Book of Matthew - Chapter 17 - Verse 5

Matthew 17:5 recounts the moment when Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John on the mountain. As Jesus was speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came from the cloud saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." This event signifies an important divine affirmation of Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the chosen Messiah. The voice from the cloud echoes the words spoken by God at Jesus' baptism, emphasizing Jesus' unique relationship with the Father and his authority to speak on behalf of God.

The significance of the bright cloud symbolizes the presence of God and his approval of Jesus' ministry. The cloud was a frequent symbol of divine presence in the Old Testament, such as when God led the Israelites through the wilderness in a pillar of cloud. Therefore, the appearance of the cloud at the transfiguration solidifies Jesus' divine authority and mission. The instruction to "hear ye him" reinforces the importance of listening to Jesus' teachings and following his example in order to understand God's will and receive salvation.

One theological interpretation of this verse is that it reflects the concept of the Trinity. The bright cloud that overshadowed the disciples can be seen as representing the presence of God the Father, while the voice that spoke from the cloud affirming Jesus as His beloved Son can be seen as representing the voice of God. This event, known as the Transfiguration, is interpreted by some theologians as a moment when the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit were all present and revealed to the disciples. The affirmation of Jesus as the beloved Son echoes similar statements made at his baptism, highlighting his divine nature and fulfilling prophecies from the Old Testament.

Word studies on this verse can illuminate the significance of certain key terms. For instance, the word "beloved" used to describe Jesus points to the deep love and special relationship between Jesus and the Father. The phrase "hear ye him" emphasizes the authority of Jesus' teachings and reinforces the importance of listening to his words. Understanding the nuances of these words can deepen our appreciation of the divine message conveyed in this passage, encouraging readers to reflect on the unique role of Jesus as the Son of God and the importance of following his teachings.