Luke Chapter 9 · Verse 20
He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 18
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
τίνα
whom
G5101
τίνα
whom
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
6 of 18
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
λέγετε
say
G3004
λέγετε
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἀποκριθεὶς
answering
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
answering
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
10 of 18
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
13 of 18
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
Τὸν
G3588
Τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Χριστὸν
The Christ
G5547
Χριστὸν
The Christ
Strong's:
G5547
Word #:
16 of 18
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
Cross References
John 7:41Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?John 4:29Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?Acts 9:22But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.Acts 8:36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?Acts 17:3Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.Mark 8:29And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.John 4:42And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.John 1:41He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.John 20:31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.John 11:27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Historical Context
This occurred at Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13), a pagan city with temples to Greek gods and Caesar worship. In this context of false deities, Jesus asks who He truly is. Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ fulfilled Jewish messianic hope but needed correction—first-century Jews expected a political-military messiah to overthrow Rome. Jesus' immediate teaching about suffering redefined messiahship: victory through suffering, kingdom through cross, glory through humiliation. This confession became foundational for Christian faith—Jesus is the Christ, God's anointed Savior.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Peter's confession that Jesus is 'the Christ of God' reveal about growing faith and understanding of Jesus' identity?
- How does Jesus' immediate teaching about suffering correct misconceptions about what it means for Him to be the Messiah?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus asks: 'But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.' This confession marks a turning point. The Greek 'Christos' (Χριστός, Christ/Messiah) and 'tou theou' (τοῦ θεοῦ, of God) identify Jesus as God's anointed one—the long-awaited Messiah. Peter's confession, representing the twelve, shows their growing faith and understanding. Jesus immediately begins teaching about His suffering, death, and resurrection (v. 22), showing that true messianic understanding requires embracing the cross, not just the crown. Confessing Jesus as Christ demands following Him to suffering.