Matthew 17:22

KJV

¶ And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} while they {G846} abode {G390} in {G1722} Galilee {G1056}, Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, The Son {G5207} of man {G444} shall be {G3195} betrayed {G3860} into {G1519} the hands {G5495} of men {G444}:

Complete Jewish Bible

As they were going about together in the Galil, Yeshua said to them, "The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of people

Berean Standard Bible

When they gathered together in Galilee, Jesus told them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.

American Standard Version

And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be delivered up into the hands of men;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 17:22 records Jesus' second explicit prediction of His impending suffering, death, and resurrection to His disciples while they were in Galilee. This somber declaration, made shortly after the Transfiguration and the healing of a demon-possessed boy, reveals Jesus' divine foreknowledge of the betrayal and suffering He would endure at the hands of humanity, emphasizing the sovereign plan of God for His redemptive mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Matthew's narrative, following two significant events: the glorious [Transfiguration of Jesus](/matthew/17-1-8 "Matthew 17:1-8 - The Transfiguration") and His subsequent [healing of a demon-possessed boy](/matthew/17-14-21 "Matthew 17:14-21 - The Healing of the Demon-Possessed Boy"). The contrast is stark: from the mountain of divine glory and power, Jesus descends to speak of His imminent humiliation and death. This is the second of three major passion predictions in Matthew's Gospel, building upon the first in [Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus' First Passion Prediction") and preceding the third in [Matthew 20:17-19](/matthew/20-17-19 "Matthew 20:17-19 - Jesus' Third Passion Prediction"). Despite these clear warnings, the disciples consistently struggled to comprehend a suffering Messiah, clinging to the popular Jewish expectation of a conquering king who would establish an earthly kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Galilee, a region known for its Jewish population but also its significant Gentile influence, making it a fitting backdrop for Jesus' ministry to both Jews and Gentiles. The concept of a "suffering Messiah" was largely antithetical to prevailing Jewish messianic expectations, which anticipated a powerful, political deliverer who would overthrow Roman rule and restore Israel's sovereignty. The idea of the Messiah being "betrayed into the hands of men" would have been particularly shocking and difficult for the disciples to reconcile with their hopes. The phrase "hands of men" highlights the human agency involved in Jesus' passion, contrasting with the divine plan that permitted it. This period also saw growing opposition from religious authorities, which would eventually culminate in Jesus' arrest and crucifixion.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 17:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, demonstrating that Jesus' suffering was not an unforeseen tragedy but a preordained part of God's redemptive plan. Jesus knows precisely what awaits Him, confirming His divine nature and the certainty of God's purposes. Secondly, it reinforces the crucial theme of the **Suffering Messiah**, challenging the disciples' and broader Jewish expectations. Jesus, as the "Son of Man," must endure humiliation and death to fulfill His mission, echoing the prophetic imagery of the suffering servant in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Human Agency and Betrayal**, specifically foreshadowing the treachery of Judas Iscariot, as seen later in [Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47-50 "Matthew 26:47-50 - Judas's Betrayal"). Yet, even this human act of betrayal serves God's larger, divine purpose for the salvation of humanity, demonstrating how God can use even evil for good.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **betrayed (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This word (G3860) means "to surrender, i.e., yield up, intrust, transmit." While it can have a neutral sense of "handing over," in this context, especially concerning the "Son of Man," it carries the strong connotation of hostile delivery, treachery, and abandonment into the hands of enemies. It signifies a deliberate act of giving someone over for judgment or punishment, precisely what Judas would do and what the religious authorities would orchestrate.
* **hands (Greek, _cheír'_):** This term (G5495) refers to the physical hand but is often used figuratively, especially in Hebraic thought, to denote power, authority, control, or agency. To be "betrayed into the hands of men" means to be delivered into their power and under their authority, subject to their will and judgment. It emphasizes the complete vulnerability of Jesus to human jurisdiction and malicious intent.
* **men (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** This word (G444) refers to a human being. In this context, it starkly contrasts with the divine nature of Jesus, the "Son of Man." It highlights that the agents of His suffering and death would be mere mortals, emphasizing the profound humility and condescension of God in allowing His Son to be subjected to human injustice and cruelty. It underscores the human responsibility in the crucifixion, even as it fulfills God's divine plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And while they abode in Galilee,"**: This phrase sets the geographical and temporal context for Jesus' declaration. Galilee was the primary region of Jesus' public ministry, a place where He had performed many miracles and taught extensively. The "abode" suggests a period of dwelling or staying, indicating that this was not a fleeting moment but part of their ongoing journey and ministry in the region.
* **"Jesus said unto them,"**: This simple statement introduces Jesus' direct communication to His disciples. It emphasizes His intentionality in conveying this crucial, yet difficult, truth. The disciples are the direct recipients of this prophecy, indicating its importance for their understanding of His mission and their future roles.
* **"The Son of man shall be betrayed"**: This is the core of Jesus' prophecy. "The Son of Man" is Jesus' favorite self-designation, emphasizing both His true humanity and His unique, divine authority, often echoing the apocalyptic figure of Daniel 7:13-14. The verb "shall be betrayed" (Greek _paradídōmi_) signifies a future certainty, not a possibility. It points to a deliberate handing over, carrying the heavy implication of treachery and hostile delivery, specifically foreshadowing Judas's role.
* **"into the hands of men:"**: This specifies the agents of the betrayal and suffering. "Hands" here symbolizes power, authority, and control. Jesus would be delivered not into the hands of God (though it was God's plan), but into the hands of human beings, who would then exercise their power over Him, leading to His trial and crucifixion. This highlights the human responsibility and the specific human instruments involved in His passion.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 17:22 employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is paramount, as Jesus explicitly predicts His future suffering and betrayal, preparing the reader (and ideally, the disciples) for the events of the passion narrative. The use of the title **"Son of Man"** functions as a complex **Symbolism**, simultaneously affirming Jesus' humanity and His divine, apocalyptic authority, connecting Him to the figure in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Prophecy"). There is also a subtle **Irony** in the disciples' inability to grasp the meaning of these predictions, despite their clarity, which highlights their earthly expectations versus Jesus' divine mission. The repetition of these passion predictions throughout the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus' First Passion Prediction"), [Matthew 20:17-19](/matthew/20-17-19 "Matthew 20:17-19 - Jesus' Third Passion Prediction")) serves as a form of **Repetition** or **Leitmotif**, emphasizing the central importance of the cross to Jesus' identity and mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly underscores the theme of divine sovereignty intertwined with human responsibility. Jesus' foreknowledge of His betrayal and suffering is not a mere guess but a declaration of God's predetermined plan for salvation. His passion was not an accident or a failure but the very means by which God would accomplish redemption. This highlights that even the darkest human acts of treachery and injustice can be incorporated into God's overarching purpose, demonstrating His ultimate control over history and His ability to bring good out of evil. The suffering of the Son of Man is central to God's character, revealing a God who enters into human pain and offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

