What is the context of Matthew 17:9?

Matthew 17:9 is part of Matthew chapter 17, which contains 27 verses. This verse has 6 cross-references to other scriptures, showing its connections throughout the Bible.

King James Version

What Does Matthew 17:9 Mean?

Q: What does Matthew 17:9 mean?

Matthew 17:9 says: "And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead." This text illustrates key Reformed principles: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide. The passage demonstrates how God's Word speaks authoritatively to human need, revealing both our depravity and God's merciful provision through Christ.

Matthew 17:9 in the King James Version says “And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be ...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.”

Matthew 17:9 · King James Version

Context

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

And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

Read Matthew 17 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain

This text illustrates key Reformed principles: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide. The passage demonstrates how God's Word speaks authoritatively to human need, revealing both our depravity and God's merciful provision through Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse originates in Jesus' ministry during a pivotal period. The first-century Jewish context included Roman occupation, Pharisaic religious authority, and messianic expectations. Understanding these factors illuminates the passage's significance.

Reflection Questions

How does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ?
What false beliefs or practices does this text correct?
How should you share this truth with others?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words

Καὶ1 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

καταβαινόντων2 of 24

“as they came down”

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῖς3 of 24

“them”

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

ἀπὸ4 of 24

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ5 of 24

G3588

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

ὄρους6 of 24

“the mountain”

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

ἐνετείλατο7 of 24

“charged”

G1781

to enjoin

αὐτοῖς8 of 24

“them”

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

ὁ9 of 24

G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς10 of 24

“Jesus”

G2424

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

λέγων,11 of 24

“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

Μηδενὶ12 of 24

“to no man”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

εἴπητε13 of 24

“Tell”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τὸ14 of 24

G3588

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

ὅραμα15 of 24

“the vision”

G3705

something gazed at, i.e., a spectacle (especially supernatural)

ἕως16 of 24

“until”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

οὗ17 of 24

G3739

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

ὁ18 of 24

G3588

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

υἱὸς19 of 24

“the Son”

G5207

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

τοῦ20 of 24

G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου21 of 24

“of man”

G444

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

ἐκ22 of 24

“from”

G1537

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

νεκρῶν23 of 24

“the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

ἀναστῇ24 of 24

“be risen again”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

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 17:9 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 17:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 8:30 Mark 9:9-13 Luke 9:21-22 Matthew 16:20-21 Matthew 8:20 Matthew 8:4

Test Your Knowledge

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