Matthew 17:6

KJV

And when the disciples heard [it], they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when the disciples {G3101} heard {G191} it, they fell {G4098} on {G1909} their {G846} face {G4383}, and {G2532} were sore {G4970} afraid {G5399}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the talmidim heard this, they were so frightened that they fell face down on the ground.

Berean Standard Bible

When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror.

American Standard Version

And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 17:6 captures the profound and overwhelming response of Peter, James, and John during the Transfiguration. Immediately after God the Father's voice declared Jesus as His beloved Son and commanded them to "hear Him," the disciples, overcome by the sheer majesty and terrifying holiness of the divine presence, instinctively prostrated themselves on the ground, gripped by intense fear and awe. This moment underscores the immense power of God's direct revelation and the appropriate human reaction of humility and reverence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the immediate aftermath of the climactic revelation at the Transfiguration. Prior to this, Jesus had taken Peter, James, and John to a high mountain where He was transfigured before them, His face shining like the sun and His clothes becoming as white as light ([Matthew 17:2](/matthew/17-2 "Matthew 17:2 - The Transfiguration")). Moses and Elijah then appeared and conversed with Him. Peter, bewildered, suggested building three tabernacles ([Matthew 17:4](/matthew/17-4 "Matthew 17:4 - Peter's Suggestion")). It was at this point that a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from within the cloud, God the Father's voice resoundingly declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him" ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Father's Declaration")). The disciples' reaction in [Matthew 17:6](/matthew/17-6 "Matthew 17:6 - Disciples' Reaction to God's Voice") is a direct, visceral response to this divine utterance, immediately preceding Jesus' comforting touch and instruction to "Arise, and be not afraid" ([Matthew 17:7](/matthew/17-7 "Matthew 17:7 - Jesus Comforts the Disciples")). The entire narrative emphasizes Jesus' unique divine identity and authority, affirmed by the Father Himself.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Mountains in the biblical tradition are frequently depicted as places of divine encounter and revelation. Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears on Mount Sinai")), and Elijah encountered God on Mount Horeb ([1 Kings 19](/1_kings/19 "1 Kings 19 - Elijah's Encounter at Horeb")). The Transfiguration on a "high mountain" thus aligns with this established pattern, signaling a momentous divine disclosure. The posture of "falling on their face" (prostration) was a common ancient Near Eastern and biblical expression of profound humility, submission, reverence, and awe in the presence of a king, a superior, or especially, God. It signifies an overwhelming sense of one's own smallness and unworthiness before immense power and holiness, a reaction seen throughout scripture from Abraham ([Genesis 17:3](/genesis/17-3 "Genesis 17:3 - Abraham Falls on His Face")) to Ezekiel ([Ezekiel 1:28](/ezekiel/1-28 "Ezekiel 1:28 - Ezekiel's Prostration")). The "sore afraid" reaction is consistent with human encounters with the divine glory, which is often depicted as simultaneously glorious and terrifying to finite beings.
* **Key Themes:** The immediate context of [Matthew 17:6](/matthew/17-6 "Matthew 17:6 - Disciples' Reaction to God's Voice") highlights several crucial themes. Firstly, **Divine Revelation and Theophany** are central, as God the Father directly intervenes to affirm Jesus' identity. The disciples' fear underscores the overwhelming nature of such a direct encounter with God's glory. Secondly, **Holy Fear and Awe** are depicted as the appropriate human response to divine majesty. This is not merely panic, but a profound reverence that recognizes God's absolute power and holiness. Thirdly, the event serves as a definitive **Confirmation of Jesus' Divine Sonship and Authority**. The Father's command, "hear ye him," elevates Jesus above Moses and Elijah, establishing His unique role as the ultimate prophet and revealer of God. This theme is foundational to the disciples' understanding of Jesus' mission and authority throughout the Gospels, particularly as they grapple with His impending suffering and death, which is alluded to immediately after the Transfiguration in [Matthew 17:9-13](/matthew/17-9-13 "Matthew 17:9-13 - Jesus Foretells His Suffering").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heard (Greek, _akoúō_):** This primary verb signifies to perceive by ear, to listen, or to understand. In this context, it emphasizes that the disciples did not merely register a sound, but they distinctly perceived and comprehended the divine voice, which directly addressed them with a command concerning Jesus. Their subsequent reaction is a direct consequence of this auditory reception of God's authoritative declaration.
* **Fell (Greek, _píptō_):** This verb means to fall, to alight, or to prostrate oneself. Here, it describes a sudden, involuntary, and complete collapse to the ground. It is a physical manifestation of being overwhelmed, signifying profound humility, submission, worship, and an inability to stand in the face of overwhelming divine presence and power.
* **Sore afraid (Greek, _sphódra ephobḗthēsan_ from _sphódra_ and _phobéō_):** The adverb _sphódra_ means "exceedingly, very much," serving as an intensifier for the verb _phobéō_, which means "to frighten, to be alarmed," but also "to be in awe of, to revere." The combination indicates an intense, overwhelming fear that is not mere panic but a profound, reverential dread born from encountering absolute holiness and power. It's a fear that simultaneously terrifies and compels worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the disciples heard [it]":** This clause establishes the direct cause of the disciples' reaction. The "it" refers specifically to the voice of God the Father from the bright cloud, which had just declared Jesus as His beloved Son and commanded them to "hear Him" ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Father's Declaration")). The disciples' hearing was not casual; it was an acute perception of a divine, authoritative utterance.
* **"they fell on their face":** This describes their immediate, physical response. Prostration, falling face down, is a universal posture of ultimate submission, humility, and worship in the presence of a superior being or deity. It signifies their recognition of God's supreme authority and their own utter unworthiness and vulnerability before such overwhelming power and glory.
* **"and were sore afraid":** This final clause describes their emotional and spiritual state. The fear was "sore" (exceedingly intense), indicating a profound and overwhelming terror. However, as noted in the key word analysis, this fear (Greek _phobéō_) also carries the connotation of reverence and awe, distinguishing it from mere panic. It was a holy dread, an appropriate response to a direct encounter with the transcendent God.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several literary devices to convey the profound impact of this divine encounter. The sudden and dramatic shift from the radiant **Theophany** of Jesus' transfiguration to the overpowering voice of the Father creates a sense of **Climax**, leading directly to the disciples' extreme reaction. Their act of "falling on their face" is a powerful piece of **Symbolism**, representing not only their physical prostration but also their spiritual humility, submission, and worship in the face of overwhelming divine majesty. The phrase "sore afraid" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the intensity of their terror and awe, conveying that their fear was not ordinary but an extreme, almost unbearable, sensation. This dramatic portrayal effectively communicates the immense power and holiness of God, emphasizing the appropriate human response of reverence and humility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The disciples' reaction in [Matthew 17:6](/matthew/17-6 "Matthew 17:6 - Disciples' Reaction to God's Voice") is deeply rooted in a long biblical tradition of human encounters with the divine. Throughout scripture, direct manifestations of God's glory or voice consistently evoke profound fear and awe, demonstrating the unbridgeable gap between finite humanity and infinite holiness. This "holy fear" is not a debilitating terror that drives one away from God, but a reverential dread that acknowledges His absolute sovereignty, power, and purity. It is a fear that leads to worship, humility, and obedience, recognizing that to stand in God's presence is to be utterly exposed and dependent. This moment at the Transfiguration serves as a powerful reminder that while God desires intimacy with humanity, His nature remains transcendent and utterly holy, demanding our utmost reverence.