* [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant")
* [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan")
* [1 Peter 1:18-20](/1_peter/1-18-20 "1 Peter 1:18-20 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 17:22 offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that following Christ does not guarantee an easy path, but often involves suffering, opposition, and even betrayal, just as Jesus Himself experienced. Jesus did not shy away from the difficult truth, preparing His disciples for the reality of His mission and, by extension, the nature of their own call to discipleship. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust. It challenges our own expectations of what God's work should look like, urging us to embrace the path of humility, sacrifice, and service, rather than seeking worldly power or comfort. Ultimately, it calls us to a deeper appreciation of the immense cost of our salvation, fostering gratitude for Jesus' willingness to endure such suffering for our redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge of His suffering impact your understanding of God's sovereignty in your own life?**
* **In what ways do you find yourself, like the disciples, struggling to accept the idea of suffering as part of God's plan?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to prepare for potential difficulties or betrayals in your journey of faith?**
* **What does Jesus' willingness to be "betrayed into the hands of men" teach you about humility and sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus repeatedly predict His suffering and death?**

Answer: Jesus repeatedly predicted His suffering and death for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated His divine foreknowledge and sovereignty over all events, including His own passion. His death was not an accident but part of God's preordained plan for salvation, as [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan") affirms. Secondly, these predictions were intended to prepare His disciples for the shocking reality of His crucifixion, helping them to understand its necessity and purpose, even if they struggled to grasp it at the time. Without these warnings, the cross might have seemed like a catastrophic failure. Thirdly, it served to redefine the nature of the Messiah and His kingdom, shifting expectations from a conquering political ruler to a suffering servant who would achieve victory through sacrifice, fulfilling prophecies like those found in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 17:22 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the "Son of Man" uniquely qualified to suffer and die for humanity's redemption. This prophecy, like the others, points directly to the cross, which is the epicenter of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' willing submission to being "betrayed into the hands of men" underscores His perfect obedience to the Father's will, even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His betrayal by Judas ([Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47-50 "Matthew 26:47-50 - Judas's Betrayal")) and subsequent delivery to human authorities for crucifixion ([John 19:16](/john/19-16 "John 19:16 - Jesus Delivered to Be Crucified")) were not random acts of violence but the divinely ordained means by which the Lamb of God would take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His suffering and death, Jesus, the Son of Man, became the ultimate sacrifice, offering reconciliation and eternal life to all who believe, demonstrating the profound love of God for a fallen world ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")).

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

Matthew 16:21

¶ From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how 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.

Luke 18:31

¶ Then he took [unto him] the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

Luke 18:34

And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

Mark 8:31

And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and [of] the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Matthew 17:23

And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.

Luke 9:44

Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.

Luke 9:45

But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.