53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus' resurrection and[1] went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

Other Translations of Matthew 27:53

King James Version

53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

English Standard Version

53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

The Message

53 (After Jesus' resurrection, they left the tombs, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.)

New King James Version

53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

New Living Translation

53 They left the cemetery after Jesus' resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 27:53

Commentary on Matthew 27:51-56

(Read Matthew 27:51-56)

The rending of the veil signified that Christ, by his death, opened a way to God. We have an open way through Christ to the throne of grace, or mercy-seat now, and to the throne of glory hereafter. When we duly consider Christ's death, our hard and rocky hearts should be rent; the heart, and not the garments. That heart is harder than a rock that will not yield, that will not melt, where Jesus Christ is plainly set forth crucified. The graves were opened, and many bodies of saints which slept, arose. To whom they appeared, in what manner, and how they disappeared, we are not told; and we must not desire to be wise above what is written. The dreadful appearances of God in his providence, sometimes work strangely for the conviction and awakening of sinners. This was expressed in the terror that fell upon the centurion and the Roman soldiers. We may reflect with comfort on the abundant testimonies given to the character of Jesus; and, seeking to give no just cause of offence, we may leave it to the Lord to clear our characters, if we live to Him. Let us, with an eye of faith, behold Christ and him crucified, and be affected with that great love wherewith he loved us. But his friends could give no more than a look; they beheld him, but could not help him. Never were the horrid nature and effects of sin so tremendously displayed, as on that day when the beloved Son of the Father hung upon the cross, suffering for sin, the Just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. Let us yield ourselves willingly to his service.