King James Version

What Does Matthew 16:23 Mean?

Matthew 16:23 in the King James Version says “But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the t...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”

Matthew 16:23 · KJV

Context

21

From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

22

Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. Be: Gr. Pity thyself

23

But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

24

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

25

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Read Matthew 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' rebuke 'Get thee behind me, Satan' reveals how Peter's well-meaning resistance to the cross served Satan's purposes. Peter's confession in verse 16 came by divine revelation; his rebuke here comes from human reasoning. Reformed theology recognizes that even believers can speak for the adversary when resisting God's will. The phrase 'thou art an offence unto me' (Greek 'skandalon'—stumbling block) shows Peter's words tempted Jesus away from the cross. 'Thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men' distinguishes divine and human wisdom.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter's reaction reflected contemporary Jewish messianic expectations focused on political triumph, not sacrificial death. Jesus' rebuke echoes His wilderness temptation where Satan offered power without suffering (Matthew 4:8-10). The designation 'Satan' doesn't mean Peter was possessed but that he functioned as the adversary at this moment, opposing God's redemptive plan.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you resisted God's plan because it involved suffering?
  2. How can good intentions become satanic temptations?
  3. What distinguishes divine wisdom from human religious thinking?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
τῶν1 of 23

“the things”

G3588

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

δὲ2 of 23

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

στραφεὶς3 of 23

“he turned”

G4762

to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively)

εἶπεν4 of 23

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τῶν5 of 23

“the things”

G3588

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

Πέτρῳ6 of 23

“unto Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

Ὕπαγε7 of 23

“Get thee”

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

ὀπίσω8 of 23

“behind”

G3694

to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)

μου,9 of 23

“me”

G3450

of me

Σατανᾶ·10 of 23

“Satan”

G4567

the accuser, i.e., the devil

σκάνδαλον11 of 23

“an offence”

G4625

a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e., snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin)

μου,12 of 23

“me”

G3450

of me

εἶ13 of 23

“thou”

G1488

thou art

ὅτι14 of 23

“art”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐ15 of 23

“not”

G3756

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

φρονεῖς16 of 23

“for thou savourest”

G5426

to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d

τῶν17 of 23

“the things”

G3588

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

τῶν18 of 23

“the things”

G3588

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

θεοῦ19 of 23

“that be of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἀλλὰ20 of 23

“but”

G235

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

τῶν21 of 23

“the things”

G3588

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

τῶν22 of 23

“the things”

G3588

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

ἀνθρώπων23 of 23

“those that be of men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

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 16:23 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 16:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 8:5-8Colossians 3:2Philippians 3:19Mark 8:331 Corinthians 2:14-15Matthew 4:10

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