* [Exodus 3:6](/exodus/3-6 "Moses Hides His Face")
* [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah's Vision and Confession")
* [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "John's Reaction to the Resurrected Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound fear and prostration of the disciples at the Transfiguration offer timeless lessons for our own spiritual lives. While we may not experience such a dramatic visual and auditory theophany, we continually encounter the living God through His Word, His Spirit, and the person of Jesus Christ. Our response should similarly be one of deep reverence and humility. This passage calls us to cultivate a holy awe of God, recognizing His supreme majesty and our utter dependence upon Him. It reminds us that worship is not merely an emotional experience but a posture of profound submission and adoration before the Creator of the universe. Furthermore, the Father's command, "hear ye him," underscores the paramount importance of listening to and obeying Jesus. In an age often characterized by casual approaches to faith, [Matthew 17:6](/matthew/17-6 "Matthew 17:6 - Disciples' Reaction to God's Voice") serves as a powerful corrective, inviting us to approach God with the seriousness and reverence His holiness demands, yet also with the confidence that in Christ, our fear can be transformed into faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the disciples' reaction to God's voice reveal about the nature of God's holiness and power?**
* **How does "holy fear" differ from ordinary fear or terror, and why is it an appropriate response to God?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God in my daily life and worship?**
* **How does the Father's command to "hear ye him" impact my commitment to listening to and obeying Jesus' teachings?**

