Matthew 17:5

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

While he {G846} yet {G2089} spake {G2980}, behold {G2400}, a bright {G5460} cloud {G3507} overshadowed {G1982} them {G846}: and {G2532} behold {G2400} a voice {G5456} out of {G1537} the cloud {G3507}, which said {G3004}, This {G3778} is {G2076} my {G3450} beloved {G27} Son {G5207}, in {G1722} whom {G3739} I am well pleased {G2106}; hear ye {G191} him {G846}.

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them; and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him!"

While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”

While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Commentary

Matthew 17:5 records a pivotal moment known as the Transfiguration, where God the Father audibly affirms Jesus Christ as His beloved Son, commanding the disciples to listen to Him.

Context

This verse immediately follows Peter's well-intentioned but misguided suggestion to build three tabernacles for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, who had just appeared with Jesus on the mountain (Matthew 17:4). The disciples were witnessing an unparalleled display of divine glory, a prefigurement of Christ's heavenly majesty. The setting is the Mount of Transfiguration, a high mountain where Jesus had taken Peter, James, and John. This event served to strengthen the disciples' faith and reveal Jesus' true identity and authority before His journey to Jerusalem and the cross.

Key Themes

  • Divine Affirmation of Jesus: The voice from the cloud unmistakably declares Jesus' unique relationship with God as "my beloved Son." This echoes the declaration made at Jesus' baptism, underscoring His divine nature and mission.
  • Jesus' Supreme Authority: The command, "hear ye him," elevates Jesus' words and teachings above all others, including the Law (represented by Moses) and the Prophets (represented by Elijah). It signifies that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God's will and the new covenant.
  • The Shekinah Glory: The "bright cloud" is a powerful symbol of God's presence, reminiscent of the cloud that filled the tabernacle in the Old Testament (Exodus 40:34-35) and led the Israelites through the wilderness. It signifies divine approval and the sacredness of the moment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Greek: Hoûtós estin ho huiós mou ho agapetós, en hôi eudókēsa) carries profound theological weight. Agapetos (beloved) emphasizes Jesus' unique and cherished relationship with the Father. Eudokēsa (I am well pleased) conveys God's complete satisfaction and delight in Jesus' person and work, signifying His perfect obedience and fulfillment of God's plan.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 17:5 serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' divine authority and the importance of His teachings. Just as the Father commanded the disciples, we too are called to "hear ye him"—to listen to, obey, and follow Christ's words above all else. This verse reinforces the truth that Jesus is the central figure of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate source of truth and life. It encourages us to prioritize following Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, trusting in His divine wisdom and guidance.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 3:17 (16 votes)

    And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

  • Matthew 12:18 (13 votes)

    Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

  • Deuteronomy 18:15 (10 votes)

    ¶ The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

  • Mark 9:7 (10 votes)

    And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

  • Hebrews 2:1 (9 votes)

    ¶ Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip.

  • Hebrews 2:3 (9 votes)

    How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him];

  • Mark 1:11 (8 votes)

    And there came a voice from heaven, [saying], Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.