King James Version

What Does Matthew 16:17 Mean?

Matthew 16:17 in the King James Version says “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto the... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 16:17 · KJV


Context

15

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

16

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

17

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

18

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Peter: this name signifies a rock

19

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus declares Peter 'blessed' because this revelation came from 'my Father which is in heaven,' not human reasoning. Saving knowledge of Christ is divinely revealed, not humanly achieved. Reformed doctrine's emphasis on divine initiative in salvation finds clear support here—natural man cannot discover Christ's true identity through intellect alone. The Father's revelation through the Holy Spirit enables recognition of Jesus as Lord (1 Corinthians 12:3). This verse demolishes any notion of salvation by human wisdom or effort.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Aramaic 'Bar-jona' (son of Jonah) identifies Peter's human lineage, contrasting with his spiritual insight from the heavenly Father. In Jewish thought, revelation came through prophets; Jesus affirms the Father directly revealed truth to Peter. This personal revelation parallels Old Testament prophetic experience while pointing to the Holy Spirit's New Covenant ministry of illumination.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has God revealed Christ's identity to you personally?
  2. What role does divine revelation play in your faith versus human reasoning?
  3. How does recognizing faith as God's gift affect your attitude toward unbelievers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

And

G2532

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

ἀποκριθεὶς2 of 26

answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

τοῖς3 of 26

which

G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 26

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἶπεν5 of 26

and said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ6 of 26

unto 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

Μακάριος7 of 26

Blessed

G3107

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

εἶ8 of 26

art thou

G1488

thou art

Σίμων9 of 26

Simon

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

Βαρ10 of 26

Barjona

G920

son of jonas (or jonah); bar-jonas, an israelite

Ἰωνᾶ,11 of 26
G2495

jonas (i.e., jonah), the name of two israelites

ὅτι12 of 26

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

σὰρξ13 of 26

flesh

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

καὶ14 of 26

And

G2532

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

αἷμα15 of 26

blood

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

οὐκ16 of 26

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἀπεκάλυψέν17 of 26

hath

G601

to take off the cover, i.e., disclose

σοι18 of 26

it unto thee

G4671

to thee

ἀλλ'19 of 26

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τοῖς20 of 26

which

G3588

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

πατήρ21 of 26

Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

μου22 of 26

my

G3450

of me

τοῖς23 of 26

which

G3588

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

ἐν24 of 26

is in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς25 of 26

which

G3588

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

οὐρανοῖς26 of 26

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 16:17 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 Matthew 16:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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