Mattew 28:17

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The Semantics of Doubt: An Exegesis of Matthew 28:17

This exegetical study of “Matt 28:17 some or all doubted?” is based on a b-greek discussion from July 19, 1999. The initial query concerned the proper translation of the phrase καὶ ἰδόντες αὐτὸν προσεκύνησαν, οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν in Matthew 28:17, specifically whether the article-particle combination οἱ δὲ should be rendered as ‘some’ (implying a subgroup) or if it refers collectively to the entire group of disciples present.

The main exegetical issue revolves around two central questions: First, what is the precise referent of the construction οἱ δὲ—does it necessarily introduce a distinctive subgroup, or can it simply denote a new action or characteristic of the previously mentioned collective? Second, what is the full semantic range of the verb ἐδίστασαν within its immediate narrative context, and is it plausible for reverent worship and doubt to coexist simultaneously in the same individuals or group? Traditional translations often favor the “some doubted” interpretation, which implies a theological reluctance to attribute doubt to all disciples following the resurrection appearance, prompting a re-evaluation of the grammatical and rhetorical implications of Matthew’s phrasing.

καὶ ἰδόντες αὐτὸν προσεκύνησαν, οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν. (Nestle 1904)

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• No significant textual differences are present in the rendering of Matthew 28:17 between Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010. Both critical editions present the same Greek text: καὶ ἰδόντες αὐτὸν προσεκύνησαν, οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν.

Textual Criticism (NA28), Lexical Notes (BDAG)

For Matthew 28:17, the NA28 text (28th edition of Nestle-Aland) aligns fully with Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010, indicating no significant textual variants for the phrase οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν that would alter the primary exegetical questions discussed. The interpretive challenge thus lies in grammatical and semantic analysis rather than textual reconstruction.

Lexically, the verb διστάζω (distazō) is central to understanding the passage. According to BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature), διστάζω generally means ‘to be uncertain, to have second thoughts about a matter’. BDAG identifies two primary senses relevant to biblical usage:

• 1. To have doubts concerning something, doubt, waver (e.g., Matthew 14:31, where Peter doubts while walking on water). This sense is directly applied to Matthew 28:17, with BDAG noting that “the subject is a subgroup of the apostles.”
• 2. To be uncertain about taking a particular course of action, hesitate in doubt (e.g., Diodorus Siculus 10, 4, 4). This sense is also considered a possible interpretation for Matthew 28:17, suggesting a general hesitation or irresolution.

The conjunction δὲ (de) is a crucial postpositive particle in Greek. It fundamentally marks a logical connection, often indicating a shift, contrast, or continuation. While καὶ (kai) typically denotes simple addition (“and”), δὲ introduces something distinctive, furthers narrative development, or initiates a nuanced connection. Its precise function—whether simply continuative, mildly contrastive, or marking a full shift to a distinct subgroup or subject—is a major point of contention in this verse’s interpretation.

The verb προσκυνέω (proskyneō), translated as “worshiped,” also requires careful consideration. Its semantic range in the ancient world was broader than the modern English “worship,” which often implies exclusive adoration of a deity. προσκυνέω could denote showing reverence, bowing down, or prostrating oneself before a person of high status, including kings or revered figures, without necessarily implying divine adoration. This broader meaning suggests that performing προσκυνέω and experiencing doubt simultaneously might not be contradictory, as a person could express profound respect while still grappling with the full theological or existential implications of a miraculous event like the resurrection.

Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

The primary exegetical debate surrounding Matthew 28:17 hinges on the interpretation of οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν. Two main perspectives emerge: one argues that οἱ δὲ refers to a subgroup of the disciples, while the other maintains it refers to the entire group, indicating a collective uncertainty or hesitation.

Arguments supporting οἱ δὲ referring to a subgroup are robust. The conventional translation “but some doubted” is grammatically defensible. The particle δὲ, particularly when coupled with the definite article οἱ (functioning pronominally), frequently signals a shift in focus, a contrast, or an introduction of an antithetical element within a narrative. If Matthew had intended the entire group to doubt, a simple connective like καὶ (kai) might have been employed, or the article οἱ could have been omitted. The use of οἱ δὲ therefore suggests a distinction from the preceding action (worship) or a division within the group. Classical Greek parallels, such as Xenophon’s Hellenica 1.2.14 (“…the Syracusan prisoners… escaping by night got away to Decelea, οἱ δὲ to Megara”) and Cyropaedia 3.2.12, demonstrate that οἱ δὲ can indeed introduce a subgroup without the explicit use of τινές (tines, “some”). The New Testament text of Acts 17:32, οἱ μὲν ἐχλευαζον, οἱ δὲ ειπεν (“on the one hand some were mocking, and others said”), further exemplifies this distributive use with οἱ δὲ. Moreover, Matthew 26:67, τοτε ενεπτυσαν εισ το προσωπον αυτου και εκολαφιον αυτον, οἱ δὲ ἐράπισαν (“then they spat on his face and beat him with their fists, but some slapped him”), is often cited as a direct Matthean parallel where οἱ δὲ distinguishes a subgroup performing a different action. This perspective posits that the narrative here shifts from a general action by the whole group (spitting and beating) to a specific action by a subset (slapping and taunting).

