The Bible verse Matthew 28:4 from the King James Version (KJV) reads: "And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men."

This verse comes from the Gospel of Matthew, which is the first book of the New Testament. The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, who was a tax collector before he became a disciple of Jesus. The purpose of this Gospel is to present Jesus as the Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the King of the Jews. The Gospel of Matthew also focuses on Jesus' teachings, miracles, and his death and resurrection.

Matthew 28:4 is part of the passage that describes the resurrection of Jesus. In the previous verses, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary had gone to the tomb where Jesus' body had been placed after his crucifixion. They were met by an angel who rolled back the stone from the entrance of the tomb. The guards, who were responsible for keeping watch over the tomb, were terrified by the angel's appearance and became paralyzed with fear.

The context of the verse is important to understand its full meaning. The guards were experienced soldiers who were trained to handle high-stress situations, yet they were so overwhelmed by the angel's presence that they were unable to move. This reaction highlights the power and majesty of the angel, as well as the significance of the event that was taking place. It also emphasizes the supernatural nature of the resurrection and the divine intervention that was occurring.

The theme of fear is prominent in this verse. The guards were gripped by fear when they encountered the angel, and their reaction demonstrates the overwhelming impact of encountering the divine. Throughout the Bible, fear is often associated with encounters with God or his messengers. In this case, the guards' fear is an indication of the awe-inspiring nature of the resurrection and the presence of the angel.

The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The guards, who were supposed to be the ones in control and on guard, are depicted as powerless and overwhelmed. Their fear and paralysis symbolize the defeat of human strength and authority in the face of God's power. This serves as a reminder that God's power and sovereignty surpasses all human capabilities and that he is ultimately in control of all things.

Additionally, the guards' reaction serves as a contrast to the response of the women who had come to the tomb. While the guards were paralyzed with fear, the women were filled with awe and joy when they encountered the angel and learned of Jesus' resurrection. This contrast highlights the difference between those who are opposed to God and those who have faith in him.

In conclusion, Matthew 28:4 is a powerful and evocative verse that captures the overwhelming fear and awe that the guards experienced when they encountered the angel at the empty tomb. It is a reminder of the power and majesty of God, as well as the supernatural nature of the resurrection. The verse also serves as a contrast between fear and faith, highlighting the different responses to encountering the divine. Overall, this verse is a poignant reminder of the overwhelming impact of God's presence and the ultimate authority that he holds.