Matthew 27:52-53

The context

Matthew 27 narrates the crucifixion with a series of signs: darkness, the torn veil, an earthquake, rocks split, and the centurion's confession. Verses 52 and 53 are the strangest of these, and they are found only in Matthew. The verses are grammatically awkward, and the sequence of events they describe has been debated ever since.

What it establishes

The verses establish that Matthew saw the death of Jesus as opening graves, and that the raised saints appeared in Jerusalem. The report is attached to the moment of death, though the appearance is placed after the resurrection. It is offered as a sign at the center of the passion.

What it does not establish

It does not say what happened to them. No names are given, and the passage does not say whether this was a raising like Christ's or a temporary return. The text is also difficult to construe, and readers have disagreed about the order of events.

Short note, first pass, October 2026. Corrections welcome.

Cited in these answers

• How can you take the gospels as inspired when they don't even make that claim for themselves?

Part of Scripture, Opened — the exegetical layer behind every citation on this site. Scripture quotations are from the ESV.