Matthew 16:13

KJV

¶ When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G1161} Jesus {G2424} came {G2064} into {G1519} the coasts {G3313} of Caesarea {G2542} Philippi {G5376}, he asked {G2065} his {G846} disciples {G3101}, saying {G3004}, Whom {G5101} do men {G444} say {G3004} that I {G3165} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} am {G1511}?

Complete Jewish Bible

When Yeshua came into the territory around Caesarea Philippi, he asked his talmidim, "Who are people saying the Son of Man is?"

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He questioned His disciples: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

American Standard Version

Now when Jesus came into the parts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of man is?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 16:13 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus’ earthly ministry, as He shifts the focus from His public teachings and miraculous works to a direct, probing inquiry into His identity. Posed to His closest disciples in the pagan region of Caesarea Philippi, this question serves as a crucial theological and narrative turning point, designed to elicit a profound confession of faith and prepare His followers for the deeper truths of His messianic mission, including His impending suffering and resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a series of encounters where Jesus challenges the Pharisees and Sadducees, who demand a sign from heaven but fail to discern the "signs of the times" ([Matthew 16:1-4](/matthew/16-1-4 "The Pharisees and Sadducees Demand a Sign")). Jesus then warns His disciples against the "leaven" (teaching) of these religious leaders ([Matthew 16:5-12](/matthew/16-5-12 "Warning Against the Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees")), highlighting their spiritual blindness. The journey to Caesarea Philippi, therefore, represents a strategic withdrawal from the hostile religious climate of Galilee, creating a private and intimate setting for a critical conversation about Jesus' true nature, culminating in Peter's confession in [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Peter's Confession of Jesus as the Christ"). This dialogue sets the stage for Jesus' first explicit prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection, which immediately follows in [Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Caesarea Philippi, originally known as Paneas, was a city of significant pagan worship, notably dedicated to the Greek god Pan and later re-named by Herod Philip II in honor of Caesar Augustus and himself. It stood in stark contrast to the Jewish religious centers, being a hub of Roman imperial cult and Hellenistic idolatry. The presence of numerous shrines to pagan deities and the grandeur of Roman power would have been palpable. By withdrawing to this Gentile territory, far from the Jewish religious establishment, Jesus intentionally creates a backdrop where human speculation and worldly power are juxtaposed against divine revelation. This setting underscores that the revelation of His identity as the Christ is not dependent on Jewish religious consensus or Roman political authority, but on a spiritual understanding divinely granted.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme emerging from [Matthew 16:13](/matthew/16-13 "Jesus Asks About His Identity") is the **Identity of Jesus**. Jesus' direct inquiry, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?", is not born of ignorance but serves as a pedagogical tool to lead His disciples to a deeper, personal understanding of His true nature. This question highlights the stark contrast between **Public Opinion vs. Divine Truth**. Jesus first asks about the various popular opinions circulating about Him (e.g., John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets), demonstrating the inadequacy of human speculation. This sets the stage for the subsequent revelation of His true identity, which only comes through divine insight, not human reasoning. Thus, the verse also emphasizes **Preparation for Revelation**, acting as a gateway to Peter's crucial confession in [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Peter's Confession of Jesus as the Christ"), where he declares Jesus to be "the Christ, the Son of the living God." This underscores the critical importance of a personal, divinely revealed understanding of Jesus as foundational to authentic faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **asked (Greek, _erōtáō'_):** From G2065, meaning "to interrogate; by implication, to request." Jesus' "asking" here is not a casual inquiry but a deliberate, interrogative act designed to elicit a specific response. It implies a pedagogical purpose, leading His disciples to a deeper truth rather than merely seeking information He does not possess.
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** From G444, meaning "a human being." This word is crucial in the composite title "Son of man." It emphasizes Jesus' full humanity, His identification with the human race, and His shared experience of human existence, setting the stage for His role as a compassionate High Priest.
* **Son (Greek, _huiós'_):** From G5207, meaning "a 'son' (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship." In the title "Son of man," "Son" signifies a unique relationship and identity. When combined with "man," it points not merely to a human offspring but to a specific, divinely appointed figure, particularly as prophesied in Daniel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi":** This clause sets the scene geographically and chronologically. The journey to the "coasts" (Greek, `méros`, meaning "division or share," here referring to the region or district) of Caesarea Philippi signifies a deliberate withdrawal from the more populated Jewish areas. This remote, pagan region provides a private, contemplative space, away from the crowds and the hostile religious authorities, allowing for an intimate and profound discussion with His disciples.
* **"he asked his disciples, saying":** This phrase highlights Jesus' initiative in posing the question. It underscores His role as the teacher and leader, guiding His disciples' understanding. The act of "asking" is a pedagogical strategy, inviting active participation and reflection from His followers rather than simply delivering a pronouncement.
* **"Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?":** This is the core of the verse, a direct and penetrating question about Jesus' identity. By first asking about "men" (Greek, `ánthrōpos`, referring to humanity in general), Jesus probes the popular opinions and common perceptions of Himself. The use of "I the Son of man" is Jesus' preferred self-designation, a title rich in Old Testament prophecy, particularly from [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "The Son of Man in Daniel's Vision"), which simultaneously asserts His full humanity and His unique, divinely appointed, and eschatological authority. This question is designed to distinguish between superficial, human-derived understanding and a deeper, divinely revealed truth.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 16:13 employs several key literary devices. The most prominent is **Interrogative Rhetoric**, as Jesus uses a direct question to provoke thought and elicit a crucial confession from His disciples. This is not a question born of ignorance but a strategic pedagogical tool to guide them to a deeper understanding. The **Setting** in Caesarea Philippi is highly symbolic; placing this pivotal conversation in a pagan territory, far from the religious centers of Judaism, underscores that the revelation of Jesus' true identity transcends cultural and religious boundaries, pointing to its universal significance. Furthermore, Jesus' self-designation as the **"Son of Man"** is a profound literary and theological choice. This title, while emphasizing His humanity, simultaneously alludes to the celestial, authoritative figure prophesied in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "The Son of Man in Daniel's Vision"), creating a powerful juxtaposition of humility and divine authority. This use of a loaded title invites the audience to consider the full scope of His identity beyond mere human perception.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 16:13 is a foundational text for understanding the person of Jesus Christ. It initiates a critical theological inquiry into His identity, moving beyond His actions (miracles, teachings) to His very being. The question "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" sets up the crucial distinction between popular opinion and divinely revealed truth. Theologically, it underscores that true knowledge of Christ is not based on human speculation or consensus, but on a spiritual revelation from God, as affirmed by Peter's confession in the subsequent verses. This passage highlights the unique nature of Jesus as both fully human ("Son of Man") and ultimately divine, preparing the disciples for the profound implications of His messianic mission, including His suffering and glorification.

