Matthew presents Jesus as the beloved Son of God, the fulfillment and surpassing center of the Law and the Prophets, the suffering Son of Man, the Lord over demonic power, and the Son who possesses freedom in relation to the temple yet submits humbly to avoid offense.
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Matthew 17
The Glory of the Son, the Coming of Elijah, the Failure of Little Faith, and the Son’s Humble Freedom
The Father reveals Jesus as the beloved Son whose glory surpasses Moses and Elijah, whose path includes suffering and resurrection, whose authority conquers demonic power, and whose sonship expresses itself in humble, non-offensive freedom.
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Chapter Summary
The Father reveals Jesus as the beloved Son whose glory surpasses Moses and Elijah, whose path includes suffering and resurrection, whose authority conquers demonic power, and whose sonship expresses itself in humble, non-offensive freedom.
Overview
Matthew 17 argues that Jesus’ glory and suffering must be held together. The transfiguration gives a preview of kingdom glory and confirms Peter’s confession, but the Father’s voice commands the disciples to listen to Jesus, especially as He teaches the necessity of the cross. Moses and Elijah bear witness, but Jesus alone remains as the beloved Son. Elijah’s promised coming is fulfilled in John the Baptist, whose rejection anticipates the suffering of the Son of Man.
The failed exorcism exposes the disciples’ little faith, while Jesus’ authority over the demon demonstrates kingdom power. The second passion prediction shows that glory does not cancel suffering. The temple tax episode closes by revealing Jesus’ unique Sonship: He is free in relation to the temple, yet He humbly pays to avoid unnecessary offense.
Context
A Jewish or Jewish-Christian audience familiar with Sinai theophany, Moses, Elijah, prophetic expectation, Malachi’s promise of Elijah, temple tax practice, exorcism, resurrection hope, and the scandal of a suffering Messiah.
The chapter begins on a high mountain with Peter, James, and John. It then moves down the mountain into the crowd where a demon-oppressed boy is brought to Jesus. Later Jesus and the disciples gather in Galilee, and the chapter concludes in Capernaum with the temple tax collectors.
The Father reveals Jesus as the beloved Son whose glory surpasses Moses and Elijah, whose path includes suffering and resurrection, whose authority conquers demonic power, and whose sonship expresses itself in humble, non-offensive freedom.
Matthew presents Jesus as the beloved Son of God, the fulfillment and surpassing center of the Law and the Prophets, the suffering Son of Man, the Lord over demonic power, and the Son who possesses freedom in relation to the temple yet submits humbly to avoid offense.
A Jewish or Jewish-Christian audience familiar with Sinai theophany, Moses, Elijah, prophetic expectation, Malachi’s promise of Elijah, temple tax practice, exorcism, resurrection hope, and the scandal of a suffering Messiah.
The chapter begins on a high mountain with Peter, James, and John. It then moves down the mountain into the crowd where a demon-oppressed boy is brought to Jesus. Later Jesus and the disciples gather in Galilee, and the chapter concludes in Capernaum with the temple tax collectors.
Social Pressure
- The disciples face fear in divine revelation, confusion over Elijah, inability in ministry, grief over Jesus’ passion prediction, and public pressure regarding temple tax. Jesus faces ongoing misunderstanding, unbelief, demonic oppression, and the looming path of betrayal, death, and resurrection.
Mountaintop revelation recalls Sinai and prophetic encounters with God. Moses represents the Law and Elijah the Prophets, while Malachi anticipated Elijah’s coming before the day of the Lord. The temple tax, associated with support for temple service, raised questions of obligation, identity, and honor. Crucifixion and betrayal remained deeply troubling to messianic expectation, making Jesus’ repeated passion predictions pastorally necessary.
Matthew 17 confirms Jesus’ identity after Peter’s confession and before the increasing movement toward Jerusalem. The transfiguration previews kingdom glory, but Jesus immediately binds glory to suffering, resurrection, and humble obedience. The chapter shows that the Father’s final word is not Moses or Elijah separately, but the beloved Son to whom the disciples must listen.
