Luke 9:20

KJV

He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} He said {G2036} unto them {G846}, But {G1161} whom {G5101} say {G3004} ye {G5210} that I {G3165} am {G1511}?{G1161} Peter {G4074} answering {G611} said {G2036}, The Christ {G5547} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“But you,” he said to them, “who do you say I am?” Kefa answered, “The Mashiach of God!”

Berean Standard Bible

“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, But who say ye that I am? And Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:20 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry where He redirects the conversation from public speculation about His identity to a direct, personal inquiry of His closest disciples: "But whom say ye that I am?" Peter, acting as the spokesperson for the group, delivers the profound and divinely inspired confession, "The Christ of God," thereby articulating the essential truth of Jesus' messianic identity as the divinely appointed Anointed One.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This profound exchange immediately follows Jesus' inquiry about public opinion regarding His identity, where the disciples report various perceptions such as John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the ancient prophets ([Luke 9:18-19](/luke/9-18-19 "Public Opinion of Jesus")). The shift in verse 20 from "whom do the crowds say that I am?" to "whom say *ye* that I am?" marks a crucial transition from general knowledge to personal conviction, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent teachings on His impending suffering, death, and resurrection, and the radical call to discipleship found in [Luke 9:22-27](/luke/9-22-27 "Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection, and the Cost of Discipleship"). This confession is a theological cornerstone, paralleled in [Matthew 16:13-20](/matthew/16-13-20 "Peter's Confession and Jesus' Response") and [Mark 8:27-30](/mark/8-27-30 "Peter's Confession in Mark").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The title "Christ" (Greek for "Anointed One") was deeply significant within first-century Judaism, carrying rich messianic expectations. For centuries, the Jewish people had longed for the Messiah, a divinely chosen deliverer who would restore Israel's fortunes, establish God's kingdom, and fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament. However, these expectations were often politically charged, envisioning a military or nationalistic leader who would overthrow Roman oppression. Peter's confession, "The Christ of God," while affirming Jesus' messianic role, would soon be recontextualized by Jesus Himself to include suffering and sacrifice, challenging the popular understanding of the Messiah's mission.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **True Identity of Jesus**, revealing Him as the long-awaited Messiah, the Anointed One sent by God. This is not a human insight but a divine revelation, as affirmed in the parallel account in [Matthew 16:17](/matthew/16-17 "Jesus Blesses Peter's Confession"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Messianic Expectation vs. Reality**, as Peter's confession sets up Jesus' immediate correction regarding the suffering nature of His messiahship ([Luke 9:22](/luke/9-22 "Jesus Foretells His Death")). Finally, it lays the **Foundation for Discipleship**, as a correct understanding of Jesus' identity is prerequisite for following Him, particularly in light of His call to self-denial and cross-bearing found in [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "The Call to Take Up the Cross").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Christ (Greek, _Christos_):** This title (G5547) is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah" (Mashiach), meaning "Anointed One." In ancient Israel, kings, priests, and sometimes prophets were anointed with oil as a sign of their divine appointment and empowerment. Peter's declaration identifies Jesus as the ultimate Anointed One, chosen by God to fulfill all the messianic prophecies and roles—King, Priest, and Prophet—and to establish God's eternal kingdom.
* **God (Greek, _theós_):** The term (G2316) refers to the supreme Divinity. The phrase "of God" in Peter's confession is crucial, emphasizing that Jesus' messianic identity and anointing are not of human origin or political aspiration, but are divinely ordained, empowered, and sanctioned by the Almighty Father. This underscores the unique and authoritative nature of Jesus' person and mission.
* **say (Greek, _légō_):** This verb (G3004) implies a systematic or set discourse, a deliberate articulation, rather than a casual utterance. When Jesus asks, "whom say ye," He is not seeking a mere opinion but a definitive, confessed understanding of His identity, requiring a profound and personal commitment from His disciples.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He said unto them, 'But whom say ye that I am?'":** Jesus' question marks a profound shift from the general public's varied opinions to a direct, personal challenge to His disciples. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) highlights this contrast, demanding a deeper, more intimate understanding from those who had been with Him, witnessed His miracles, and heard His teachings. This question forces them to articulate their personal conviction, moving beyond hearsay to a confession of faith.
* **"Peter answering said,":** Peter, consistently portrayed as a prominent and often outspoken figure among the Twelve, steps forward to respond. His "answering" (G611, _apokrínomai_) indicates a decisive and perhaps Spirit-prompted reply to the weighty question posed by Jesus, serving as the voice for the disciples' emerging understanding.
* **"The Christ of God.":** This is Peter's climactic confession. It is a concise yet profound theological statement, identifying Jesus as the divinely appointed Messiah, the Anointed One who originates from and is sanctioned by God Himself. This declaration is the bedrock upon which Christian understanding of Jesus' identity is built, acknowledging His unique role as Savior and Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 9:20 employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is **Interrogation**, as Jesus poses a direct, probing question that demands a personal and definitive response from His disciples, shifting the focus from external perception to internal conviction. This leads directly to **Confession**, as Peter articulates a foundational truth about Jesus' identity. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between the public's diverse, often incomplete, understanding of Jesus (as a prophet or John the Baptist) and the disciples' Spirit-revealed recognition of Him as "The Christ of God." Furthermore, this moment serves as **Foreshadowing**, as Peter's confession of Jesus' messianic identity immediately precedes Jesus' first clear prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection, setting up the paradox of a suffering Messiah that would challenge His disciples' preconceived notions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Peter's confession in Luke 9:20 is a theological watershed, foundational to the Christian understanding of Jesus' person and work. It affirms Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the Anointed One, whose authority and mission are divinely sanctioned. This confession moves beyond mere human observation to a Spirit-revealed truth, establishing the essential identity of Jesus as not just a great teacher or prophet, but the very Christ of God, the one chosen to redeem humanity. This understanding is the bedrock upon which all subsequent Christian doctrine and discipleship are built, emphasizing that true faith begins with a correct and personal identification of who Jesus truly is.