### FAQ

**Why did the disciples fall on their face?**

Answer: The disciples fell on their face as a spontaneous and culturally significant act of prostration. This posture signifies profound humility, submission, and worship in the presence of a superior being or, most especially, God. It is a common biblical response to overwhelming divine revelation, indicating that they were completely overcome by the majesty and terrifying holiness of God the Father's voice. It was a physical manifestation of their awe and recognition of God's absolute sovereignty, rendering them unable to stand in His presence. This response is seen throughout scripture, from Abraham ([Genesis 17:3](/genesis/17-3 "Genesis 17:3 - Abraham's Prostration")) to the Apostle John in Revelation ([Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - John Falls Before Christ")).

**What kind of fear did the disciples experience? Was it mere terror?**

Answer: The fear experienced by the disciples was "sore afraid" (Greek _sphódra ephobḗthēsan_), indicating an intense and overwhelming emotion. While it certainly included elements of terror due to the sheer power and holiness of God's presence, it was more than mere panic. The Greek word for "afraid" (_phobéō_) can also mean "to be in awe of" or "to revere." This suggests a "holy fear" or "reverential dread." This type of fear acknowledges God's absolute power, majesty, and purity, leading to humility and worship rather than simply flight. It's a recognition of one's own finite nature before the infinite God, a fear that ultimately leads to proper reverence and a deeper relationship with Him, as seen in the Old Testament encounters with God's glory (e.g., [Exodus 20:18-20](/exodus/20-18-20 "Exodus 20:18-20 - The People's Fear at Sinai")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Matthew 17:6](/matthew/17-6 "Matthew 17:6 - Disciples' Reaction to God's Voice") profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate mediator of God's presence and the one through whom humanity can approach the divine without being consumed. The disciples' overwhelming fear and prostration before the Father's voice highlight the unapproachable holiness of God. Yet, immediately following this terrifying encounter, Jesus Himself comes to them, touches them, and says, "Arise, and be not afraid" ([Matthew 17:7](/matthew/17-7 "Matthew 17:7 - Jesus Comforts the Disciples")). This act is deeply significant: it is Christ who bridges the gap, transforming overwhelming fear into a manageable awe, and enabling humanity to stand in God's presence. The Father's command, "hear ye him," directs all attention and obedience to Jesus, establishing Him as the definitive Word of God, the one through whom God now speaks most fully and clearly ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Through Christ, the terrifying holiness of God becomes approachable grace, and the fear of judgment is replaced by the peace of reconciliation. Jesus, the Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making it possible for us to draw near to God with confidence, not because our sin is ignored, but because it is atoned for by His sacrifice ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Thus, the fear at the Transfiguration, while valid, is ultimately overcome by the comforting and redemptive presence of Christ, who invites us into a relationship of reverent love rather than paralyzing dread.

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

Acts 26:14

And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

2 Peter 1:18

And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

Daniel 10:7

And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.

Daniel 10:9

Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.

1 Chronicles 21:16

And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders [of Israel, who were] clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

Acts 22:7

And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Ezekiel 43:3

And [it was] according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, [even] according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions [were] like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face.