* [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Peter's Confession of Jesus as the Christ")
* [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "The Son of Man in Daniel's Vision")
* [Mark 8:27-29](/mark/8-27-29 "Jesus Asks About His Identity in Mark")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 16:13 serves as a timeless challenge to every individual, inviting us to personally answer Jesus' profound question: "Whom do you say that I am?" In an age saturated with diverse opinions and interpretations, this verse calls us to move beyond popular perceptions, cultural portrayals, or even inherited beliefs, and to seek a personal, divinely revealed understanding of Jesus. True discipleship begins with a clear and accurate confession of who Jesus is—not merely a historical figure, a good teacher, or a moral example, but the Christ, the Son of the living God. This foundational truth shapes our worship, our ethics, and our entire worldview, compelling us to live in light of His supreme authority and saving grace. Our response to this question determines the very nature of our faith and our relationship with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the common perceptions of Jesus in our culture today, and how do they compare to His self-revelation in Scripture?**
* **Beyond intellectual assent, what does it mean for *me* to say that Jesus is "the Son of Man" and "the Christ, the Son of the living God"?**
* **How does my understanding of Jesus' identity impact my daily life, decisions, and interactions with others?**
* **In what ways might I be relying on human opinion or superficial understanding rather than seeking a deeper, divinely revealed knowledge of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus ask this question in Caesarea Philippi, a pagan area?**

Answer: Jesus' choice of Caesarea Philippi was highly intentional. This region was a center of pagan worship and Roman imperial cult, far removed from the Jewish religious centers. By asking about His identity in such a setting, Jesus highlighted that His true nature and authority transcended the confines of Jewish expectations or human political power. It underscored that His identity as the Christ was a universal truth, not limited by geographical or cultural boundaries, and that divine revelation was distinct from worldly opinion. This intimate setting also provided a private space for His disciples to grapple with profound truths away from the scrutinizing eyes of religious authorities.

**What is the significance of Jesus referring to Himself as "the Son of Man"?**

Answer: "The Son of Man" is Jesus' most frequent self-designation in the Gospels, and it is a title rich with theological significance. While it clearly emphasizes His genuine humanity and His solidarity with humankind, it also carries profound connotations from the Old Testament, particularly from [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "The Son of Man in Daniel's Vision"). In Daniel's vision, the "Son of Man" is a celestial, divine figure who comes with the clouds of heaven, is given everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will never be destroyed. By using this title, Jesus subtly yet powerfully asserted His unique divine authority, His heavenly origin, and His future role as judge and king, transcending the popular understanding of a mere prophet or human leader.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 16:13, with Jesus' pivotal question, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's comprehensive revelation of Jesus as the incarnate Son of God, the promised Messiah, and the ultimate Lord. The question "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" sets the stage for Peter's Spirit-revealed confession, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" ([Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Peter's Confession of Jesus as the Christ")), which is the cornerstone of Christian faith. This confession underscores that Jesus, the "Son of Man" who walked among us in full humanity, is also the eternal Word who was "with God and was God" ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "The Word Was God")). His identity is not merely that of a prophet or a wise teacher, but the very embodiment of God's redemptive plan, the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Christ as Creator and Head of the Church")). His question compels us to acknowledge Him as the one who perfectly reveals the Father ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "Jesus: He Who Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father")), the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God")), and the resurrected Lord who holds "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "The Great Commission")). Ultimately, Jesus' question in Caesarea Philippi points to the climactic truth that He is the unique bridge between God and humanity, the only "way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus as the Way, Truth, and Life")), through whom eternal life is found.

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 9:18

¶ And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

Luke 9:20

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

Mark 8:27

¶ And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?

Mark 8:29

And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.

Daniel 7:13

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, [one] like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

John 5:27

And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

Matthew 9:6

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.