Luke 9:35

KJV

And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} there came {G1096} a voice {G5456} out of {G1537} the cloud {G3507}, saying {G3004}, This {G3778} is {G2076} my {G3450} beloved {G27} Son {G5207}: hear {G191} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to him!”

Berean Standard Bible

And a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to Him!”

American Standard Version

And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my Son, my chosen: hear ye him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:35 captures the pivotal moment of Jesus's Transfiguration, where a divine voice from a radiant cloud unequivocally declares Him to be God's "beloved Son" and issues the command to "hear him." This profound revelation, witnessed by Peter, James, and John, serves as a powerful affirmation of Jesus's unique identity, supreme authority, and His role as the ultimate revelation of God's will, surpassing even the esteemed figures of the Law and the Prophets.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of the Transfiguration narrative in [Luke 9:28-36](/luke/9-28-36 "Luke 9:28-36 - The Transfiguration"). It immediately follows Jesus's prayer on the mountain with Peter, James, and John, during which His appearance is transformed, and Moses and Elijah appear to speak with Him about His "departure" (ἔξοδος, _exodos_), referring to His impending death and resurrection in Jerusalem. Peter's impulsive suggestion to build three tents is then interrupted by the overshadowing cloud and the divine voice. This event is strategically placed after Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ ([Luke 9:20](/luke/9-20 "Luke 9:20 - Peter's Confession")) and Jesus's first prediction of His suffering and call to discipleship ([Luke 9:22-27](/luke/9-22-27 "Luke 9:22-27 - Jesus Predicts His Death and Calls to Discipleship")), serving as a divine validation of His Messiahship and the necessity of His suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of a high mountain is significant, often associated with divine encounters and revelations in biblical tradition (e.g., Mount Sinai for Moses). The appearance of Moses and Elijah is highly symbolic, representing the Law and the Prophets, the two pillars of Old Testament revelation. For Jewish listeners, the command to "hear him" would resonate deeply with [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses"), where Moses prophesied that God would raise up a prophet "from among you, from your brothers, like me—you shall listen to him." This context would immediately signal Jesus's role as the fulfillment of this prophecy, establishing His authority as superior to all previous prophets and even the Law itself. The cloud, reminiscent of the _Shekinah_ glory in the Old Testament ([Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of God Fills the Tabernacle")), signifies God's direct presence and approval.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is the **Divine Affirmation of Jesus's Sonship and Authority**. The voice from the cloud echoes the declaration at Jesus's baptism ([Luke 3:22](/luke/3-22 "Luke 3:22 - Jesus's Baptism")), definitively establishing Jesus's unique relationship with God the Father as "beloved Son." This is not merely an adoption but a declaration of His intrinsic divine identity. Coupled with this is the theme of **Jesus's Supremacy over the Old Covenant**. By commanding the disciples to "hear him" in the presence of Moses and Elijah, God elevates Jesus's teachings and person above the foundational figures of Israel's faith, signifying that Jesus is the ultimate and final revelation of God's will, the one to whom all previous revelation points. This event also highlights the theme of **Divine Glory and Presence**, as the cloud and voice manifest God's active involvement and validation of Jesus's mission and identity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **voice (Greek, _phōnḗ_):** This word refers to an articulate sound, a tone, or language. In this context, it signifies a direct, audible communication from God, emphasizing the clarity and unmistakable nature of the divine pronouncement. It's not a mere whisper or internal thought, but a distinct voice that demands attention and conveys authority.
* **beloved (Greek, _agapētós_):** Derived from _agapaō_ (to love), this term describes someone who is dearly loved, cherished, and unique. Applied to Jesus, it underscores the deep, intimate, and exclusive relationship between the Father and the Son. It implies not just affection, but a special, chosen status, signifying Jesus's unique divine nature and His singular position in God's plan.
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō_):** While literally meaning "to hear with the ears," this verb carries a much deeper theological weight here. It implies attentive listening, understanding, and, crucially, obedience. The command is not merely to perceive sound but to heed, to obey, and to align one's life with the teachings and authority of the one being heard. It is a directive to submit to Jesus's words as ultimate truth and guidance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there came a voice out of the cloud":** This clause sets the scene for a **theophany**, a visible manifestation of God. The "cloud" is a recurring biblical motif for God's presence, often associated with His glory (the _Shekinah_). The voice emanating from it signifies a direct, supernatural communication from the divine realm, underscoring the extraordinary nature of the event and the ultimate source of the declaration.
* **"saying, This is my beloved Son":** This is the core divine declaration. The demonstrative "This" (οὗτος, _houtos_) points directly to Jesus, unequivocally identifying Him. The phrase "my beloved Son" is a profound theological statement, affirming Jesus's unique identity, His intimate relationship with God the Father, and His divine nature. It echoes the declaration at Jesus's baptism and serves as a direct endorsement of His Messiahship and divine Sonship.
* **"hear him.":** This is the divine imperative, a direct command to the disciples and, by extension, to all who would follow Christ. In the context of Moses and Elijah's presence, this command elevates Jesus's authority above all previous prophets and the Law itself. It is a call to attentive listening, understanding, and obedience to Jesus's teachings, recognizing Him as the ultimate revelation of God's will and the final authority.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 9:35 is rich with significant literary devices that amplify its theological weight. **Theophany** is central, as the voice from the cloud represents a direct manifestation of God's presence and intervention in human affairs. The **Symbolism** of the cloud itself is potent, recalling the pillar of cloud that guided Israel in the wilderness and filled the Tabernacle and Temple, signifying God's _Shekinah_ glory and presence. The appearance of Moses and Elijah, representing the **Law and the Prophets**, creates a powerful literary backdrop against which Jesus's supremacy is established. The verse also employs **Divine Pronouncement**, a direct utterance from God that carries ultimate authority and truth, serving to confirm Jesus's identity and mission. The imperative "hear him" functions as a **Climax** to the Transfiguration event, providing the ultimate interpretive key for the disciples and for readers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:35 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the person and work of Jesus Christ. It unequivocally affirms His divine Sonship and supreme authority, establishing Him as the ultimate revelation of God. The Father's command to "hear him" signifies that Jesus is the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies and the final mediator of the new covenant. This divine endorsement elevates Jesus's teachings above all others, making His words the ultimate standard for truth and life. The Transfiguration, culminating in this declaration, serves as a glimpse into Jesus's divine glory and foreshadows His ultimate triumph over death, validating His suffering as part of God's redemptive plan.

