Matthew 16:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 16:28
28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Chapter Context
Matthew 16 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, judgment, redemption. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 16:28
28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Analysis
Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death (ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι εἰσίν τινες τῶν ὧδε ἑστώτων οἵτινες οὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου)—The solemn ἀμήν (truly, verily) introduces weighty truth. The phrase οὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου ('will never taste death') uses the strongest Greek negative, guaranteeing some present will survive until seeing the Son of man coming in his kingdom (ἕως ἂν ἴδωσιν τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐρχόμενον ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ αὐτοῦ). This controversial verse is best understood as fulfilled in the Transfiguration (17:1-8, occurring six days later), where Peter, James, and John saw Christ's glory, Moses and Elijah (representing Law and Prophets), and heard the Father's voice—a preview of kingdom glory.
Alternatively, some see fulfillment in Pentecost (Acts 2) when the Spirit inaugurated Christ's kingdom reign, or in AD 70's Jerusalem destruction demonstrating Christ's judgment authority. The immediate context (following discussion of Christ's return, 16:27) and the transitional 'And after six days' (17:1) strongly link this to the Transfiguration—a proleptic glimpse of Christ's eschatological glory.
Historical Context
Jesus spoke this around AD 29-30, roughly six days before the Transfiguration. The promise that 'some' (not all) would see this indicates select disciples would witness it—Peter, James, and John became the inner circle privileged to witness Jesus's glory (17:1), raising of Jairus's daughter (Mark 5:37), and Gethsemane agony (26:37). These three would indeed not taste death before seeing Christ's glory manifested.
Reflection
- How does the Transfiguration as a preview of Christ's kingdom glory strengthen your hope in His promised return?
- What does Jesus selecting only three disciples teach about God's sovereign distribution of revelation and privilege?
Word Studies
- Kingdom: βασιλεία (Basileia) G932 - Kingdom, reign
Cross-References
- Kingdom: Mark 9:1, Luke 9:27
- Parallel theme: Matthew 10:23, 26:64, Mark 13:26, Luke 2:26, John 8:52, Hebrews 2:9