Matthew 17:7

And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} came {G4334} and touched {G680} them {G846}, and {G2532} said {G2036}, Arise {G1453}, and {G2532} be {G5399} not {G3361} afraid {G5399}.

But Yeshua came and touched them. "Get up!" he said, "Don't be afraid."

Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” He said. “Do not be afraid.”

And Jesus came and touched them and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 17:7 (KJV)

Matthew 17:7: "And Jesus came and touched them, and said, ‹Arise, and be not afraid.›"

Context

This verse follows the profound event of the Transfiguration of Jesus, where Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus' divine glory on a high mountain. They saw Moses and Elijah speaking with Him, and then a bright cloud overshadowed them. From this cloud, God the Father's voice declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." Overwhelmed by this awe-inspiring, supernatural manifestation, the disciples fell on their faces, consumed by great fear. It is into this state of terror that Jesus steps in with comfort and reassurance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Compassion and Reassurance: Jesus' immediate action is to approach and touch His disciples. This physical contact is a powerful gesture of comfort, empathy, and intimacy, demonstrating His tender care for them even in their most terrified state.
  • Authority and Presence: His simple yet profound command, "Arise, and be not afraid," carries immense divine authority. Jesus' very presence and words are sufficient to dispel overwhelming fear and restore composure, highlighting His power over human anxieties.
  • Overcoming Fear through Christ: The disciples' fear was a natural human response to an extraordinary divine encounter. Jesus' words underscore the consistent biblical message that His presence brings peace and removes terror, calling believers to trust Him above their fears.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "touched" is haptomai (ἅπτομαι), which often implies a gentle, personal contact, signifying not just physical interaction but also comfort, healing, and connection. "Arise" comes from egeiro (ἐγείρω), meaning to stand up, wake up, or even be raised. Here, it signifies a call to recover from their prostrate, terrified state and stand upright in faith. "Be not afraid" translates me phobeisthe (μὴ φοβεῖσθε), a common and reassuring command from Jesus throughout the Gospels, consistently emphasizing trust and courage over terror. For example, Jesus also gave this command when He walked on water, telling His disciples, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."

Practical Application

This verse offers profound comfort and guidance for believers today. In moments of overwhelming fear, anxiety, or spiritual awe, Jesus draws near. His compassionate touch, whether literal or spiritual, reminds us that His presence is a powerful source of peace and courage. We are not meant to remain paralyzed by fear, but to "arise" and face our circumstances with the assurance of His divine help and unwavering love. It teaches us to look to Christ in every crisis, knowing He will offer the necessary comfort and strength to overcome our deepest fears, just as He did for His disciples after the Transfiguration. His willingness to physically touch the disciples, much like His compassionate touch in healing the leper, highlights His personal and intimate care for His followers.

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Cross-References

  • Daniel 10:18

    Then there came again and touched me [one] like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,

  • Matthew 14:27

    But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

  • Daniel 8:18

    Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.

  • Daniel 10:10

    ¶ And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and [upon] the palms of my hands.

  • Revelation 1:17

    And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

  • Luke 24:5

    And as they were afraid, and bowed down [their] faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

  • Acts 9:6

    And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
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