Matthew 3:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 3:17 records the profound divine affirmation of Jesus Christ at the commencement of His public ministry, immediately following His baptism by John the Baptist. A voice from heaven, unequivocally identified as God the Father, publicly declares Jesus as "my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased," thereby establishing His unique identity, divine authority, and perfect obedience, setting the theological foundation for His redemptive mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse serves as the climax of Jesus' baptism narrative, directly following the account in [Matthew 3:16](/matthew/3-16 "Matthew 3:16 - Jesus' Baptism and the Holy Spirit's Descent") where the heavens were opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove. The divine voice in [Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Father's Affirmation of Jesus") provides the theological interpretation of the preceding visual and spiritual phenomena, confirming Jesus' identity before He embarks on His public ministry. It immediately precedes Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, as detailed in [Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus"), signaling His readiness to confront evil and fulfill His messianic calling. This declaration is a public anointing and commissioning, validating His person and purpose to all who would hear or read Matthew's Gospel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a "voice from heaven" (Hebrew: *bat qol*) was recognized as a form of divine communication, especially during periods when prophetic revelation was perceived to be scarce. This phenomenon, therefore, carried immense authority and significance for a Jewish audience. The declaration of "Son" evoked both the Davidic covenant's promise of a royal son ([2 Samuel 7:14](/2_samuel/7-14 "2 Samuel 7:14 - God's Promise to David")) and the unique relationship between God and His chosen servant, as seen in passages like [Psalm 2:7](/psalm/2-7 "Psalm 2:7 - God's Sonship Declaration") and [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The Lord's Chosen Servant"). The phrase "in whom I am well pleased" directly echoes the language of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah, subtly hinting at the redemptive path Jesus would take. The setting, the Jordan River, was also significant as a place of spiritual renewal and national identity, further imbuing the event with profound symbolic meaning for those familiar with Israel's history.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is the **Divine Affirmation of Jesus' Sonship**. This declaration from God the Father unequivocally establishes Jesus' unique identity, not merely as a prophet or a righteous man, but as the Beloved Son, possessing an unparalleled relationship with the Father. This divine endorsement provides the ultimate authority for Jesus' subsequent teachings, miracles, and claims. Closely related is the theme of **God's Pleasure and Approval**, expressed by the phrase "in whom I am well pleased." This signifies God's complete satisfaction with Jesus' character, His sinless life, and His willingness to perfectly fulfill the Father's will, even unto the ultimate sacrifice, foreshadowing His obedience "even to the point of death on a cross" as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death"). Finally, the event powerfully illustrates the **Trinitarian Nature of God**. Though the term "Trinity" is not explicitly used, the scene vividly portrays the three distinct persons of the Godhead: God the Father (the voice), God the Son (Jesus being baptized), and God the Holy Spirit (descending as a dove in [Matthew 3:16](/matthew/3-16 "Matthew 3:16 - The Holy Spirit's Descent")). This simultaneous manifestation underscores the unity and distinct roles within the Godhead in the work of redemption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beloved (Greek, _agapētós'_):** This term (G27) signifies not merely affection but a unique, cherished, and singularly loved relationship. When God calls Jesus His "beloved Son," it emphasizes Jesus' unparalleled status and the Father's deep, unique affection for Him, distinguishing Him from all others. It suggests a relationship of singular favor and intimacy.
* **Son (Greek, _huiós'_):** The word (G5207) denotes kinship, but in this context, it carries profound theological weight. Coupled with "beloved" and the divine voice, it points to Jesus' unique divine nature and His messianic role as the promised Son of God, not merely a human descendant or a righteous individual. It speaks to His identity as the second person of the Trinity.
* **well pleased (Greek, _eudokéō'_):** This verb (G2106) means to think well of, to approve, or to take pleasure in. It's not a passive acceptance but an active, joyful endorsement. God's "well pleased" indicates His complete satisfaction with Jesus' character, His perfect obedience, and His readiness to embark on His redemptive mission. It signifies divine affirmation and delight in Jesus' very being and purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And lo a voice from heaven":** This dramatic opening signals a direct divine intervention and revelation. The "lo" (Greek, _idoú'_ - G2400) functions as an exclamation, drawing immediate attention to the miraculous event. The "voice from heaven" (Greek, _phōnḗ ek ouranoú'_ - G5456, G1537, G3772) indicates that the declaration originates directly from God, transcending earthly authority and confirming the supernatural nature of the event. It is God the Father Himself speaking, providing an undeniable, audible testimony.
* **"saying, This is my beloved Son":** The content of the voice is a direct, personal, and authoritative declaration of Jesus' identity. "This" (Greek, _hoûtos'_ - G3778) points specifically to Jesus, who has just been baptized. "My beloved Son" (Greek, _ho huiós mou ho agapētós'_ - G5207, G3450, G27) is a profound statement of relationship and status. It echoes messianic and servant passages from the Old Testament ([Psalm 2:7](/psalm/2-7 "Psalm 2:7 - God's Sonship Declaration"); [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The Lord's Chosen Servant")), identifying Jesus as the unique, chosen, and dearly loved Son of God, distinct from all others.
* **"in whom I am well pleased":** This concluding phrase (Greek, _en hō eudokēsa'_ - G1722, G3739, G2106) expresses God the Father's complete approval and delight in Jesus. It signifies that Jesus' life, character, and willingness to fulfill His mission perfectly align with the Father's will. This is not merely a statement of affection but an active endorsement of Jesus' full obedience and readiness to embark on the path of redemption, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice. It underscores the divine unity of purpose between Father and Son.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 3:17 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Theophany**, a visible or audible manifestation of God to humankind. Here, God's presence is revealed through an audible voice from heaven, making His declaration undeniable. **Auditory Imagery** is central, as the entire verse hinges on the "voice from heaven," emphasizing the direct, authoritative, and public nature of God's affirmation. This auditory experience complements the **Visual Symbolism** of the Holy Spirit descending like a dove in the preceding verse ([Matthew 3:16](/matthew/3-16 "Matthew 3:16 - The Holy Spirit's Descent")), creating a multi-sensory divine encounter. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Divine Declaration**, a pronouncement from God Himself that carries ultimate authority and truth. This declaration is also an act of **Identification**, unequivocally naming Jesus as "my beloved Son," establishing His unique identity and relationship with the Father for the Gospel's readers and for all subsequent Christian theology.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 3:17 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the person of Christ and the nature of God. It firmly establishes Jesus' divine Sonship and His unique relationship with the Father, a truth that undergirds all subsequent Christology. The Father's declaration of being "well pleased" with Jesus not only affirms His sinless perfection but also points to His role as the obedient Servant who perfectly fulfills God's will, even to the point of death. This moment publicly inaugurates Jesus' redemptive mission, signaling that He is the chosen one, the Messiah, through whom God's ultimate plan for salvation will be realized. It also provides a foundational Trinitarian insight, showcasing the distinct yet unified roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the divine economy.

