Matthew 16:16
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Original Language Analysis
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 15
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
4 of 15
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
11 of 15
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
13 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
Matthew 14:33Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.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.1 John 4:15Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.Matthew 27:54Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.1 Timothy 4:10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.Acts 9:20And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.Matthew 26:63But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.1 Thessalonians 1:9For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;Hebrews 10:31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.1 John 5:5Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Historical Context
Peter speaks as the Twelve's representative, articulating what their time with Jesus revealed. Unlike the 'Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah' guesses, this confession recognizes Jesus' unique identity. 'Living God' contrasts with Caesarea Philippi's dead idols. Peter's declaration fulfills Old Testament expectation while transcending contemporary messianic hopes focused on political deliverance.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you truly believe Jesus is God incarnate, not merely a great teacher?
- How does confessing Christ's deity change how you relate to Him?
- What implications follow from Jesus being the Son of the living God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter's confession 'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God' is Christianity's bedrock declaration. 'Christ' (Greek 'Christos,' Hebrew 'Messiah') identifies Jesus as God's Anointed One. 'Son of the living God' affirms His deity—not merely a prophet but God incarnate. Reformed doctrine sees here the core of saving faith: Jesus is both Messiah (fulfilling Old Testament prophecy) and divine Son (worthy of worship). This confession distinguishes Christianity from all other religions and defines orthodoxy.