King James Version

What Does Matthew 17:9 Mean?

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 · KJV


Context

7

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

8

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

9

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.

10

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

11

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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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

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

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

9 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

18 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

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