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.

And {G2532} there was {G1096} a cloud {G3507} that overshadowed {G1982} them {G846}: and {G2532} a voice {G5456} came {G2064} out of {G1537} the cloud {G3507}, saying {G3004}, This {G3778} is {G2076} my {G3450} beloved {G27} Son {G5207}: hear {G191} him {G846}.

Then a cloud enveloped them; and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"

Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him!”

And there came a cloud overshadowing them: and there came a voice out of the cloud, This is my beloved Son: hear ye him.

Commentary

Mark 9:7 is a pivotal moment in the Transfiguration narrative, where God the Father directly intervenes to confirm Jesus' divine identity and authority. This verse captures a profound revelation, intended to solidify the disciples' understanding of who Jesus truly is.

Context

This verse occurs immediately after Jesus' appearance was dramatically transformed, and Moses and Elijah appeared with Him on a high mountain. Peter, overwhelmed by the sight, suggested building three tabernacles. The cloud and the voice from it serve as God's direct response, shifting the focus from the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) to Jesus alone. It's a divine affirmation that Jesus is not merely another prophet or leader, but the unique Son of God. For a fuller account of this event, see the parallels in Matthew 17:5 and Luke 9:35.

Key Themes

  • Divine Proclamation of Jesus' Identity: The voice from the cloud unmistakably declares, "This is my beloved Son." This echoes the Father's declaration at Jesus' baptism (Mark 1:11), reinforcing His unique status as the Messiah and divine Son. This revelation is central to Christian theology.
  • Jesus' Supreme Authority: The command, "hear him," is a direct imperative from God the Father. It signifies that Jesus' words, teachings, and commands carry ultimate divine authority, superseding all previous revelations. The disciples are instructed to listen to Him above all others, including the revered figures of Moses and Elijah.
  • Theophany and Divine Presence: The "cloud that overshadowed them" is a classic biblical sign of God's manifest presence and glory (e.g., the pillar of cloud in the Exodus, the cloud filling the tabernacle and temple). This visual and auditory experience confirms the sacredness and divine origin of the moment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "my beloved Son" translates the Greek ho huios mou ho agapētos (ὁ υἱός μου ὁ ἀγαπητός). The term agapētos implies a unique, singularly loved, and cherished status, emphasizing Jesus' unparalleled relationship with the Father. The command "hear him" (Greek: akouete autou, ἀκούετε αὐτοῦ) is a strong imperative, conveying the absolute necessity of listening to and obeying Jesus' words. It's not a suggestion, but a divine directive.

Practical Application

For believers today, Mark 9:7 serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' unique authority and divine nature. It calls us to:

  • Prioritize Jesus' Teachings: Just as the disciples were commanded, we too must heed Jesus' words as the ultimate truth and guide for life. This means studying His teachings, obeying His commands, and aligning our lives with His will.
  • Affirm Jesus' Identity: This verse strengthens our faith in Jesus as the Son of God, not just a good teacher or prophet. Understanding His divine identity is foundational to Christian belief and worship.
  • Trust God's Plan: The Father's clear affirmation of Jesus provides assurance that Jesus' mission and message are divinely ordained and trustworthy. It reminds us that God is actively involved in revealing His Son to humanity.
The call to "hear him" resonates through the ages, urging every generation to pay diligent attention to the one through whom God has spoken most fully (Hebrews 1:2).

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Cross-References

  • 2 Peter 1:17 (9 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 3:17 (6 votes)

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

  • Luke 9:34 (5 votes)

    While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.

  • Luke 9:36 (5 votes)

    And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept [it] close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

  • Mark 1:11 (5 votes)

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

  • Matthew 17:5 (3 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.

  • Matthew 17:7 (3 votes)

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