Chapter Movement
Matthew moves from the glory of the transfigured Son, to the Father’s command to listen to Him, to the clarification that Elijah has come and suffered, to a failed exorcism caused by little faith, to Jesus’ authority over the demon, to a second passion prediction, and finally to the Son’s freedom and humble payment of the temple tax.
Discourse Insight
Theological exposition and fulfillment
Matthew 17 clarifies the gospel by showing that Jesus is the beloved Son whose glory is real, whose voice is final, and whose mission moves through suffering, death, and resurrection. The gospel is not mere glory-experience, moral effort, or religious obligation. It is the revelation of the Son who fulfills the Law and Prophets, conquers demonic power, predicts His death and resurrection, and lives in humble freedom.
Disciples receive His glory by listening to Him, trusting Him, following Him down the mountain, and clinging to resurrection hope.
Structural Flow
The transfiguration reveals Jesus’ divine glory and the Father commands the disciples to listen to the beloved Son.
Jesus forbids testimony about the vision until resurrection and explains that Elijah has already come in John, who suffered.
The disciples fail to heal because of little faith, but Jesus displays authority over the demon and heals the boy.
Jesus again announces that the Son of Man will be delivered, killed, and raised.
Jesus teaches the Son’s freedom in relation to the temple tax yet pays it to avoid needless offense.
Chapter Outline
- 17:1-3: Jesus is transfigured, shining with heavenly glory, while Moses and Elijah appear with Him.
- 17:4-8: The Father identifies Jesus as His beloved Son and commands the disciples to listen to Him.
- 17:9-13: Jesus explains that Elijah has come in John the Baptist, who was rejected, and the Son of Man will likewise suffer.
- 17:14-21: Jesus heals the boy whom the disciples could not heal and teaches that their failure was due to little faith.
- 17:22-23: Jesus predicts again His betrayal, death, and resurrection, and the disciples are filled with grief.
- 17:24-27: Jesus teaches that sons are exempt from royal tax, yet He pays the temple tax to avoid causing offense.
Theological Argument
Matthew 17 argues that Jesus’ glory and suffering must be held together. The transfiguration gives a preview of kingdom glory and confirms Peter’s confession, but the Father’s voice commands the disciples to listen to Jesus, especially as He teaches the necessity of the cross. Moses and Elijah bear witness, but Jesus alone remains as the beloved Son. Elijah’s promised coming is fulfilled in John the Baptist, whose rejection anticipates the suffering of the Son of Man.
The failed exorcism exposes the disciples’ little faith, while Jesus’ authority over the demon demonstrates kingdom power. The second passion prediction shows that glory does not cancel suffering. The temple tax episode closes by revealing Jesus’ unique Sonship: He is free in relation to the temple, yet He humbly pays to avoid unnecessary offense.
From mountain glory to Jesus alone, from Elijah expectation to John’s suffering, from failed discipleship to Jesus’ authority, from glory to death-and-resurrection prediction, from Sonship freedom to humble payment.
- 1.Jesus’ true identity is glorious beyond ordinary human perception.
- 2.The Law and the Prophets witness to Jesus.
- 3.The Father’s command centers all attention on Jesus.
- 4.The vision must be understood through resurrection.
- 5.Elijah has come in John the Baptist, but was rejected.
- 6.The Son of Man will suffer as John suffered.
- 7.Discipleship fails when faith is small and dependent power is lacking.
- 8.Jesus has authority over demonic oppression.
- 9.Faith’s power lies not in its size as human achievement but in its true dependence on God.
- 10.Jesus’ death and resurrection remain central after the revelation of glory.
- 11.Jesus is uniquely free as Son in relation to the temple.
- 12.Freedom may be restrained for the sake of avoiding needless offense.
