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Matthew 17

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

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.

And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

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

And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.

Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:

And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.

And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.

Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

What does Matthew 17:7 mean?

Explanation

[Matthew 17:7] (KJV) describes an event following the Transfiguration of Jesus.

The disciples Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus speaking with Elijah and Moses on a high mountain.

They were enveloped by a bright cloud, and a voice from the cloud proclaimed Jesus as God's Son.

This experience was overwhelming, and the disciples fell face down to the ground, terrified.

Jesus' action of touching them and encouraging them not to be afraid acted as both a reassurance and a demonstration of his care for them.

The tactile gesture and spoken instruction signify Jesus' closeness with his followers and his role as a comforter.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of Matthew was written in a predominantly Jewish context, with the author often aiming to show how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.

The Transfiguration itself reflects aspects of Old Testament theophanies, such as Moses' encounter with God on Mount Sinai.

The interaction in this verse may draw parallels to how God interacted with figures such as Elijah and Moses, often in moments of great reverence and fear, comforting and reinforcing his presence.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse touches on the nature of Jesus as both divine and human.

Through touching the disciples, Jesus demonstrates human empathy and reassurance, while his command not to be afraid reflects his divine authority.

Different theological perspectives might emphasize the incarnational aspect of this encounter, the identification of Jesus as the Messiah, or the significance of the revelation as a turning point in the disciples' understanding of Jesus’ mission.

Practical Applications

In everyday life, this verse can be seen as an encouragement to trust in God amidst fear and uncertainty.

The actions of Jesus exemplify the ideal response to others' fears – offering comfort through both presence and words.

It serves as a call to the faithful to embody this same compassion in their interactions.

Cross-References

Matthew 14:27: "But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."
Daniel 10:12: "Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words."
Isaiah 41:10: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text for this passage include "ἤγγισεν" (ēggisen, "came"), "ἥψατο" (hēpsato, "touched"), and "ἐγέρθητε" (egerthēte, "arise"). "ἥψατο" connotes not just a physical touch but also a connection or closeness.

The imperative "ἐγέρθητε" carries a sense of urgency and rising from a lowly position, which could symbolize moving from fear to a state of assurance.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The motif of divine beings interacting with mortals is common in ancient religious traditions.

This particular incident might remind one of stories from Greco-Roman mythology, where gods often intervened in human affairs, though in Christianity, such an interaction is unique in that it represents a deeply personal and compassionate God.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, one might consider the emotional response of the disciples through the lens of psychology. Their fear and subsequent comfort could be seen as a natural reaction to a profound experience and the effect of soothing actions and words in calming the human psyche.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars offer various interpretations of this verse.

Some focus on its significance as part of the Transfiguration narrative, stressing the confirmation of Jesus' divinity.

Others look at the personal aspect of Jesus' actions, considering how this reflects his pastoral role.

Consistently, commentators see this moment as one of encouragement and reassurance, pivotal for the disciples as they gain insight into the true nature of Jesus.

Matthew 17

Matthew 17

What does Matthew 17:7 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 17:7 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?