Matthew 16:13

¶ 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?

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}?

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

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

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

Matthew 16:13 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry, shifting the focus from His miracles and public teachings to a direct confrontation with His identity. This question, posed to His closest followers, serves as a crucial theological and narrative turning point in the Gospels.

Context

Jesus and His disciples have traveled north from Galilee to the region of Caesarea Philippi. This city, named after Caesar Augustus and Herod Philip II, was a center of pagan worship, notably dedicated to the Greek god Pan and the Roman emperor. Its location, far from the Jewish religious centers, provides a stark contrast to the divine revelation Jesus is about to elicit. By withdrawing to this Gentile territory, Jesus creates an intimate setting for a profound discussion about who people believe Him to be, setting the stage for the dramatic confession that follows. This question prepares the disciples for deeper truths about His mission and impending suffering, as recorded later in Matthew 16:21.

Key Themes

  • The Identity of Jesus: The core of the verse is Jesus' direct inquiry into how He is perceived. This question is not born of ignorance but is a pedagogical tool to lead His disciples to a deeper understanding of His true nature.
  • Public Opinion vs. Divine Truth: Jesus first asks about "Whom do men say," highlighting the various popular opinions circulating about Him (e.g., John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets). This contrasts sharply with the subsequent revelation of His true identity by divine insight, not human speculation.
  • Preparation for Revelation: This question acts as a gateway to the crucial confession of Peter in Matthew 16:16, where he declares Jesus to be "the Christ, the Son of the living God." It underscores the importance of a personal and divinely revealed understanding of Jesus.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Son of man" (Greek: ho huios tou anthrōpou) is Jesus' most frequent self-designation in the Gospels. It is a complex title that simultaneously emphasizes His full humanity and His unique divine authority as prophesied in Daniel 7:13-14. In Daniel, the Son of Man is a celestial figure who comes with the clouds of heaven, is given everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom. By using this title, Jesus subtly yet powerfully hints at His humble human experience while also asserting His ultimate heavenly origin and eschatological role as judge and king, a role that transcends mere human prophetic status.

Significance and Application

Matthew 16:13 challenges every reader to consider their own answer to Jesus' question: "Whom do you say that I am?" It reminds us that knowing Jesus goes beyond popular opinion or superficial understanding. True faith involves a personal confession based on divine revelation, acknowledging Him not just as a historical figure or a great teacher, but as the promised Messiah and the Son of God. This verse underscores the importance of a clear and accurate understanding of Jesus' identity as foundational to Christian faith and discipleship, guiding believers to know Him as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 9:18 (18 votes)

    ¶ 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 (18 votes)

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

  • Mark 8:27 (17 votes)

    ¶ 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 (17 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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

  • Matthew 9:6 (7 votes)

    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.