Matthew 17 14

Matthew 17:14 kjv

And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

Matthew 17:14 nkjv

And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying,

Matthew 17:14 niv

When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him.

Matthew 17:14 esv

And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him,

Matthew 17:14 nlt

At the foot of the mountain, a large crowd was waiting for them. A man came and knelt before Jesus and said,

Matthew 17 verses

Matthew 17 14 Meaning

After the glorious Transfiguration on the mountain, Jesus, accompanied by Peter, James, and John, descended to find a large crowd awaiting them. In this immediate transition from divine revelation to human reality, a man emerged from the multitude, approaching Jesus with an urgent plea. He demonstrated profound humility and desperation by kneeling before Jesus, signaling his immediate request.

Matthew 17 14 Context

Matthew 17:14 immediately follows the pivotal event of the Transfiguration (Mt 17:1-13). Jesus had ascended a high mountain with Peter, James, and John, where His divine glory was revealed, and He spoke with Moses and Elijah. A voice from heaven declared Him as God's beloved Son. This experience represents a peak of divine revelation and intimacy with the Father. The verse, therefore, marks a dramatic shift, as Jesus descends from this mountain of heavenly glory back into the everyday reality of human suffering, desperation, and the presence of the earthly multitude. It sets the stage for the narrative of healing a demon-possessed boy and subsequent teaching on faith, contrasting the spiritual elevation with the immediate challenges of earthly ministry and human need.

Matthew 17 14 Word analysis

• And (Καί - Kai): A simple conjunction, yet crucial here as it signifies an immediate and direct transition from the transcendent experience on the mountain to the mundane reality below. It highlights the swift flow of the narrative from divine glory to human need.
• when they were come (ἐλθόντων αὐτῶν - elthontōn autōn): This phrase, a genitive absolute, denotes the moment Jesus and the three disciples returned. "They" specifically refers to Jesus, Peter, James, and John, emphasizing their shared return from a sacred, elevated spiritual experience to the lower, material plane of existence. It underscores the practical transition from contemplation to action.
• to the multitude (πρὸς τὸν ὄχλον - pros ton ochlon): The term `ochlos` refers to an undifferentiated crowd or a large gathering of common people. It often represents the general populace following Jesus, who were either seeking healing, teaching, or simply curious. This highlights the public and accessible nature of Jesus' ministry.
• there came to him (προσῆλθεν αὐτῷ - prosēlthe autō): This verb describes a direct approach, signifying intent and urgency. It marks a shift from the general presence of the multitude to a specific, individual interaction. The verb `prosēlthe` indicates that the man initiated the encounter with Jesus.
• a certain man (ἄνθρωπος τις - anthrōpos tis): `Anthropos` means "man," and `tis` denotes "a certain one" or "someone." This highlights that out of the general crowd, one specific individual steps forward to draw attention to his unique plight. It indicates the personal and direct nature of the appeal that follows.
• kneeling down (γονυπετῶν - gonypetōn): From `gony` (knee) and `piptō` (to fall). This is more than a casual bow; it signifies an act of deep reverence, extreme humility, and desperate supplication. It's a non-verbal expression of profound need and acknowledgment of Jesus' authority or power. This posture was typical for pleading for life, mercy, or aid, suggesting the man's profound despair and the urgency of his request.
• to him (αὐτῷ - autō): Referring explicitly to Jesus, clarifying who is the object of the man's profound respect and desperate plea.
• and saying (καὶ λέγων - kai legōn): A standard phrase introducing the direct speech of the person who has approached. It prepares the reader for the man's verbal petition, which elaborates on the reason for his kneeling and desperation.

Matthew 17 14 Bonus section

The immediate juxtaposition of the Transfiguration (a display of divine majesty) with this encounter with a suffering individual and a questioning crowd serves as a narrative technique highlighting the core of Jesus' mission: His divinity empowers His compassionate earthly ministry. The movement from "up" (mountain) to "down" (multitude) is a recurring biblical motif signifying God's condescension to meet humanity in its need. The readiness of the crowd to immediately besiege Jesus upon His descent shows the widespread expectation and reliance on Him, underscoring His identity as the healer and deliverer.

Matthew 17 14 Commentary

Matthew 17:14 portrays the stark and immediate transition of Jesus and His disciples from a mountaintop revelation of divine glory to the everyday reality of human suffering and a needy world. The scene perfectly encapsulates Jesus' dual nature: the glorified Son of God who descends to engage directly with broken humanity. The large ochlos (multitude) waiting signifies the ongoing demand for Jesus' ministry and compassion. The "certain man" who comes forward epitomizes desperate human need. His act of "kneeling down" (gonypetōn) is a powerful, visual testament to his humility, urgency, and profound recognition of Jesus' authority and ability to intervene. It sets the emotional tone for the following account of a gravely ill child and the faith challenge posed to the disciples, demonstrating that Jesus' divine majesty does not distance Him from human pain but empowers Him to address it directly.