* [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Transfiguration")
* [Mark 9:7](/mark/9-7 "Mark 9:7 - The Transfiguration")
* [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine command to "hear him" in Luke 9:35 transcends its immediate context and serves as a timeless directive for all believers. In a world saturated with competing voices, philosophies, and distractions, this verse calls us back to the singular, authoritative voice of Jesus Christ. To "hear him" means more than passive listening; it demands active attention, deep understanding, and, most importantly, obedient application of His teachings to our lives. It implies prioritizing His Word as the ultimate source of truth, trusting His wisdom and guidance above our own, and allowing His principles to shape our decisions, relationships, and worldview. Embracing this command leads to a life aligned with God's will, rooted in the divine authority of His beloved Son, and empowered to live out the transformative principles of the Kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you struggling to "hear him" – to truly listen to and obey Jesus's teachings?**
* **How does recognizing Jesus as God's "beloved Son" impact your trust in His authority and His plan for your life?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to more intentionally prioritize Jesus's voice above other influences in your life?**

### FAQ
**Why is it significant that Moses and Elijah were present during this declaration?**

Answer: The presence of Moses and Elijah is highly significant because they represent the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah), the two foundational pillars of Old Testament revelation. By having God declare Jesus as "my beloved Son" and commanding the disciples to "hear him" in their presence, it signifies that Jesus is the fulfillment and culmination of all that the Law and the Prophets pointed to. He is not merely another prophet or lawgiver, but the ultimate authority and the final revelation of God's will, surpassing even these revered figures. This visual and auditory confirmation establishes Jesus's unique supremacy and His role as the mediator of a new covenant, as foretold in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:35 stands as a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, revealing Jesus as the ultimate and final Word of God to humanity. The divine declaration, "This is my beloved Son: hear him," directly echoes the Father's affirmation at Jesus's baptism ([Luke 3:22](/luke/3-22 "Luke 3:22 - Jesus's Baptism")), but here, it is given in the presence of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah), signifying Jesus's supremacy over the entire Old Covenant. He is the Prophet like Moses whom Israel was commanded to hear ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses")), the one to whom all previous revelation pointed. The command to "hear him" foreshadows Jesus's role as the divine teacher and the source of eternal life, whose words are spirit and life ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Eternal Life")). He is the one through whom God has spoken in these last days ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")), the very embodiment of truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and the Shepherd whose voice His sheep know and follow ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). Thus, the Transfiguration is not merely a display of glory but a divine commissioning, affirming Jesus's unique identity as the Son and His ultimate authority as the one to whom all humanity must listen for salvation and life.

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

Luke 3:22

And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

Matthew 3:17

And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Acts 3:22

For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

Acts 3:23

And it shall come to pass, [that] every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

Hebrews 5:9

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Deuteronomy 18:18

I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

Deuteronomy 18:19

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require [it] of him.