Matthew 16:22
Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
Then
G2532
καὶ
Then
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσλαβόμενος
took
G4355
προσλαβόμενος
took
Strong's:
G4355
Word #:
2 of 17
to take to oneself, i.e., use (food), lead (aside), admit (to friendship or hospitality)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 17
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
5 of 17
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
ἐπιτιμᾶν
to rebuke
G2008
ἐπιτιμᾶν
to rebuke
Strong's:
G2008
Word #:
7 of 17
to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 17
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
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἵλεώς
Be it far
G2436
Ἵλεώς
Be it far
Strong's:
G2436
Word #:
10 of 17
cheerful (as attractive), i.e., propitious; adverbially (by hebraism) god be gracious!, i.e., (in averting some calamity) far be it
κύριε·
Lord
G2962
κύριε·
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
οὐ
G3756
Historical Context
Peter had just confessed Jesus as Messiah (16:16) and received Jesus' blessing. Now he's rebuked as Satan for opposing the Passion. This whiplash demonstrates how quickly human thinking diverges from God's ways. Jewish messianic expectations focused on conquering Rome, not suffering. Peter's rebuke reflected these cultural assumptions rather than divine revelation. His later transformation shows how the Spirit corrects fleshly thinking.
Questions for Reflection
- When has good intention led you to oppose God's will?
- How do you distinguish between protecting loved ones and hindering God's purposes?
- What 'crosses' in your life might you be wrongly resisting?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Peter's rebuke 'Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee' reveals well-meaning but satanic opposition to God's will. The Greek 'hileos' means 'God be merciful/gracious to you,' essentially 'God forbid!' Peter's love for Jesus led him to oppose the cross—and thereby oppose salvation itself. Reformed theology recognizes that even believers can speak against God's purposes when trusting human wisdom over divine revelation. The cross was essential; opposition to it, however loving, served Satan's purposes.