Theological Focus
- Transfiguration
- Beloved Son
- Divine glory
- Moses and Elijah
- Law and Prophets
- Father’s voice
- Listen to Jesus
- Fear and comfort
- Jesus alone
- Elijah expectation
- John the Baptist
- Suffering Son of Man
- Demon oppression
- Little faith
- Mustard seed faith
- Mountain-moving faith
- Passion prediction
- Resurrection on the third day
- Temple tax
- Sonship freedom
- Avoiding offense
- Miraculous provision
- The Glory of the Son
- Fulfillment of Law and Prophets
- Listen to Him
- Glory Interpreted by Resurrection
- Elijah and John the Baptist
- Suffering before Glory
- Failure of Little Faith
- Authority over Demons
- Mustard Seed Faith
- The Son’s Freedom
- Humble Restraint
- Christology
- Revelation
- Scripture Fulfillment
- The Trinity
- Fear and Divine Presence
- Prophetic Ministry
- Demonology
- Faith
- Passion and Resurrection
- Christian Freedom
- Providence
Theological Themes
Jesus’ transfiguration reveals His radiant glory and confirms His identity as the beloved Son.
Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus, showing that the Law and Prophets bear witness to Him.
The Father commands the disciples to listen to Jesus as the definitive Son.
Jesus forbids telling the vision until after the resurrection, binding glory to cross and resurrection.
Jesus identifies John as the Elijah-like forerunner who came and suffered.
John’s suffering and Jesus’ passion prediction show that glory comes through suffering.
The disciples’ inability to cast out the demon exposes insufficient dependent faith.
Jesus rebukes the demon and heals the boy immediately.
Small genuine faith, rightly placed, participates in God’s mountain-moving power.
Jesus is free as Son in relation to the temple tax.
Jesus pays the tax to avoid unnecessary offense, showing that freedom can serve love and wisdom.
Covenant Significance
Matthew 17 places Jesus at the summit of covenant revelation. Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and Prophets, appear with Jesus, but the Father identifies Jesus as the beloved Son and commands the disciples to listen to Him. Elijah’s expected coming is fulfilled in John the Baptist, who suffers at the hands of unbelieving leaders, preparing the way for the suffering Son of Man.
The temple tax episode reveals that Jesus, as Son, stands in a unique relation to the temple and its obligations, anticipating the larger Matthean movement in which Jesus Himself is greater than the temple.
Old Testament Connections
- Matthew 17:1-3 - Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus, signaling that the covenant Scriptures converge on Him.
- Matthew 17:5 - The Father’s declaration echoes baptismal affirmation and royal-servant sonship themes.
- Matthew 17:5 - The command recalls the promised prophet like Moses whom Israel must hear.
- Matthew 17:10-13 - Jesus identifies the Elijah expectation as fulfilled in John the Baptist’s forerunning ministry.
- Matthew 17:12 - John’s rejection foreshadows the suffering of the Son of Man.
- Matthew 17:14-18 - Jesus’ authority over demonic power displays the inbreaking reign of God.
- Matthew 17:22-23 - Jesus again announces resurrection on the third day, tying suffering to vindication.
- Matthew 17:24-27 - Jesus’ teaching on the tax reveals His unique sonship and freedom in relation to the temple.
- Exodus 24:12-18 - Moses ascends the mountain, cloud and glory imagery frame covenant revelation.
- Exodus 34:29-35 - Moses’ shining face provides background, though Jesus’ radiance is intrinsic and superior.
- 1 Kings 19:8-18 - Elijah’s mountain encounter with God provides prophetic background to the transfiguration scene.
- Deuteronomy 18:15 - The promised prophet like Moses must be heard, resonating with the Father’s command to listen to Jesus.
- Psalm 2:7 - Royal Sonship contributes to the Father’s declaration of Jesus as Son.
- Isaiah 42:1 - Servant language of divine delight echoes in the Father’s affirmation.
- Malachi 3:1 - The messenger prepares the way before the Lord, connected to John’s ministry.
- Malachi 4:5-6 - Elijah’s coming before the day of the Lord forms the background to the disciples’ question.
- Daniel 7:13-14 - Son of Man glory stands behind Jesus’ identity and coming kingdom.
- Exodus 30:11-16 - The temple tax episode relates broadly to Israel’s half-shekel temple support background.
Canonical Connections
The transfiguration recalls Sinai-like mountain revelation but centers final divine speech on Jesus.
Moses and Elijah represent covenant revelation that finds its fulfillment in Jesus.
The Father’s declaration echoes Jesus’ baptism and biblical sonship-servant themes.
