Matthew 28:3
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
American King James Version (AKJV)
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
American Standard Version (ASV)
His appearance was as lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
Basic English Translation (BBE)
His form was shining like the light, and his clothing was white as snow:
Webster's Revision
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow.
World English Bible
His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
English Revised Version (ERV)
His appearance was as lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
Definitions for Matthew 28:3
Clarke's Matthew 28:3 Bible Commentary
His countenance - His appearance, ἡ ιδεα αυτου; or, his face, for so the word is used in some of the best Greek writers. It seems, from Mark 16:5, that this angel had assumed the appearance of a young man.
Like lightning - Coruscations of glory continually flaming from his face. This might produce the confusion mentioned Matthew 28:2.
His raiment white as snow - He was clothed in garments emblematical of the glad tidings which he came to announce. It would have been inconsistent with the message he brought, had the angel appeared in black robes, such as those preposterously wear who call themselves his successors in the ministry of a once suffering, but now risen and highly exalted, Savior. But the world is as full of nonsense as of sin; and who can correct and bring it to reason and piety?
Barnes's Matthew 28:3 Bible Commentary
His countenance - In our language the word "countenance" refers to the "face only;" in the original it refers to his "whole person." His "general aspect, or the appearance of the angel himself," was, etc.
Like lightning - Peculiarly bright and shining.
His raiment white as snow - Celestial beings are usually represented as clothed in white, Acts 1:10; Daniel 7:9; Revelation 3:4-5; Revelation 4:4; Revelation 7:13-14. White, among the Jews, was the symbol of "purity or innocence."