Matthew 17:5
While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῦ
While he
G846
αὐτοῦ
While he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 27
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
φωτεινὴ
a bright
G5460
φωτεινὴ
a bright
Strong's:
G5460
Word #:
6 of 27
lustrous, i.e., transparent or well-illuminated (figuratively)
ἐπεσκίασεν
overshadowed
G1982
ἐπεσκίασεν
overshadowed
Strong's:
G1982
Word #:
7 of 27
to cast a shade upon, i.e., (by analogy) to envelop in a haze of brilliancy; figuratively, to invest with preternatural influence
αὐτοῦ
While he
G846
αὐτοῦ
While he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 27
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φωνὴ
a voice
G5456
φωνὴ
a voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
11 of 27
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
12 of 27
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγουσα
which said
G3004
λέγουσα
which said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
15 of 27
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Οὗτός
This
G3778
Οὗτός
This
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
16 of 27
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱός
Son
G5207
υἱός
Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
19 of 27
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ᾧ
whom
G3739
ᾧ
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
24 of 27
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
εὐδόκησα·
I am well pleased
G2106
εὐδόκησα·
I am well pleased
Strong's:
G2106
Word #:
25 of 27
to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)
Cross References
Matthew 3:17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.Matthew 12:18Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.Mark 9:7And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.Deuteronomy 18:15The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;Mark 1:11And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.John 3:35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.Revelation 1:7Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.Isaiah 42:1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.Luke 3:22And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.Deuteronomy 18:19And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
Historical Context
The bright cloud engulfing them signified God's immediate presence, terrifying the disciples (v. 6). The Father's words combine Psalm 2:7 (messianic king) and Isaiah 42:1 (suffering servant), defining Jesus' dual role. 'Hear ye him' commands absolute obedience to Jesus' words, even difficult teachings about the cross. This validates Jesus over all prophets.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the command 'hear ye him' challenge your obedience to Jesus' words?
- What does the Father's repeated affirmation teach about Jesus' unique authority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Father's voice from the cloud—'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him'—echoes His baptismal declaration (3:17) with the addition: 'hear ye him.' This command elevates Jesus' authority above Moses and Elijah. The 'bright cloud' represents divine presence (Shekinah), recalling the cloud guiding Israel (Exodus 13:21-22) and filling the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34). God's audible affirmation authenticates Jesus as the Prophet greater than Moses whom Israel must hear (Deuteronomy 18:15).