Matthew 16 13

Matthew 16:13 kjv

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

Matthew 16:13 nkjv

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?"

Matthew 16:13 niv

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"

Matthew 16:13 esv

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"

Matthew 16:13 nlt

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"

Matthew 16 verses

Matthew 16 13 Meaning

Matthew 16:13 marks a crucial turning point in Jesus's ministry, shifting focus from His public teaching and miracles to a direct and profound inquiry into His identity. Located in a heavily pagan area, Jesus intentionally probes His closest disciples about public opinion concerning who He is, specifically using His frequently adopted title, "the Son of Man." This question prepares them for Peter's pivotal confession and the subsequent revelations about His suffering, death, and resurrection. It underscores the distinction between superficial public perception and the foundational truth about Christ's divine-human nature and saving mission.

Matthew 16 13 Context

Matthew 16:13 begins a pivotal section of Jesus's ministry, marking a geographical and theological turning point. Prior to this, Jesus had engaged in various public teachings, performed numerous miracles, and confronted the religious authorities. The chapter begins with a contentious encounter with the Pharisees and Sadducees who demand a sign (Mt 16:1-4), followed by Jesus's warning to His disciples against their "leaven" (Mt 16:5-12), signifying their deceptive doctrines and hypocrisy.

The move to Caesarea Philippi is significant. This was a non-Jewish territory, primarily pagan, known for its worship of Pan (Greek god of nature) and its imperial cults, with a prominent grotto dedicated to Pan. Its location near the foothills of Mount Hermon provided a stark contrast to Jerusalem's religious center. In this environment, amidst pervasive paganism, Jesus initiates a private discussion with His disciples concerning His true identity, setting the stage for Peter's famous confession (Mt 16:16) and the subsequent revelations about Jesus's suffering, death, and resurrection (Mt 16:21). This verse is the precursor to Jesus's declaration of His church and His prophetic warnings regarding His passion.

Matthew 16 13 Word analysis

• When Jesus came (ἐλθὼν ὁ Ἰησοῦς - elthōn ho Iēsous): Signifies a purposeful, strategic journey rather than a casual one. Jesus actively chose this specific location for this critical discussion.
• into the coasts (εἰς τὰ μέρη - eis ta merē): "Coasts" here refers to "parts," "districts," or "regions," emphasizing Jesus entering the general territory or surroundings of the town, not necessarily just the coastline.
• of Caesarea Philippi (τῆς Καισαρείας τῆς Φιλίππου - tēs Kaisareias tēs Philippou): A city north of Galilee, renamed by Herod Philip II in honor of Emperor Tiberius Caesar and himself. It was a Gentile, predominantly pagan area with significant idolatry, including temples to Pan and Augustus. The choice of location heightens the drama of Jesus's question, contrasting His true identity with the false deities worshipped there.
• he asked (ἠρώτα - ērōta): The imperfect tense in Greek suggests an ongoing, persistent, or deliberate questioning. It wasn't a one-off query but part of a deeper inquiry, setting the stage for profound revelation.
• his disciples (τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ - tous mathētas autou): Not the general crowd, but His inner circle, those who had journeyed with Him, witnessed His power, and heard His teachings. The question is aimed at those expected to know Him most intimately.
• saying (λέγων - legōn): Introduces direct speech, indicating the precise words Jesus used.
• Whom (τίνα - tina): A direct interrogative pronoun, specifically asking for the identity of a person. It calls for a precise answer regarding His person.
• do men say (λέγουσιν οἱ ἄνθρωποι - legousin hoi anthrōpoi): Focuses on "men" (anthrōpoi) in general, representing public opinion and the diverse, often superficial or inaccurate, perceptions of the masses.
• that I the Son of man am? (εἶναι τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου; - einai ton huion tou anthrōpou;):
  • I (εἶναι - einai): Implies the verb "to be" tied directly to "I," emphasizing His personal identity.
  • the Son of man (ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου - ho huios tou anthrōpou): This is Jesus's most frequent self-designation. It carries complex layers of meaning, often rooted in Dan 7:13, where the "Son of Man" comes with the clouds of heaven, receives an everlasting kingdom, and divine dominion. However, Jesus also infused it with humility, suffering, and a connection to humanity (Php 2:6-7, Mk 10:45). It is not just a general human, but a specific, divinely appointed figure who bridges the human and the divine, serving and suffering for salvation. The question asks not merely "who do men say I am?" but "who do men say that I, who consistently call myself 'the Son of Man,' am?"—inviting deeper reflection on this title's profound significance.

Matthew 16 13 Bonus section

• "Gates of Hades" Foreshadowing: The phrase "gates of Hades" in Mt 16:18, spoken immediately after this passage, is often connected to the literal cave at Caesarea Philippi that served as a grotto dedicated to Pan, which pagans believed was an entrance to the underworld. Jesus's choice of location thus also subtly prefigures His triumph over the forces of darkness and death.
• Private vs. Public Revelation: This verse marks a shift in Jesus's teaching methodology. Before, He primarily used parables for the crowds. Here, He moves to direct, intimate theological inquiry with His disciples, preparing them for deeper truths and their future apostolic ministry.
• Crucial Messianic Identity: The question in Mt 16:13, and the subsequent confession by Peter, are central to Christian theology, forming the basis of belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
• Historical Accuracy: While the Gospels primarily convey theological truth, historical and geographical details like "Caesarea Philippi" demonstrate grounding in the realities of 1st-century Judea, allowing Jesus to leverage the specific context of that pagan setting for His teaching.

Matthew 16 13 Commentary

Matthew 16:13 stands as a monumental moment in the Gospel narrative, representing a pivot from Jesus's general ministry to a sharper focus on His identity and mission leading to the cross. By initiating this crucial conversation in the deeply pagan region of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus implicitly highlights the stark contrast between the worship of false gods and His true divine nature. The question, "Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am?" isn't merely for information but a strategic pedagogical move to draw out the understanding (or misunderstanding) of the masses and, more importantly, to lead His closest followers to a clear confession of faith. His use of "Son of Man," His preferred self-designation, invites contemplation beyond a mere human prophet, pointing to His heavenly origin (Dan 7:13) while simultaneously hinting at His suffering and redemptive role (Mk 8:31). This deliberate inquiry sets the stage for Peter's Spirit-inspired confession and forms the foundational bedrock for understanding Jesus's ultimate purpose and the nature of the church. This verse beckons every individual to confront the same question, compelling them to move beyond public opinion to a personal revelation of who Jesus truly is.