Conversely, arguments for οἱ δὲ referring to the entire group also hold significant weight. A review of Matthew’s usage indicates that in many instances where οἱ δὲ appears pronominally without a subsequent noun or participle, it refers to the entirety of the previously mentioned group, often translated as “and they” or “but they.” The conspicuous absence of τινές, which Matthew readily employs elsewhere to specify “some” (e.g., 27:47; 28:11), is deemed a critical omission if a subgroup were intended. From this viewpoint, the particle δὲ, while signaling distinctiveness or narrative progression, does not intrinsically mandate a shift to a *different* set of individuals. Instead, it could highlight a change in the *nature* of the action or an internal contrast within the same collective (e.g., “they worshiped, but they also doubted”). This interpretation suggests Matthew might be portraying a complex, multifaceted response from all disciples—a blend of reverence and intellectual or emotional struggle with the profound implications of the resurrection. Regarding Matthew 26:67, it is argued that a single “mob” could perform a sequence of varied actions, and the use of οἱ δὲ does not necessitate distinct subgroups for each action, but merely introduces a new, distinctive action attributed to the collective entity. Furthermore, given the broader semantic range of προσκυνέω in antiquity, reverent prostration could plausibly coexist with an internal state of profound uncertainty (διστάζω) concerning the unprecedented event of Jesus’ resurrection and appearance.

The immediate narrative context of Matthew 28:17, where Jesus appears to “the eleven disciples” in Galilee after commanding them to go there (28:16), is crucial. While the text explicitly names “the eleven,” other passages (e.g., 28:10’s reference to “my brothers”) might imply a larger group of followers was also present. If a broader group beyond the eleven apostles was indeed present, οἱ δὲ could theoretically refer to a subgroup within this larger assembly. However, the most direct antecedent remains “the eleven disciples.” The juxtaposition of worship and doubt, regardless of whether it characterizes a subgroup or the entire body, serves as a poignant backdrop for Jesus’ subsequent affirmation of his absolute authority and the Great Commission (28:18-20), which implicitly calls for unwavering conviction.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The exegetical investigation of Matthew 28:17 reveals the nuanced nature of biblical translation, where grammatical options intersect with theological implications. While the traditional translation “some doubted” finds support in the contrastive potential of δὲ and parallels where οἱ δὲ denotes subgroups, the argument for a collective doubt or hesitation among all present disciples cannot be dismissed, especially considering Matthew’s characteristic use of οἱ δὲ and the absence of more explicit subgroup markers like τινές. The context suggests a profound human response to the resurrection, characterized by both deep reverence and intellectual or emotional uncertainty. Ultimately, the choice of translation often reflects a particular interpretive emphasis, but all interpretations acknowledge the complex faith journey of the disciples.

Three possible translations are offered, each reflecting a distinct exegetical nuance:

1. “And when they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.”
   
   This translation adheres to the traditional understanding, emphasizing that while the majority of the disciples (or the larger group) expressed worship, a specific, albeit unspecified, subgroup harbored uncertainty. This highlights a partial rather than universal doubt, aligning with the contrastive potential of δὲ to introduce a distinct set of individuals or a subset of the previously mentioned group.
2. “And when they saw him, they worshiped him; yet they also wavered.”
   
   This translation posits a collective experience where both profound reverence and internal hesitation or uncertainty characterized the entire group of disciples. It acknowledges the nuanced, even paradoxical, human response to the miraculous, where deep awe can coexist with mental struggles regarding the full meaning or implications of the event. The ‘wavering’ implies a state of being of two minds rather than outright disbelief or a clear division within the group.
3. “And when they saw him, they worshiped him; and then they were uncertain.”
   
   This option prioritizes a less contrastive, more continuative function of δὲ, introducing a new characteristic or state of being for the entire group following their act of worship. It avoids explicitly delineating a subgroup and suggests that the uncertainty was a shared experience or a subsequent reflection that emerged after their initial reverent response, focusing on the internal state rather than a division of persons.

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