There are several accounts of earthquakes in the Gospels, with the most significant one being the earthquake that occurred during the crucifixion of Jesus. In the Gospel of Luke, an earthquake is also mentioned after Jesus' death, with the centurion who witnessed the crucifixion saying, "Surely this was a righteous man" ([Luke 23:44-47](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/LUK.23.44-47)).
The Gospel of Mark similarly describes an earthquake that occurred when Jesus died, with the curtain of the temple being torn in two from top to bottom ([Mark 15:38](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.15.38)).
According to the Gospel of Matthew, when Jesus died, there was a great earthquake, and the rocks split apart ([Matthew 27:51](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.27.51)) another happened after the resurrection of Jesus, when an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and rolled back the stone that covered the entrance of the tomb ([Matthew 28:2](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.28.2)), this is also the same earthquake that opened the tomb for women.
These earthquakes are significant in the Gospels as they are seen as supernatural events, which reflect the power and majesty of God. The earthquakes that occurred during the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are also seen as symbolic of the transformative nature of his death and resurrection, with the splitting of rocks and tearing of the temple curtain signifying the opening of the way to God for all people.
# Did an earthquake happen?
Some scholars argue that there is no mention of an earthquake in historical records outside of the New Testament and that seismic activity is not usually associated with crucifixions. They argue that the earthquake story is a later addition to the Gospel narratives, added to enhance the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection and to emphasize the idea that these events were of cosmic, rather than just local, significance.
However, it is also worth noting that the absence of specific historical records or scientific data does not necessarily mean that the earthquake did not happen. Historical accounts from the time period are often fragmentary and incomplete, and seismic activity in the region was not well documented at the time.
Here is some records that indicate an earthquake may have happened as recorded in the Gospels.
-[[Thallus On The Earthquake And Eclipse]]
-[[Extra Data On Earthquakes That Happened In 33-34 In The Region]]
-[[Archeologists Find An Early First-Century Earthquake In The Dead Sea (26-36 AD)]]
The Gospels mention several earthquakes, including one that occurred during Jesus' crucifixion, death, and resurrection, which are considered supernatural events symbolizing the transformative power of Jesus' death and resurrection ([Matthew 27:51](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.27.51), [28:2](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.28.2); [Mark 15:38](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.15.38); [Luke 23:44-47](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/LUK.23.44-47)). While some scholars argue that there is no mention of an earthquake in historical records outside the New Testament, there is evidence suggesting that seismic activity occurred during the time period, and NOAA has recorded several earthquakes in Jerusalem and surrounding areas around AD 33-34. Additionally, an investigation published in the International Geology Review found evidence of earthquake activity in the Dead Sea, which is located approximately 13 miles away from where Jesus was crucified.