16:21 16:21

Matthew 16:22

16:23 16:23

Bible Versions

Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
Then {G2532} Peter {G4074} took {G4355} him {G846}, and began {G756} to rebuke {G2008} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Be it far {G2436} from thee {G4671}, Lord {G2962}: this {G5124} shall {G2071} not {G3364} be {G2071} unto thee {G4671}.
Kefa took him aside and began rebuking him, "Heaven be merciful, Lord! By no means will this happen to you!"
Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Far be it from You, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to You!”
And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall never be unto thee.

Commentary on Matthew 16:22 (KJV)

In Matthew 16:22, we witness a pivotal moment where Peter, having just confessed Jesus as the Christ, attempts to dissuade Him from His prophesied path of suffering and death. This verse highlights the tension between human understanding and divine will, a crucial theme in the New Testament.

Context

This verse immediately follows Peter's profound confession, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16), for which Jesus commended him. However, directly after this spiritual insight, Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He "must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day" (Matthew 16:21). This prediction of suffering and death, rather than an immediate establishment of a conquering earthly kingdom, was deeply unsettling to Peter and the other disciples, who held traditional Jewish expectations of a Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule and restore Israel's glory.

Key Themes

  • Misunderstanding of the Messiah's Mission: Peter’s rebuke reveals a common misunderstanding among the disciples regarding the nature of the Messiah's kingdom. They envisioned a political and military triumph, not a redemptive suffering. This human perspective often clashes with God's divine plan, which often involves sacrifice and humility before glory.
  • Conflict Between Human Desire and Divine Will: Peter's statement, "Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee," expresses a loving but misguided concern. He desires to protect Jesus from pain and shame, reflecting a purely human desire to avoid suffering. Yet, Jesus' mission required the cross, a concept that was a "stumblingblock" to many (1 Corinthians 1:23).
  • The Necessity of the Cross: This passage underscores the essential role of Christ's suffering and death in God's plan for salvation. Without the cross, there is no resurrection, and no atonement for sin. Peter's attempt to deter Jesus was, therefore, an unwitting opposition to the very purpose of His coming.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "rebuke" is epitimaō (ἐπιτιμάω), which means "to admonish," "to censure," or "to sternly warn." It's the same word used for Jesus rebuking demons or calming the storm, indicating a strong, authoritative tone. Peter was not merely suggesting but actively trying to prevent Jesus from His stated course. The phrase "Be it far from thee" translates the Greek hileōs soi (ἵλεώς σοι), which literally means "God be merciful to you" or "Pity yourself." It's a strong expression of aversion, akin to "God forbid," signifying Peter's fervent wish that such a terrible fate would not befall his Lord.

Practical Application

Matthew 16:22 serves as a powerful reminder that even those closest to God can, out of human affection or misunderstanding, inadvertently oppose His perfect will. It challenges us to:

  • Discern God's Will: We must seek to understand God's plans, even when they seem counterintuitive or involve personal sacrifice. Our natural inclinations may not always align with divine wisdom.
  • Embrace the Path of Sacrifice: Following Jesus often means embracing a path that involves suffering, self-denial, and carrying our own cross (Matthew 16:24). True discipleship is not about avoiding hardship but about aligning with God's redemptive purposes.
  • Beware of Human-Centered Thinking: Peter's error shows the danger of allowing human comfort or worldly success to dictate our spiritual understanding. We must always submit our reasoning to the higher wisdom of 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.

  • Mark 8:32

    And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.

  • Matthew 26:51

    And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out [his] hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.

  • Matthew 26:53

    Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

  • Matthew 16:16

    And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

  • Matthew 16:17

    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.

  • John 13:6

    Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

  • John 13:8

    Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
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