Jesus interprets Malachi’s Elijah promise through John the Baptist’s ministry and suffering.
Jesus’ Son of Man identity includes suffering, death, resurrection, and future glory.
Jesus uses mountain-moving language to teach the power of genuine faith in God.
Jesus’ temple tax teaching resonates with Matthew’s broader theme that Jesus is greater than the temple.
Jesus’ voluntary tax payment anticipates apostolic teaching on restraining freedom for the sake of others.
Cross References
Gospel Clarity
Matthew 17 clarifies the gospel by showing that Jesus is the beloved Son whose glory is real, whose voice is final, and whose mission moves through suffering, death, and resurrection. The gospel is not mere glory-experience, moral effort, or religious obligation. It is the revelation of the Son who fulfills the Law and Prophets, conquers demonic power, predicts His death and resurrection, and lives in humble freedom.
Disciples receive His glory by listening to Him, trusting Him, following Him down the mountain, and clinging to resurrection hope.
Gospel Guardrails
- Beloved Son - The Father identifies Jesus as His beloved Son in whom He is well pleased.
- Listen to Jesus - The Father commands disciples to listen to the Son.
- Fulfillment - Moses and Elijah testify that Jesus fulfills the Law and Prophets.
- Glory and Cross - The transfigured Jesus forbids proclamation until resurrection and again predicts His death and rising.
- Suffering Forerunner - John’s suffering prepares the disciples to understand the suffering Son of Man.
- Mercy for the Afflicted - Jesus heals the demon-oppressed boy whom the disciples could not heal.
- Faith in God’s Power - Even mustard seed faith depends on God’s mountain-moving power.
- Third-Day Resurrection - Jesus explicitly says He will be raised on the third day.
- Sonship Freedom - Jesus is free as Son, yet voluntarily humbles Himself to avoid unnecessary offense.
- Provision - Jesus provides what is needed through sovereign command over creation.
- Do not preach the transfiguration as glory detached from the cross and resurrection.
- Do not place Moses, Elijah, tradition, or experience alongside Jesus as equal authorities.
- Do not ignore the Father’s command: disciples must listen to the Son.
- Do not treat John the Baptist as a failed Elijah · Jesus says Elijah has come and suffered.
- Do not reduce the failed exorcism to technique, formula, or religious performance.
- Do not weaponize mustard seed faith into triumphalism or manipulation.
- Do not preach Jesus’ death without His resurrection, or His resurrection without the necessity of His death.
- Do not use Christian freedom to create needless offense.
- Do not make the temple tax miracle a prosperity formula · it reveals Jesus’ Sonship, humility, and provision.
Primary Emphasis
Matthew 17 presents Jesus as the radiant beloved Son, the one greater than Moses and Elijah, the definitive voice to whom disciples must listen, the Son of Man whose glory is inseparable from suffering and resurrection, the Lord over demonic oppression, and the Son who is free in relation to the temple. The chapter strengthens both high Christology and cruciform mission: the glorified Son is the one who must suffer, die, and rise.
Chapter Contribution
Matthew 17 argues that Jesus’ glory and suffering must be held together. The transfiguration gives a preview of kingdom glory and confirms Peter’s confession, but the Father’s voice commands the disciples to listen to Jesus, especially as He teaches the necessity of the cross. Moses and Elijah bear witness, but Jesus alone remains as the beloved Son. Elijah’s promised coming is fulfilled in John the Baptist, whose rejection anticipates the suffering of the Son of Man.
The failed exorcism exposes the disciples’ little faith, while Jesus’ authority over the demon demonstrates kingdom power. The second passion prediction shows that glory does not cancel suffering. The temple tax episode closes by revealing Jesus’ unique Sonship: He is free in relation to the temple, yet He humbly pays to avoid unnecessary offense.
Doctrines in This Chapter
Although the mechanics of atonement are not expounded here, the passage prepares for Jesus' death as necessary to His saving mission.
Jesus rebukes the demon and heals the boy immediately, displaying sovereign authority over evil and affliction.
Freedom before God is real, but it is not exercised selfishly; Jesus models freedom governed by love and mission.
