What Does the Bible Say About Easter? 8 Verses and What Each One Means
The main Easter Bible verses are Matthew 28:5-6, John 11:25, Romans 6:4 and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. Matthew 28:5-6 is the announcement at the empty tomb: "He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said". John 11:25 carries Jesus' claim: "I am the resurrection and the life". Romans 6:4 ties the resurrection to baptism and to walking "in newness of life". 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 is the oldest summary of the Christian message. This page collects 8 Easter Bible verses with the full text, the reference and a one-line explanation for each.
Christian Easter turns on a sentence spoken to frightened women before an empty tomb: "he is not here, for he has risen". Everything else in the Christian faith depends on it — Paul goes as far as saying that without the resurrection the preaching would be in vain. The Gospels tell the morning of the third day from four angles; the letters explain what it means: a living hope, a new life, death without the last word. The verses on this page are for Holy Week, Good Friday, the Sunday service, the Easter card and for anyone who needs to remember that empty tombs are still possible. If you have time, read the four resurrection accounts (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24 and John 20) over the week.
The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.
Matthew 28:5-6Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies.
John 11:25We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
1 Corinthians 15:3-4Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Peter 1:3Becoming terrified, they bowed their faces down to the earth. The men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He isn’t here, but is risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee,
Luke 24:5-6But if the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
Romans 8:11Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
John 20:29
Frequently asked questions
Which verse sums up Easter?
Matthew 28:6: "He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said". 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 sums up the message: Christ died, was buried and rose on the third day.
What should I read on Good Friday?
Isaiah 53, Psalm 22 and the crucifixion account in one of the Gospels (for example, Luke 23). On Sunday, Luke 24 or John 20.
Which verse works on an Easter card?
John 11:25 ("I am the resurrection and the life") and 1 Peter 1:3 ("a living hope") are short and carry the whole message.
See also
Scripture text: World English Bible (WEB), public domain. Prayers, introductions and reflections: original text by this site, not affiliated with any denomination. Devotional content; it does not replace medical, psychological or legal advice.