King James Version

What Does Matthew 17:5 Mean?

Matthew 17:5 in the King James Version says “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is m... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 17:5 · KJV


Context

3

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

4

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.

5

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.

6

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

7

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Father's voice from the cloud—'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him'—echoes His baptismal declaration (3:17) with the addition: 'hear ye him.' This command elevates Jesus' authority above Moses and Elijah. The 'bright cloud' represents divine presence (Shekinah), recalling the cloud guiding Israel (Exodus 13:21-22) and filling the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34). God's audible affirmation authenticates Jesus as the Prophet greater than Moses whom Israel must hear (Deuteronomy 18:15).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The bright cloud engulfing them signified God's immediate presence, terrifying the disciples (v. 6). The Father's words combine Psalm 2:7 (messianic king) and Isaiah 42:1 (suffering servant), defining Jesus' dual role. 'Hear ye him' commands absolute obedience to Jesus' words, even difficult teachings about the cross. This validates Jesus over all prophets.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the command 'hear ye him' challenge your obedience to Jesus' words?
  2. What does the Father's repeated affirmation teach about Jesus' unique authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
ἔτι1 of 27

yet

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

αὐτοῦ2 of 27

While he

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

λαλοῦντος3 of 27

spake

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ἰδού,4 of 27

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

νεφέλης5 of 27

cloud

G3507

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

φωτεινὴ6 of 27

a bright

G5460

lustrous, i.e., transparent or well-illuminated (figuratively)

ἐπεσκίασεν7 of 27

overshadowed

G1982

to cast a shade upon, i.e., (by analogy) to envelop in a haze of brilliancy; figuratively, to invest with preternatural influence

αὐτοῦ8 of 27

While he

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

καὶ9 of 27

and

G2532

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

ἰδού,10 of 27

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

φωνὴ11 of 27

a voice

G5456

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

ἐκ12 of 27

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

τῆς13 of 27
G3588

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

νεφέλης14 of 27

cloud

G3507

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

λέγουσα15 of 27

which said

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

Οὗτός16 of 27

This

G3778

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

ἐστιν17 of 27

is

G2076

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

18 of 27
G3588

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

υἱός19 of 27

Son

G5207

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

μου20 of 27

my

G3450

of me

21 of 27
G3588

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

ἀγαπητός,22 of 27

beloved

G27

beloved

ἐν23 of 27

in

G1722

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

24 of 27

whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εὐδόκησα·25 of 27

I am well pleased

G2106

to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)

αὐτοῦ26 of 27

While he

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

ἀκούετε27 of 27

hear ye

G191

to hear (in various senses)


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 17:5 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 17:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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