthew 28:19-20
Matthew 28: 19-20
Matthew 28:19-20
Matthew 28:19-20
Matthew 24:28 - "For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together."
Matthew 27:28 - "And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe."
Matthew 28:17 - "And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted."
Matthew 28:4 - "And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men."
Matthew 28:3 - "His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:"
Matthew 28:14 - "And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you."
Matthew 26:28 - "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."
Matthew 22:28 - "Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her."
Matthew 12:28 - "But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you."
Matthew 28:16 - "¶ Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them."
"For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together." - Matthew 24:28