Matthew 16:17

KJV

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Blessed {G3107} art thou {G1488}, Simon {G4613} Barjona {G920}: for {G3754} flesh {G4561} and {G2532} blood {G129} hath {G601} not {G3756} revealed {G601} it unto thee {G4671}, but {G235} my {G3450} Father {G3962} which {G3588} is in {G1722} heaven {G3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Shim`on Bar-Yochanan," Yeshua said to him, "how blessed you are! For no human being revealed this to you, no, it was my Father in heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven.

American Standard Version

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 16:17 presents Jesus' profound affirmation of Simon Peter's confession, highlighting that Peter's insight into Jesus' true identity as the Christ, the Son of the living God, was not a product of human reasoning or earthly wisdom. Instead, this foundational spiritual understanding was a direct, supernatural revelation from God the Father in heaven, underscoring the divine origin of saving faith and the blessedness of those who receive such truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a pivotal dialogue between Jesus and His disciples in the region of Caesarea Philippi. The preceding verses ([Matthew 16:13-15](/matthew/16-13 "Matthew 16:13-15 - Jesus Asks About His Identity")) establish the setting: Jesus first asks about popular opinions concerning His identity, then directly challenges His disciples with the question, "But whom say ye that I am?" Peter's bold confession in [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession") ("Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God") elicits Jesus' immediate and powerful response in verse 17, which validates the divine source of Peter's revelation. This dialogue then transitions into Jesus' pronouncement about building His church on this foundational truth and the giving of the keys of the kingdom ([Matthew 16:18-19](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18-19 - The Rock and the Keys")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Caesarea Philippi, a city located at the foot of Mount Hermon, was a significant pagan center, known for its worship of Pan and Caesar. This setting, far from the Jewish religious heartland, provides a stark backdrop for the revelation of Jesus' unique identity. The phrase "flesh and blood" was a common Semitic idiom referring to human beings in their natural, unregenerate state, emphasizing human limitations, frailty, and mortality, especially in contrast to divine power or knowledge. In Jewish thought, true spiritual understanding, particularly concerning the Messiah, was understood to be divinely imparted, not humanly contrived. The expectation of the Messiah was deeply ingrained in Jewish culture, yet the precise nature of His identity remained a mystery to many, making Peter's divinely-revealed confession all the more significant.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is **Divine Revelation**, emphasizing that profound spiritual truths, particularly concerning the person of Jesus Christ, are not accessible through human intellect or worldly wisdom, but are sovereignly revealed by God the Father. This highlights the supernatural origin of genuine faith and spiritual insight, as seen in [1 Corinthians 2:10-14](/1_corinthians/2-10 "1 Corinthians 2:10-14 - The Spirit Reveals Deep Truths"). Another key theme is the **Blessedness of Spiritual Insight**, as Jesus pronounces Peter "blessed." This blessedness is not due to any earthly achievement but stems from receiving divine truth, a privilege that brings deep joy and understanding, echoing sentiments found in [Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - Blessed are Those Who Hear and Obey"). Finally, the passage underscores the **Identity of Jesus Christ** as the Messiah and the divine Son of God, a truth that forms the very bedrock of Christian faith and the foundation upon which Jesus declares He will build His church in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Greek, _makários'_):** This word (G3107) signifies being "supremely blest," "fortunate," or "well off." It denotes a state of inner joy and spiritual well-being that is independent of external circumstances, often referring to those who are favored by God. Here, it indicates Peter's privileged position as one who has received divine illumination, distinguishing him from those who rely solely on human understanding.
* **Flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** As used here (G4561), "flesh" refers to human nature in its totality, particularly its limitations, frailty, and earthly perspective. In the context of "flesh and blood," it represents humanity apart from divine intervention, emphasizing that Peter's profound spiritual insight did not originate from his own human capacity, wisdom, or natural understanding.
* **Revealed (Greek, _apokalýptō'_):** This verb (G601) literally means "to take off the cover" or "to disclose." It strongly implies an unveiling of something previously hidden, emphasizing a supernatural act of God. The use of this word underscores that the truth of Jesus' identity was not discovered by Peter but was actively made known to him by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus answered and said unto him,"**: This clause sets the scene for Jesus' direct and authoritative response to Peter's confession. It highlights the immediate and significant nature of Jesus' affirmation, underscoring the weight and importance of the revelation that follows.
* **"Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona:"**: Jesus pronounces Peter "blessed," using his given name and patronymic ("son of Jonah"). This emphasizes Peter's human identity, making the subsequent statement about the divine source of his knowledge even more striking. The blessedness is not for Peter's cleverness, but for his reception of divine truth.
* **"for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee,"**: This crucial negative statement clarifies the origin of Peter's understanding. "Flesh and blood" is an idiom for human nature, human wisdom, or human agency. Jesus explicitly states that Peter's confession did not come from human insight, worldly knowledge, or any earthly source, thereby ruling out any natural explanation for his profound spiritual discernment.
* **"but my Father which is in heaven."**: This positive declaration identifies the sole and ultimate source of Peter's revelation: God the Father. It asserts that the truth about Jesus' divine identity is not a matter of human discovery but of divine disclosure, directly imparted from the heavenly Father, emphasizing God's sovereignty in revealing spiritual truth to His chosen ones.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 16:17 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting "flesh and blood" (representing human limitation and earthly understanding) against "my Father which is in heaven" (representing divine power and supernatural revelation). This stark juxtaposition underscores the supernatural origin of Peter's confession. There is also a subtle **Irony** in that Peter, often impulsive and prone to human error, is chosen to receive and articulate such a profound divine truth. The use of the **Patronymic** "Simon Barjona" serves to emphasize Peter's ordinary human lineage, making the divine source of his extraordinary insight even more pronounced. Finally, the phrase "flesh and blood" functions as a powerful **Idiom**, a common expression in both Hebrew and Greek cultures to denote humanity in its natural state, distinct from the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is foundational for understanding Christian epistemology—how we come to know spiritual truth. It asserts that the deepest truths about God and His Christ are not accessible through human reason alone, philosophical inquiry, or empirical observation. Instead, they are supernaturally revealed by God the Father. This divine revelation is not merely intellectual assent but a profound spiritual illumination that transforms understanding and leads to genuine faith. It highlights God's initiative in salvation and knowledge, demonstrating that He must open our eyes to truly comprehend His Son. This truth underscores the necessity of divine grace in understanding the Gospel and the Person of Jesus Christ.

