Matthew 16:15

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

He saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, But {G1161} whom {G5101} say {G3004} ye {G5210} that I {G3165} am {G1511}?

"But you," he said to them, "who do you say I am?"

“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?”

He saith unto them, But who say ye that I am?

Commentary

Context

Matthew 16:15 is a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, occurring after He has withdrawn with His disciples to the region of Caesarea Philippi. This verse immediately follows Jesus' inquiry about public perception: "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" The disciples had reported various popular opinions, such as John the Baptist, Elijah, or Jeremiah. With this verse, Jesus narrows the focus, shifting from general opinion to the personal conviction of His closest followers, setting the stage for one of the most significant confessions in the New Testament.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Central Question of Identity: This verse presents the fundamental question of Christian faith: Who is Jesus Christ? It moves beyond mere curiosity or popular speculation to demand a personal, internal understanding of His true nature and role.
  • Personal Confession and Commitment: Jesus' question is deeply personal ("whom say ye that I am?"). It requires more than intellectual assent to theological facts; it calls for a heartfelt declaration of faith. This personal conviction is what Paul later emphasizes as crucial for salvation (Romans 10:9).
  • Foundation of Faith: The disciples' answer to this question forms the bedrock of their understanding and subsequent mission. This pivotal question directly sets the stage for Simon Peter's profound confession in the very next verse, which Jesus then declares to be the foundation of His Church.

Linguistic Insights

The emphasis in the original Greek is on the pronoun "ye" (ὑμεῖς - humeis). By placing it prominently, Jesus contrasts the disciples with the general "men" (ἄνθρωποι - anthrōpoi) mentioned in verse 13. It's not about what others say, but what *you*, who have walked with me, seen my miracles, and heard my teachings, believe. This distinction highlights the personal accountability and unique revelation granted to His inner circle.

Practical Application

Jesus' question in Matthew 16:15 remains acutely relevant for every individual today. It challenges us to move beyond inherited beliefs, cultural Christianity, or what others tell us about Jesus. It demands a personal encounter and a definitive answer:

  • Self-Examination: What is your personal understanding of Jesus? Is He merely a historical figure, a good teacher, or truly the Son of God and Savior?
  • Deepening Faith: Answering this question honestly leads to a deeper, more committed faith. It's the starting point for genuine discipleship and understanding His call on our lives.
  • Living Out Belief: Our confession of who Jesus is should shape how we live, our values, and our priorities. The identity we ascribe to Him dictates the authority we give Him in our lives.
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Cross-References

  • Luke 9:20 (10 votes)

    He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

  • Matthew 13:11 (8 votes)

    He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

  • Mark 8:29 (7 votes)

    And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.