Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 28:8

"And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word." — Matthew 28:8 (ASV)

With mingled fear and joy, the women run to tell their news to the disciples, when “suddenly” (GK 2627 & 2779) Jesus meets them and greets them with a traditional greeting. The women clasp his feet and “worship” (or “kneel before”; GK 4686) him. The same verb occurs in the only other resurrection appearance (v.17) and encourages the view that the “kneeling” has instinctively become worship .