* [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Peter's Confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God")
* [John 6:68-69](/john/6-68-69 "Peter's Confession of Jesus as the Holy One of God")
* [1 John 4:15](/1_john/4-15 "Confessing Jesus as the Son of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:20 challenges every believer to move beyond a superficial or inherited understanding of Jesus to a deeply personal, Spirit-revealed conviction of His true identity. Just as Jesus pressed His disciples for their personal confession, so too are we called to articulate whom we say He is. Do we see Him merely as a historical figure, a moral example, or a good teacher? Or do we, like Peter, recognize Him as "The Christ of God"—the divinely appointed Savior, Lord, and Anointed King? This personal confession is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative recognition that shapes our entire worldview, our priorities, and our willingness to follow Him, even when His path leads through suffering and self-denial. It calls us to align our lives with the one who is truly God's Anointed, trusting in His authority and embracing His mission for our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal understanding of Jesus' identity compare to popular cultural views of Him?**
* **In what ways does my daily life demonstrate my confession that Jesus is "The Christ of God"?**
* **What might it mean for me to "take up my cross daily" in light of Jesus' true identity and mission?**
* **How can I deepen my personal, Spirit-revealed conviction of who Jesus is?**

### FAQ
**Why is Peter's confession, "The Christ of God," so significant?**

Answer: Peter's confession is profoundly significant because it marks a pivotal moment of divine revelation and human recognition in Jesus' ministry. It is the first explicit declaration by a disciple of Jesus' true identity as the Messiah (Christ), not merely a prophet or a good man. As the parallel account in [Matthew 16:17](/matthew/16-17 "Jesus' Blessing on Peter's Confession") indicates, this understanding was not from human insight but from divine revelation ("flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven"). This confession forms the theological bedrock for understanding Jesus' subsequent teachings, His mission, and the very foundation of the Christian faith and the Church. It clarifies that Jesus is the divinely appointed Anointed One, sent by God to fulfill His redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Peter's confession, "The Christ of God," stands as a monumental declaration of Jesus' Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and God's redemptive plan. Jesus is not merely *a* messiah, but *the* Christ of God, the unique Anointed One foretold by the prophets to be King, Priest, and Prophet. He is the one through whom God would establish His eternal kingdom, not through political might, but through self-sacrificial love. Peter's confession foreshadows the ultimate revelation of Jesus' identity through His death, resurrection, and ascension, confirming Him as both Lord and Christ ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Peter's Sermon: Jesus is Lord and Christ")). The New Testament continually unpacks this fulfillment, presenting Jesus as the one who perfectly embodies the divine anointing to accomplish salvation ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "God Speaks Through His Son")), to reign eternally ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord and of His Christ")), and to intercede for His people ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Jesus Always Lives to Make Intercession")). Thus, Peter's simple yet profound statement encapsulates the very essence of the Gospel: Jesus is the Christ, God's chosen deliverer, whose life, death, and resurrection bring about the fulfillment of all God's promises.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 16:15

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

Matthew 16:17

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

John 4:29

Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

John 7:41

Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?

John 6:68

Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

John 6:69

And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

Acts 17:3

Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.