Matthew 17:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!"

Berean Standard Bible

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!”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Matthew 17:5 captures the climactic moment of the Transfiguration, where God the Father audibly intervenes from a brilliant cloud to affirm Jesus Christ's divine identity as His "beloved Son" and to unequivocally command Peter, James, and John, and by extension all humanity, to "hear ye him." This profound declaration not only validates Jesus' unique relationship with the Father but also establishes His supreme authority as the ultimate revelation of God's will, superseding the Law and the Prophets.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows Peter's well-intentioned but misguided suggestion to construct three tabernacles for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, who had just appeared with Jesus in radiant glory on the mountain [Matthew 17:4](/matthew/17-4 "Matthew 17:4 - Peter's Suggestion"). The disciples were witnessing an unparalleled display of divine majesty, a prefigurement of Christ's heavenly glory and ultimate exaltation. The preceding verses [Matthew 17:1-3](/matthew/17-1-3 "Matthew 17:1-3 - The Transfiguration Account") detail Jesus taking Peter, James, and John to a high mountain, where His face shone like the sun and His clothes became as white as light, and Moses and Elijah appeared, conversing with Him. This entire event serves as a profound revelation of Jesus' true identity and authority, strengthening the disciples' faith in anticipation of His journey to Jerusalem and the cross.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting, a "high mountain," is reminiscent of other significant divine encounters in biblical history, such as Moses receiving the Law on Mount Sinai [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears on Mount Sinai"). The "bright cloud" is a powerful symbol of the **Shekinah glory**, the visible manifestation of God's presence, familiar from the Old Testament narratives of the wilderness tabernacle [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Cloud Fills the Tabernacle") and the temple [1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10-11 "1 Kings 8:10-10 - The Cloud Fills the Temple"). The appearance of Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) alongside Jesus signifies that Jesus is the culmination and fulfillment of all that the Law and the Prophets foretold. The voice from the cloud, echoing the divine pronouncement at Jesus' baptism [Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - Jesus' Baptism"), underscores the unique, divine sonship of Jesus, placing Him in a category distinct from all previous prophets and leaders.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological themes. Firstly, it provides a profound **Divine Affirmation of Jesus' Identity**, unequivocally declaring Him as God's "beloved Son." This echoes and reinforces the declaration made at [Jesus' baptism](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - Jesus' Baptism"), emphasizing His unique divine nature and mission. Secondly, the command "hear ye him" establishes **Jesus' Supreme Authority**, elevating His words and teachings above all others, including the foundational figures of the Law and the Prophets. This signifies that Jesus is the ultimate and final revelation of God's will, ushering in the new covenant. Thirdly, the presence of the "bright cloud" and the voice from it highlights the theme of **Theophany and Divine Presence**, indicating that God Himself is actively revealing His Son in a tangible and audible manner, signifying divine approval and the sacredness of the moment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **overshadowed (Greek, _episkiázō'_):** From G1982, meaning "to cast a shade upon, i.e. (by analogy) to envelop in a haze of brilliancy; figuratively, to invest with preternatural influence." This word conveys more than just a literal shadow; it implies a divine, brilliant covering, a manifestation of God's glory that envelops and consecrates the scene, indicating a sacred, set-apart space where divine power is present. It evokes the dwelling of God's presence, as seen in the tabernacle.
* **beloved (Greek, _agapētós'_):** From G27, meaning "(dearly, well) beloved, dear." This term emphasizes Jesus' unique, cherished, and intimate relationship with the Father. It signifies a love that is not merely affection but also approval and delight, highlighting Jesus' singular position as the Son who perfectly embodies God's character and fulfills His will.
* **well pleased (Greek, _eudokéō'_):** From G2106, meaning "to think well of, i.e. approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing); to be well pleased, have good pleasure, be willing." This word conveys God's complete satisfaction, delight, and affirmation in Jesus' person, life, and redemptive work. It signifies that Jesus' perfect obedience and His mission are entirely in line with the Father's will and bring Him immense joy.
* **hear ye (Greek, _akoúō'_):** From G191, meaning "to hear (in various senses); give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand." In this imperative form, it is a direct command to listen attentively, to obey, and to understand. It implies not just passive reception of sound but active heeding and submission to Jesus' authority and teachings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"While he yet spake":** This phrase sets the immediate context, indicating that God's intervention was direct and immediate, cutting across Peter's well-intentioned but humanly limited suggestion to build shelters. It underscores the divine interruption of human plans in favor of God's own revelation.
* **"behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them":** The sudden appearance of a "bright cloud" is a visual manifestation of God's presence, a theophany. It is "bright," signifying divine glory and purity, and it "overshadowed" them, indicating a divine covering and consecration of the space, reminiscent of the Shekinah glory in the Old Testament.
* **"and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said":** The voice is the audible component of the theophany, confirming the divine origin of the message. The cloud serves as the medium through which God speaks, emphasizing His transcendence and the sacredness of His pronouncement.
* **"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased":** This is the core divine declaration, echoing the words spoken at Jesus' baptism [Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - Jesus' Baptism"). It unequivocally identifies Jesus as God's unique, cherished, and fully approved Son, affirming His divine identity and the Father's complete satisfaction with Him.
* **"hear ye him":** This is a direct, imperative command from God the Father. It elevates Jesus' authority above all others, including Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets). It signifies that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God's will and the one to whom all should listen, obey, and follow.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 17:5 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological significance. The primary device is **Theophany**, the visible manifestation of God to humankind. This is conveyed through the "bright cloud" and the "voice out of the cloud," which are classic biblical elements of divine appearance, signifying God's direct intervention and communication. The "bright cloud" itself is a powerful **Symbol** of God's radiant presence and glory, reminiscent of the Shekinah, which both conceals and reveals the divine. The voice from the cloud is an instance of **Divine Speech**, where God directly addresses humanity, lending ultimate authority to the words spoken. Furthermore, the entire Transfiguration event, culminating in this divine declaration, serves as a profound **Foreshadowing** of Jesus' future glory, His resurrection, and His ultimate exaltation as King and Lord. The command "hear ye him" also functions as a **Climax**, providing the ultimate divine endorsement that resolves any lingering questions about Jesus' authority relative to the Law and the Prophets.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 17:5 stands as a profound theological anchor, affirming Jesus' unique divine sonship and supreme authority. This declaration from the Father is not merely an emotional endorsement but a theological statement of Christ's identity and mission, echoing Old Testament prophecies of a coming prophet like Moses [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses") and the beloved servant of Isaiah [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The Lord's Servant"). It solidifies the Trinitarian nature of God, with the Father speaking, the Son being affirmed, and the Spirit implicitly present in the cloud of glory. The command to "hear ye him" signifies a new era, where the ultimate revelation of God is found in Jesus, not just through the Law and the Prophets, but in the living Word Himself.

