Matthew 3:17

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

And {G2532} lo {G2400} a voice {G5456} from {G1537} heaven {G3772}, saying {G3004}, This {G3778} is {G2076} my {G3450} beloved {G27} Son {G5207}, in {G1722} whom {G3739} I am well pleased {G2106}.

and a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; I am well pleased with him."

And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”

and lo, a voice out of the heavens, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Commentary

Matthew 3:17 records a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus Christ, marking the solemn commencement of His public ministry. This verse follows directly after His baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, where the heavens were opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove.

Context

This divine declaration serves as God the Father's public affirmation of Jesus' identity and mission. It is a profound moment of revelation, occurring just before Jesus enters the wilderness for temptation and then begins His widespread teaching and healing ministry. The voice from heaven confirms that Jesus is not merely a prophet, but the unique Son of God, setting the stage for all that is to follow in the Gospels. This event is paralleled in the other synoptic Gospels, such as Mark 1:11 and Luke 3:22.

Key Themes

  • Divine Affirmation and Sonship: The primary message is God the Father's clear declaration of Jesus' unique relationship as "my beloved Son." This establishes Jesus' divine authority and identity from the very outset of His ministry, validating Him before humanity.
  • God's Pleasure and Approval: The phrase "in whom I am well pleased" signifies God's profound satisfaction with Jesus. This pleasure is not merely an emotional sentiment but an active endorsement of Jesus' character, His perfect obedience, and His readiness to fulfill the Father's redemptive plan. It foreshadows Jesus' ultimate obedience, even unto death on the cross.
  • The Trinity in Action: While the term "Trinity" is not used, this event powerfully illustrates the co-existence and distinct roles of the three persons of the Godhead: God the Father (the voice), God the Son (Jesus being baptized), and God the Holy Spirit (descending like a dove).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "my beloved Son" is ho huios mou ho agapetos (ὁ υἱός μου ὁ ἀγαπητός). The term agapetos carries the connotation of being uniquely dear, cherished, and singularly loved. It emphasizes Jesus' unparalleled status and relationship with the Father. Similarly, "in whom I am well pleased" comes from the Greek eudokēsa (εὐδόκησα), which means to be delighted with, to approve of, or to take pleasure in. This isn't a passive acceptance but an active, joyful endorsement from God.

Practical Application and Significance

Matthew 3:17 offers profound insights for believers today. It reminds us of Jesus' divine identity and His perfect obedience, which earned the Father's complete pleasure. For us, it highlights that:

  • Our faith is founded on the divinely approved Son of God.
  • God delights in obedience and faithfulness, echoing Jesus' example.
  • Just as Jesus was affirmed before His ministry, we can seek God's affirmation and guidance in our own callings and endeavors.
This verse stands as a foundational truth, affirming Christ's unique position and the Father's absolute approval of His mission to save humanity.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 42:1 (33 votes)

    ¶ Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, [in whom] my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

  • Matthew 17:5 (23 votes)

    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.

  • Psalms 2:7 (22 votes)

    ¶ I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

  • 2 Peter 1:17 (15 votes)

    For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

  • Matthew 12:18 (14 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.

  • Luke 9:35 (14 votes)

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

  • Mark 9:7 (13 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.