and said, “Greetings!”
The greeting is simple yet profound, indicating peace and reassurance. In the cultural context, such a greeting would be customary, but coming from the risen Christ, it carries deeper significance. It signifies the restoration of relationship and the beginning of a new era. This echoes the angelic announcement of peace at Jesus' birth (Luke 2:14), now fulfilled in His victory over death.

They came to Him
The women’s approach to Jesus demonstrates their faith and devotion. In the context of first-century Judea, women were not typically considered reliable witnesses, yet they are the first to see the risen Lord. This highlights the inclusivity of the Gospel and the breaking of societal norms, as seen in Galatians 3:28, where all are one in Christ.

grasped His feet
Grasping His feet signifies both the physical reality of the resurrection and an act of submission and reverence. In ancient Near Eastern culture, touching the feet of a superior was a sign of respect and humility. This act confirms that Jesus is not a ghost or vision but has a tangible, resurrected body, as further evidenced in Luke 24:39.

and worshiped Him
The worship of Jesus by the women is a recognition of His divinity and messianic identity. Worship is reserved for God alone, and their response affirms Jesus as Lord and God, fulfilling Thomas's later declaration in John 20:28. This act of worship connects to Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah being worshiped, such as in Psalm 22:27-28, and foreshadows the universal worship of Christ in Philippians 2:10-11.

• The risen Jesus takes the initiative, stepping into the women’s fearful flight from the tomb (Matthew 28:8).

• His appearance fulfills His own promise: “After I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee” (Matthew 26:32; echoed in Matthew 28:10).

• Scripture shows the same pattern of the resurrected Lord meeting His followers where they are—Mary Magdalene outside the tomb (John 20:14-16), the disciples on the Emmaus road (Luke 24:13-15), and Peter by the sea (John 21:1-7).

• The suddenness underscores that the resurrection is not legend but literal history; a real Savior interrupts real lives.

• Jesus uses a common, friendly salutation—He is the same Lord they knew before the cross, now triumphant over death.

• The simplicity of “Greetings!” settles frightened hearts; elsewhere He enlarges it to “Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36; John 20:19-21), but here a single word is enough.

• The resurrected Christ is approachable; His first post-resurrection words to these women are not commands but welcome.

• Their instinctive movement toward Jesus shows faith overcoming fear (compare Matthew 28:5).

• Coming to Jesus is always the appropriate response to His initiative (Matthew 11:28; John 6:37).

• They do not linger in doubt; they close the distance instantly, modeling the believer’s proper reaction to the living Lord (Hebrews 4:16).

• Touch proves He is bodily risen, not a vision or spirit (Luke 24:39-40; 1 John 1:1).

• Feet symbolize the complete victory of Christ: the serpent’s head is crushed beneath them (Genesis 3:15; Romans 16:20).

• Taking hold of His feet is an act of humility—positioned low before the exalted Savior—yet it is also intimate, allowed only because He welcomes their closeness.

• This physical contact testifies that the same Jesus who died now stands alive, validating every promise He made.

• Worship is the only fitting response to the risen Son of God (Matthew 14:33; John 9:38).

• Jesus receives their worship, confirming His deity; Scripture forbids worship of anyone but God (Exodus 34:14; Acts 10:25-26; Revelation 22:8-9).

• Their posture—face to the ground, hands clinging to His feet—mirrors the heavenly worship scene where every creature sings, “Worthy is the Lamb” (Revelation 5:12-14).

• In this moment the women become the church’s first resurrection witnesses, turning worship into testimony (Matthew 28:10; Luke 24:9-10).

Matthew 28:9 presents a vivid, literal encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus personally meets the women, greets them with kindness, invites their approach, allows their confirming touch, and receives their worship. The verse assures believers that the resurrection is bodily, Jesus is divine, and worshipers who draw near in faith are welcomed and commissioned.

Held him by the feet.--Better, clasped His feet. Mary Magdalene had, we must remember, already heard the words "Touch Me not" (John 20:17), but, if we suppose her to have rejoined the other women, passionate and rejoicing love carried her, as it carried the others, beyond the limits of reverential obedience.

Worshipped him.--The word does not necessarily imply a new form of homage. The prostration which it indicates had been practised before (Matthew 8:2; Matthew 9:18); though (it is right to add) by many persons not connected with the apostolic company, who came with definite petitions. It was the natural attitude of a suppliant servant before his master (Matthew 18:26). It was, perhaps, not till later that the disciples were led to feel that the attitude was one that was due to God and to the Man Christ Jesus, and to no other of the sons of men (Acts 10:26) or angels (Revelation 22:9). (See Note on Matthew 28:17.) . . .