Mark 1:11

And there came a voice from heaven, [saying], Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

And {G2532} there came {G1096} a voice {G5456} from {G1537} heaven {G3772}, saying, Thou {G4771} art {G1488} my {G3450} beloved {G27} Son {G5207}, in {G1722} whom {G3739} I am well pleased {G2106}.

then a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, whom I love; I am well pleased with you."

And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

and a voice came out of the heavens, Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased.

Commentary

Context

Mark 1:11 immediately follows the account of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. As Jesus emerged from the water, the heavens were torn open and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove. This verse captures the divine utterance that accompanied this pivotal moment, marking the public inauguration of Jesus' earthly ministry. This event is also recorded in the parallel Gospels of Matthew 3:17 and Luke 3:22, emphasizing its profound significance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Affirmation of Jesus' Sonship: The most prominent theme is God the Father's direct, audible declaration of Jesus' unique identity. The phrase "Thou art my beloved Son" unequivocally establishes Jesus' divine nature and His special relationship with God. This is foundational to Christian understanding of Jesus' eternal Sonship.
  • God's Perfect Pleasure and Approval: The statement "in whom I am well pleased" signifies God's complete delight and approval of Jesus. This approval is not based on future actions but on Jesus' inherent nature and His perfect willingness to fulfill the Father's will, even before His public ministry began. It echoes the prophetic declaration from Isaiah 42:1 concerning God's chosen servant.
  • Messianic Inauguration: This heavenly voice serves as a divine endorsement of Jesus as the Messiah, setting Him apart for His redemptive mission. It's a public announcement of His authority and purpose.
  • Trinitarian Presence: While not explicitly stated as "Trinity," the scene implicitly reveals the presence of all three persons of the Godhead: God the Father (the voice), God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit (descending like a dove).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "beloved Son" is huios agapetos (υἱός ἀγαπητός). The term agapetos (beloved) often carries the connotation of "only" or "unique," as in the Septuagint's use of the word for Isaac, Abraham's "only beloved son" (Genesis 22:2). This emphasizes Jesus' unique and incomparable relationship with the Father. The phrase "I am well pleased" comes from the Greek verb eudokeo (εὐδοκέω), which means to "think well of," "be pleased with," or "delight in." It expresses the Father's deepest satisfaction and endorsement.

Significance and Application

Mark 1:11 is a cornerstone verse affirming the divine identity of Jesus Christ. For believers, it serves as a powerful reminder of who Jesus is: not just a prophet or a good teacher, but the very Son of God, fully approved by the Father. This divine affirmation provides the foundation for our faith and trust in His authority and His mission. While we are not sons in the same unique sense as Jesus, believers are adopted as children of God through faith in Christ, and God takes pleasure in our obedience and relationship with Him. This verse also foreshadows future moments of divine affirmation, such as the Mount of Transfiguration, where the Father's voice again confirms Jesus' identity. It encourages us to find our identity and purpose in God's approval, just as Christ's perfect obedience brought Him the Father's pleasure.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 42:1 (13 votes)

    ¶ Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, [in whom] my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

  • Mark 9:7 (10 votes)

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

  • Matthew 3:17 (8 votes)

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

  • Psalms 2:7 (7 votes)

    ¶ I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

  • 2 Peter 1:17 (4 votes)

    For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

  • 2 Peter 1:18 (4 votes)

    And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

  • Colossians 1:13 (4 votes)

    Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son: