Matthew 16:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

He saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, But {G1161} whom {G5101} say {G3004} ye {G5210} that I {G3165} am {G1511}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"But you," he said to them, "who do you say I am?"

Berean Standard Bible

“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 16:15 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, shifting the focus from public speculation about His identity to a direct, personal inquiry of His disciples. Following their report of various popular opinions, Jesus presses His closest followers to articulate their own conviction regarding who He truly is, thereby setting the stage for Peter's foundational confession and revealing the necessity of personal faith in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of Matthew's Gospel, immediately following Jesus' inquiry about public opinion regarding His identity in [Matthew 16:13](/matthew/16-13 "Matthew 16:13 - Jesus Asks About Public Opinion"). The disciples have just reported that some believe Jesus to be John the Baptist, Elijah, or Jeremiah, highlighting the diverse but ultimately incomplete understanding of the crowds. Jesus' subsequent question serves as a crucial turning point, narrowing the scope from general perception to the specific, personal conviction of those who have intimately walked with Him. This direct challenge to His disciples directly precedes Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, in [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession of Christ"), which then becomes the bedrock for Jesus' declaration about building His Church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this profound exchange is Caesarea Philippi, a region at the northernmost point of Jesus' ministry, far from the Jewish religious centers of Jerusalem and Galilee. This location, dominated by a massive rock face and pagan shrines dedicated to Pan and Caesar, provided a stark backdrop for a discussion about divine identity. It was a place where various gods and rulers were worshipped, making Jesus' question about His own unique identity all the more significant. Culturally, the Jewish people were deeply steeped in messianic expectation, but their understanding of the Messiah was often tied to a political deliverer rather than a suffering servant. Jesus' question forces His disciples to confront their own preconceived notions and articulate a belief that transcends popular or nationalistic expectations.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 16:15 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader New Testament. Foremost among these is the **Identity of Jesus**, moving beyond superficial understanding to demand a profound, personal revelation of who He is. This verse also underscores the theme of **Discipleship and Personal Conviction**, emphasizing that true faith requires more than intellectual assent; it necessitates a heartfelt declaration of allegiance. It highlights the distinction between popular opinion and divine truth, preparing the disciples for their future mission built upon the correct understanding of Christ's nature. This moment also foreshadows the **Foundation of the Church**, as Peter's subsequent confession, prompted by this very question, is declared by Jesus to be the rock upon which His Church will be built, as seen in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter, the Rock, and the Church"). The question itself is a call to **Spiritual Discernment**, urging the disciples to look beyond outward appearances and grasp the spiritual reality of Jesus' divine sonship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **whom (Greek, _tís'_):** This interrogative pronoun (G5101) directly asks for the *identity* or *nature* of the person in question. It is not merely asking for a name, but for the essence of who Jesus is. By using "whom," Jesus demands a qualitative answer that transcends simple recognition, probing the disciples' understanding of His unique person and role.
* **say (Greek, _légō'_):** The verb "say" (G3004) implies a deliberate, articulate declaration, often in the context of systematic or set discourse. It's not a casual remark but a considered statement. Jesus is not asking for a fleeting thought but a confessed belief, a verbalization of their deepest conviction about Him.
* **ye (Greek, _hymeîs'_):** This emphatic second-person plural pronoun (G5210) is strategically placed in the Greek text to highlight the contrast between "men" (the general public mentioned in verse 13) and "you" (His disciples). The question is intensely personal and collective, demanding a response from those who have been uniquely privileged to witness His life, teachings, and miracles. It underscores their personal accountability and the unique revelation they have received.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He saith unto them,"**: This opening phrase establishes Jesus as the initiator of the conversation, directing His question specifically to His inner circle of disciples. It signifies a deliberate and intentional shift in the discourse, moving from a general inquiry about public opinion to a targeted challenge for His followers.
* **"But whom say ye"**: The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a sharp contrast, pivoting from the previous discussion about what *others* say to what *they themselves* believe. The emphasis on "ye" (ὑμεῖς, _hymeîs_) is crucial, highlighting the personal and collective responsibility of the disciples to articulate their own conviction. Jesus is demanding a personal confession, not a recitation of popular views.
* **"that I am?"**: This concluding phrase directly addresses Jesus' own identity, using the verb "am" (εἶναι, _eînai_, G1511), which carries connotations of existence and being. The question is not about what He *does* or what He *appears* to be, but about His fundamental nature and essence. It is the ultimate question of self-identification, inviting the disciples to acknowledge His true, divine self.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Interrogation** is central, as Jesus poses a direct, probing question that demands a definitive answer. This is not a rhetorical question but one designed to elicit a profound confession of faith. The use of the adversative particle "But" (G1161, _dé_) creates a strong **Contrast**, sharply distinguishing the disciples' personal conviction from the general public's varied opinions. This contrast highlights the unique position and responsibility of those who follow Jesus closely. Furthermore, the emphatic placement of the pronoun "ye" (ὑμεῖς, _hymeîs_) in the original Greek demonstrates **Emphasis**, underscoring the personal and collective nature of the question for the disciples. This emphasis makes it clear that Jesus is calling for a deeply personal and committed declaration of faith from His inner circle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 16:15 stands as a theological watershed, asserting that the core of Christian faith is a personal, Spirit-revealed understanding of Jesus' true identity. It moves beyond mere historical acknowledgment or intellectual assent to a demand for heartfelt conviction. This question is foundational because one's answer to "Who is Jesus?" dictates the nature of their relationship with God, their understanding of salvation, and their purpose in life. It underscores that true discipleship is built not on popular opinion or human wisdom, but on a divine revelation of Christ as the Son of God and Messiah. This personal confession is the bedrock upon which the Church is built and the means by which individuals enter into a saving relationship with God.

