What does Matthew 17:9 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 17:9 takes place immediately after the Transfiguration, an event where Jesus is transformed and appears in radiant glory alongside Moses and Elijah.

In this verse, as Jesus and His disciples are descending the mountain where the Transfiguration occurred, He instructs them not to share the vision they have seen with anyone until He has risen from the dead.

The instruction highlights the importance of timing and confidentiality in the revelation of Jesus' identity and the unfolding of the divine plan.

The "Son of man" is a title Jesus often uses for Himself, reflecting His role as the prophesied Messiah and His future suffering, death, and resurrection.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Gospel of Matthew, which was written primarily for a Jewish audience sometime in the first century, traditionally attributed to the apostle Matthew, a former tax collector.

The context of the time includes anticipation of a Messiah who would establish God’s kingdom on earth. This expectation often came with political and military connotations, contrasting with Jesus' teaching about a spiritual kingdom.

The concept of a suffering Messiah who would die and rise from the dead was foreign to the disciples and Jewish understanding at the time, which adds complexity to Jesus' command to keep the vision secret.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse sparks discussions on the Messianic Secret, a motif in the Gospels where Jesus commands silence concerning His identity and works.

The instruction to remain silent until after the Resurrection can be seen as a way of preventing misunderstanding of His mission and preserving the full revelation of His identity as divine until the right moment.

It also emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the necessity of the Resurrection as key to understanding who Jesus is.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in modern life as a lesson in patience and trust in divine timing.

It serves as a reminder that there are times when it may be wise to withhold certain information until the right moment.

It also demonstrates the importance of experiencing events and processing them before sharing with others, ensuring that we fully comprehend their significance first.

Cross-References

• Matthew 16:20: "Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ."
• Mark 9:9: "And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead."
• Luke 9:36: "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."

• Acts 1:3: "To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words such as “vision” (ὅραμα, horama) can mean a supernatural sight or appearance and “tell” (εἴπω, eipō) involves verbal communication.

The phrase "risen again from the dead" translates from the Greek "ἐγερθῇ... ἐκ νεκρῶν" (egerthēi... ek nekrōn), indicating a rising up from among the dead, underscoring the uniqueness of Jesus' resurrection.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of other religious interpretations and ancient myths, the theme of a deity or hero who undergoes death and rebirth is not uncommon.

However, in Christianity, Jesus' resurrection is unique because it is not just a cycle or a metaphor but a historical and transformative event with implications for eternal life.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the topic of resurrection defies the natural understanding of life and death.

While some may search for natural explanations for the resurrection accounts, from the standpoint of Christian faith, the resurrection is considered a miraculous event that transcends scientific explanation.

Commentaries

Commentators offer a range of interpretations for this verse.

Some suggest that Jesus wanted to prevent a premature announcement of His divinity which could have led to political unrest or hinder His mission.

Others highlight that the disclosure post-resurrection would serve as a confirmation of the Messiah's identity and mission, with the risen Christ as the irrefutable evidence.

Commentators often converge on the idea that the disciples themselves needed time to comprehend the full meaning of the Transfiguration and the ensuing events of the crucifixion and resurrection.