* [1 Corinthians 2:10](/1_corinthians/2-10 "1 Corinthians 2:10 - The Spirit Reveals Deep Truths")
* [John 6:45](/john/6-45 "John 6:45 - Taught by God")
* [Ephesians 2:8](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8 - Grace Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 16:17 serves as a powerful reminder that true spiritual understanding and saving faith are ultimately gifts from God. It calls believers to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence, recognizing that our finite human minds cannot fully grasp the infinite mysteries of God without His divine illumination. This necessitates a reliance on the Holy Spirit to interpret Scripture, guide our prayers, and reveal the person of Jesus Christ more deeply to us. For those seeking truth, it encourages moving beyond mere intellectual inquiry to a heartfelt seeking of God's revelation. For those who believe, it fosters gratitude for the divine grace that has opened their eyes and a renewed commitment to walk in the light of revealed truth, knowing that this divine insight is the source of profound blessedness and a firm foundation for life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the understanding that spiritual truth comes from God, not "flesh and blood," impact your approach to studying the Bible and seeking wisdom?**
* **In what ways might we unknowingly rely on human understanding rather than divine revelation in our faith journey?**
* **What does Jesus' pronouncement of "blessedness" reveal about the value God places on those who receive His truth?**
* **How can you intentionally cultivate a greater dependence on the Holy Spirit to reveal deeper truths about Jesus in your life?**

### FAQ

**What does "flesh and blood" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Matthew 16:17, "flesh and blood" is a common Semitic idiom that refers to human beings in their natural state, with all their inherent limitations, frailties, and earthly understanding. It contrasts sharply with divine or supernatural revelation. Jesus' statement means that Peter's profound confession of His identity did not originate from Peter's own human intellect, wisdom, or natural perception, but from a source beyond human capability. It emphasizes that this truth was divinely imparted, not humanly discovered.

**Why did Jesus call Peter "blessed" after his confession?**

Answer: Jesus called Peter "blessed" (Greek: _makários_) because he had received a unique and profound revelation directly from God the Father. This blessedness signifies a state of divine favor and inner spiritual well-being that comes from being illuminated by God. It's not a blessing for Peter's intelligence or strength, but for his receptivity to divine truth. This highlights that knowing Jesus' true identity is a gift, and receiving such a gift is a source of profound spiritual happiness and privilege, as Jesus also taught in [Luke 10:23-24](/luke/10-23 "Luke 10:23-24 - The Blessedness of Seeing and Hearing").

**How does God reveal truth to people today, if not through "flesh and blood"?**

Answer: God continues to reveal truth today primarily through His Holy Spirit, working in conjunction with His written Word, the Bible. Just as the Father revealed truth to Peter, the Holy Spirit illuminates the Scriptures, enabling believers to understand spiritual realities that are otherwise hidden from human reason ([1 Corinthians 2:10-14](/1_corinthians/2-10 "1 Corinthians 2:10-14 - The Spirit Reveals Deep Truths")). This revelation often comes through prayer, meditation on God's Word, and the teaching of the church, always guided by the Spirit. It is a continuous process of God unfolding His truth to those who seek Him with humble and open hearts, leading them into a deeper knowledge of Christ ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit Guides into All Truth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 16:17, while directly affirming Peter's divinely-given insight, ultimately points to Christ as the very embodiment of the truth revealed by the Father. Jesus is not merely the subject of divine revelation; He is the revelation itself. In Him, the invisible God is made visible ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")), and through Him, the Father's character and will are fully disclosed ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Whoever Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father")). Peter's confession, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God," is the foundational truth upon which the entire Christian faith rests, a truth that could only be known because God chose to reveal Himself in the person of Jesus. Thus, this verse foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's redemptive plan, fully unveiled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The blessedness Peter received is extended to all who, by the Father's grace, confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, for in knowing Him, they know the Father ([1 John 5:20](/1_john/5-20 "1 John 5:20 - Knowing the True God")).

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

John 6:45

It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

Ephesians 1:17

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

Ephesians 1:18

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Matthew 11:25

¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Matthew 11:27

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him].

1 John 5:20

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Galatians 1:16

To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: