Matthew 16:13
When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
Original Language Analysis
Ἐλθὼν
came
G2064
Ἐλθὼν
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 25
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 25
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέρη
the coasts
G3313
μέρη
the coasts
Strong's:
G3313
Word #:
7 of 25
a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)
Καισαρείας
of Caesarea
G2542
Καισαρείας
of Caesarea
Strong's:
G2542
Word #:
8 of 25
caesaria, the name of two places in palestine
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φιλίππου
Philippi
G5376
Φιλίππου
Philippi
Strong's:
G5376
Word #:
10 of 25
fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 25
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
λέγουσιν
say
G3004
λέγουσιν
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
15 of 25
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Τίνα
Whom
G5101
Τίνα
Whom
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
16 of 25
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
λέγουσιν
say
G3004
λέγουσιν
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
18 of 25
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸν
the Son
G5207
υἱὸν
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
23 of 25
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
Daniel 7:13I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.Matthew 9:6But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.John 5:27And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.Matthew 8:20And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.Matthew 12:8For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.Matthew 13:37He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;Acts 10:38How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.Acts 7:56And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.Mark 8:38Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.Mark 10:45For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Historical Context
Caesarea Philippi, built by Philip the Tetrarch, contained temples to Caesar and Pan. Asking about His identity in this pagan religious center emphasized the contrast: who is Jesus amid competing claims? The location's idolatry made the confession of Christ's deity more pointed. Popular opinions (John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah) showed people recognized Jesus' prophetic authority but missed His divine nature.
Questions for Reflection
- Who do you say Jesus is, beyond religious labels or opinions?
- How does cultural confusion about Christ's identity affect your witness?
- What makes accurate Christology essential to Christian faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' question 'Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?' introduces the crucial identity question. The phrase 'Son of man' (from Daniel 7:13) carries messianic implications while emphasizing His humanity. This question forces confrontation with Christ's identity—the central issue of Christianity. Reformed Christology emphasizes that right understanding of Christ's person is foundational to salvation. Various opinions about Jesus (as there are today) all fall short unless one recognizes His deity and messianic office.