* [Psalm 2:7](/psalm/2-7 "Psalm 2:7 - God's Sonship Declaration")
* [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The Lord's Chosen Servant")
* [2 Peter 1:17](/2_peter/1-17 "2 Peter 1:17 - The Transfiguration Voice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine affirmation of Jesus in Matthew 3:17 offers profound encouragement and guidance for believers. Just as Jesus was publicly affirmed by the Father before embarking on His ministry, we are reminded of our own identity in Christ. Through faith in Jesus, we are adopted as God's children, becoming "beloved" in Him. This verse calls us to live lives that are "well pleasing" to God, not for salvation (which is by grace through faith), but as an expression of our love and obedience to Him. It invites us to consider what aspects of our lives bring delight to our Heavenly Father, encouraging us to pursue righteousness, humility, and faithful service. Furthermore, it reassures us that even as we face challenges and temptations in our own "wilderness" experiences, God's affirmation and pleasure rest upon those who are in Christ, empowering us to walk in our God-given callings with confidence and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Father's declaration of Jesus as "my beloved Son" shape your understanding of Jesus' identity and authority?**
* **In what ways can you strive to live a life that is "well pleasing" to God, mirroring Jesus' perfect obedience?**
* **How does the Trinitarian manifestation at Jesus' baptism deepen your appreciation for God's nature and involvement in salvation?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to be "beloved" by God through your relationship with Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jesus baptized if He was sinless?**

Answer: Jesus' baptism, as described in [Matthew 3:13-15](/matthew/3-13-15 "Matthew 3:13-15 - Jesus' Baptism"), was not for the remission of His own sins, as He was without sin. Instead, it served several crucial purposes. Firstly, it was an act of identification with humanity, particularly with those who were repenting and seeking God. Secondly, Jesus stated it was "to fulfill all righteousness," meaning it was necessary to complete God's plan and to perfectly align with the Father's will. It also marked the formal inauguration of His public ministry and served as the occasion for His divine anointing by the Holy Spirit and the Father's public affirmation, as seen in [Matthew 3:16-17](/matthew/3-16-17 "Matthew 3:16-17 - The Baptism and Divine Affirmation").

**What does "beloved Son" signify in this context?**

Answer: The title "beloved Son" (Greek, _agapētós huiós'_) is profoundly significant. It goes beyond mere human kinship, indicating Jesus' unique and intimate relationship with God the Father. It echoes Old Testament messianic prophecies, particularly [Psalm 2:7](/psalm/2-7 "Psalm 2:7 - God's Sonship Declaration"), which speaks of the divine enthronement of the King, and [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The Lord's Chosen Servant"), which describes God's chosen servant in whom He delights. Thus, "beloved Son" signifies Jesus' divine nature, His messianic identity, His unique authority, and His preeminence as the one chosen by God to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

**Is Matthew 3:17 a Trinitarian passage?**

Answer: While the term "Trinity" is a later theological construct, Matthew 3:16-17 is one of the clearest biblical passages illustrating the distinct persons of the Godhead acting in concert. In this scene, God the Son (Jesus) is being baptized, God the Holy Spirit descends "like a dove" upon Him ([Matthew 3:16](/matthew/3-16 "Matthew 3:16 - The Holy Spirit's Descent")), and God the Father speaks audibly from heaven ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Father's Affirmation")). This simultaneous manifestation of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit provides a foundational biblical basis for the doctrine of the Trinity, showcasing their distinct roles yet unified purpose in the work of salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 3:17 stands as a foundational declaration of Christ's identity and mission, pointing forward to His entire redemptive work. The Father's affirmation of Jesus as "my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" is not merely a statement of past approval but a prophetic endorsement of all that Jesus would accomplish. It foreshadows His perfect obedience throughout His earthly life, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, which was the supreme act of pleasing the Father, as described in [Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of One Man"). This divine declaration at His baptism marks the inauguration of His public ministry, which would lead to His atoning death and glorious resurrection, through which humanity could be reconciled to God. Jesus, the Beloved Son, is the one through whom God has chosen to reveal Himself fully, as [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Speaks Through His Son") powerfully states. His Sonship, affirmed here, is the basis for His unique role as Savior, the one whom God "gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). Ultimately, Matthew 3:17 reveals the Christ who is the "image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation," in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15-20 "Colossians 1:15-20 - The Supremacy of Christ")), making Him the sole mediator and the complete fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

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

Isaiah 42:1

¶ 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

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

¶ 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

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

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

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

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.