Matthew 3:17

Authorized King James Version

And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἰδού,

G2400

used as imperative lo!

φωνὴ

G5456

a voice

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

ἐκ

G1537

from

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανῶν

G3772

heaven

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

λέγουσα

G3004

saying

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

G3778

This

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#10

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

υἱός

G5207

Son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#12

μου

G3450

of me

#13

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

ἀγαπητός,

G27

beloved

#15

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#16

ᾧ

G3739

whom

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#17

εὐδόκησα

G2106

I am well pleased

to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)

Cross References

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Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Matthew. The concept of love reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of gospel presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic hope, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes agape in Greek contexts or hesed in Hebrew, indicating covenantal loyalty, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of love differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Matthew chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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Matthew 3:17

Cross References

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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People

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