* [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Promise of a Prophet")
* [Psalm 2:7](/psalms/2-7 "Psalm 2:7 - You Are My Son")
* [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The Lord's Chosen Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine pronouncement at the Transfiguration, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him," serves as a timeless call to prioritize Jesus Christ in every aspect of our lives. Just as the disciples were commanded to listen to Jesus above all others, so too are we called to make His words the ultimate authority for our faith and conduct. In a world filled with competing voices and philosophies, this verse directs us to the singular, authoritative voice of the Son of God. It challenges us to not only hear His teachings but to actively obey them, trusting in His perfect wisdom and His pathway to life. Our spiritual growth and maturity are directly tied to our willingness to submit to Christ's Lordship and to allow His words to shape our understanding of God, ourselves, and the world. This divine affirmation of Jesus also reminds us of God's deep love and pleasure in His Son, inviting us to find our own identity and purpose in Christ, knowing that as we are "in Him," we too become beloved children of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to "hear" and obey Jesus' teachings above other voices or influences?**
* **How does the Father's declaration, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased," deepen your understanding of Jesus' unique identity and authority?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to more intentionally "hear" Jesus through His Word and prayer?**
* **How does knowing that God is "well pleased" with Jesus encourage you in your own walk of faith and pursuit of pleasing God?**

### FAQ

**Why did God choose to speak from a "bright cloud" at the Transfiguration?**

Answer: The "bright cloud" in [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Transfiguration Voice") is a powerful symbol of the **Shekinah glory**, the visible manifestation of God's presence in the Old Testament. This imagery connects the Transfiguration directly to momentous divine encounters, such as God appearing to Moses on Mount Sinai [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears on Mount Sinai") or filling the Tabernacle [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Cloud Fills the Tabernacle"). The "brightness" signifies divine purity, holiness, and the radiant glory of God. It serves to underscore the sacredness and divine authority of the moment, confirming that the voice emanating from it is indeed the voice of God Himself, setting apart Jesus as uniquely divine.

**What is the significance of the command "hear ye him" in this context?**

Answer: The command "hear ye him" [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Command to Listen") is a direct, divine imperative from God the Father. Its significance is profound, especially given that Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) had just appeared with Jesus. This command elevates Jesus' authority above all previous revelations and figures in Israel's history. It signifies that Jesus is the ultimate and final Word of God, the one to whom all should listen, obey, and follow. It marks a transition from the old covenant mediated by Moses and spoken through the prophets to the new covenant established through Christ. The Father is essentially saying, "Pay attention to my Son; He is the ultimate revelation of my will and the way to salvation."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 17:5 powerfully reveals Jesus as the Christ, the long-awaited fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The Father's declaration, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased," echoes the messianic pronouncements of the Old Testament, particularly [Psalm 2:7](/psalms/2-7 "Psalm 2:7 - You Are My Son"), confirming Jesus' unique divine Sonship. His appearance alongside Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, demonstrates that Jesus is not merely another prophet or lawgiver, but the very culmination and embodiment of all that the Old Testament anticipated. The command, "hear ye him," directly fulfills the prophecy of a prophet like Moses whom Israel must obey [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses"). In Jesus, the Law finds its perfect fulfillment [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"), and the prophetic word finds its ultimate expression. He is the new covenant, the one through whom God now speaks definitively to humanity [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son"). The Transfiguration, with its divine affirmation, serves as a powerful prefigurement of Christ's resurrection glory and His ultimate exaltation as Lord of all, to whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess [Philippians 2:9-11](/phil/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted"). Thus, Matthew 17:5 is a profound Christological statement, revealing Jesus as the beloved Son, the supreme authority, and the ultimate revelation of God's saving purpose.

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 3:17

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

Matthew 12:18

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

¶ 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

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

¶ 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

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

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