King James Version

What Does Luke 9:35 Mean?

Luke 9:35 in the King James Version says “And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. — study this verse from Luke chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 9:35 · KJV


Context

33

And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

34

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

35

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

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.

37

And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
At the Transfiguration, the voice from the cloud declared: 'This is my beloved Son: hear him.' This repeats the Father's baptism declaration (Luke 3:22) with the addition 'hear him' (Greek 'akouete autou,' ἀκούετε αὐτοῦ). The command to 'hear' means obey, not merely listen. God commands absolute attention to and obedience toward Jesus. This follows Jesus' transfiguration in glory with Moses (representing law) and Elijah (representing prophets) present. The command to 'hear him' indicates Jesus supersedes law and prophets—He is God's final word (Hebrews 1:1-2), the ultimate revelation demanding obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Transfiguration occurred on a mountain (traditionally Mount Hermon or Mount Tabor) about a week after Peter's confession (v. 28). Moses and Elijah appearing with Jesus in glory (v. 30-31) represented the law and the prophets—the entire Old Testament witness. They discussed Jesus' 'decease' (Greek 'exodos,' exodus) which He would accomplish in Jerusalem (v. 31), linking Jesus' death to Israel's exodus-redemption. Peter wanted to build three tabernacles, treating all three equally (v. 33). God's voice correcting this—'This is my beloved Son: hear him'—establishes Jesus' supremacy. Jesus alone remains (v. 36), emphasizing He is God's final, complete revelation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the Father's command to 'hear him' teach about Jesus' supremacy over law and prophets?
  2. How does the Transfiguration reveal Jesus' glory and establish His authority as God's final word to humanity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

φωνὴ2 of 16

a voice

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

ἐγένετο3 of 16

there came

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐκ4 of 16

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς5 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νεφέλης6 of 16

the cloud

G3507

properly, cloudiness, i.e., (concretely) a cloud

λέγουσα7 of 16

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Οὗτός8 of 16

This

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστιν9 of 16

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

10 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱός11 of 16

Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

μου12 of 16

my

G3450

of me

13 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγαπητὸς,14 of 16

beloved

G27

beloved

αὐτοῦ15 of 16

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀκούετε16 of 16

hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 9:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 9:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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