* [John 6:67-69](/john/6-67-69 "John 6:67-69 - Peter's Confession After Many Leave")
* [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief for Salvation")
* [1 John 4:15](/1_john/4-15 "1 John 4:15 - Confessing Jesus as the Son of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' direct question to His disciples in Matthew 16:15 transcends time and culture, remaining acutely relevant for every individual today. It challenges us to move beyond inherited beliefs, cultural Christianity, or what others tell us about Jesus, and to confront the question of His identity personally. This is not a theoretical exercise but a call to deep self-examination and a definitive, heartfelt declaration of faith. Our answer to "Who do *you* say that I am?" shapes our entire worldview, our values, our priorities, and the authority we grant Jesus in our lives. It compels us to assess whether our faith is merely intellectual assent or a living, transformative relationship with the Son of God. Answering this question honestly and profoundly is the starting point for genuine discipleship, leading to a deeper commitment and a life lived in accordance with His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Beyond what others say, who do *you* personally believe Jesus to be?**
* **How does your answer to Jesus' question influence your daily decisions and priorities?**
* **What steps can you take to deepen your personal understanding and conviction of who Jesus is?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus ask this question to His disciples after asking about public opinion?**

Answer: Jesus first asked about public opinion in [Matthew 16:13](/matthew/16-13 "Matthew 16:13 - Jesus Asks About Public Opinion") to establish a baseline of understanding and to highlight the inadequacy of popular perceptions. While the crowds saw Him as a prophet, they missed His true divine identity. By immediately following up with "But whom say *ye* that I am?", Jesus shifted the focus to His closest followers. He needed to ensure that those who would carry on His mission had a personal, accurate, and divinely revealed understanding of who He truly was. This was a critical test of their faith and a preparation for the profound revelation that would follow in Peter's confession, as seen in [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession of Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 16:15, while a direct question to the disciples, points profoundly to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' identity as the "Christ, the Son of the living God," as confessed by Peter in [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession of Christ"), is the very core of the Gospel. This confession, revealed by the Father, signifies that Jesus is not merely a prophet or a good teacher, but the promised Messiah, God incarnate, who came to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies concerning salvation. His question compels us to acknowledge that He is the unique Son of God, the one through whom all creation was made and by whom all things are sustained, as affirmed in [Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ's Supremacy"). The New Testament consistently testifies to this truth, presenting Jesus as the only way to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and the resurrected Lord who holds all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Thus, Jesus' question in Matthew 16:15 ultimately invites every person to personally embrace the saving truth of His divine person and atoning work, finding their own fulfillment and eternal life in Him.

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 9:20

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

Matthew 13:11

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

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.