Moses and Elijah appear in relation to Jesus, showing that the Law and the Prophets find their proper focus in Him.
Jesus' sonship gives Him a unique relationship to the temple and to the Father that cannot be reduced to ordinary covenant obligation.
The verse underscores that disciples are not sufficient in themselves for spiritual ministry but must rely upon God in faith-filled prayer.
The disciple learns that avoiding unnecessary offense can be an act of wisdom, humility, and witness rather than fear or compromise.
The disciples' grief exposes the slow and painful formation required for followers of Jesus to understand a crucified and risen Messiah.
The Father identifies Jesus as His beloved Son, confirming His unique identity and authority at the center of revelation.
Jesus will be delivered into human hands, indicating real human action within the larger divine purpose that Jesus knowingly announces.
Jesus teaches that the disciples' failure arises from little faith, not from insufficient method or missing religious performance.
Where the longer reading is followed, fasting belongs with prayer as an embodied expression of humility and earnest dependence, not as a mechanism that forces divine action.
The father's plea for mercy shows that human suffering must be brought to Jesus, not hidden behind religious competence.
The kingdom is displayed through Jesus' power in the midst of weakness, not through the disciples' self-confidence.
Prayer is presented as the posture and practice of dependence by which disciples seek God's power rather than trusting their own capacity.
The coin in the fish displays Jesus' sovereign knowledge and provision, even when He chooses the path of lowly compliance.
Jesus binds His death to the promise that He will be raised on the third day, making resurrection integral to the passion announcement.
Jesus' command to keep silence until He is raised from the dead places the vision under the horizon of resurrection vindication.
God interprets the mountain scene by commanding the disciples to listen to Jesus, not merely to admire the spectacle.
Jesus identifies the Elijah expectation as fulfilled in John the Baptist's preparatory ministry and rejection.
The immediate context concerns demonic oppression and the failure of the disciples, showing that spiritual conflict is real and cannot be addressed by outward association with Jesus alone.
The passage joins unveiled glory to the coming suffering of the Son of Man, refusing any theology of glory that bypasses the cross.
The passage implies that Jesus stands in relation to the temple as the Son who is greater than the system that points toward God's dwelling and worship.
Because the verse is textually disputed, doctrine should not be built on this verse alone but may be correlated with broader biblical teaching on prayer, fasting, dependence, and spiritual conflict.
Doctrinal Weight
Jesus is the beloved Son, radiant in glory, superior to Moses and Elijah, Lord over demons, suffering Son of Man, and free Son in relation to the temple.
The Father reveals Jesus’ identity and commands the disciples to listen to Him.
Moses, Elijah, Malachi’s Elijah expectation, and Son of Man themes converge in Jesus.
The Father speaks from the cloud concerning the Son; the Son receives the Father’s affirmation and command.
The disciples fall in terror before divine glory, and Jesus comforts them with touch and command.
John the Baptist fulfills Elijah-like ministry and suffers rejection.
The boy’s suffering is connected to demonic oppression, and Jesus commands the demon to leave.
The disciples’ failure is attributed to little faith, and mustard seed faith is commended.
Jesus again predicts being delivered, killed, and raised on the third day.
Jesus models freedom restrained by wisdom and concern not to give unnecessary offense.
Jesus provides the tax through miraculous command over creation.
Reading Lenses
Theological exposition and fulfillment
- Matthew 17 clarifies the gospel by showing that Jesus is the beloved Son whose glory is real, whose voice is final, and whose mission moves through suffering, death, and resurrection. The gospel is not mere glory-experience, moral effort, or religious obligation. It is the revelation of the Son who fulfills the Law and Prophets, conquers demonic power, predicts His death and resurrection, and lives in humble freedom. Disciples receive His glory by listening to Him, trusting Him, following Him down the mountain, and clinging to resurrection hope.
Key Greek Terms
Sense transfigured, transformed in appearance
Definition To transform, change form, or be transfigured.
References Matthew 17:2
Lexicon transfigured, transformed in appearance
Why it matters Jesus’ visible glory is revealed before the disciples.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense face, countenance
Definition Face, presence, or countenance.
References Matthew 17:2
Lexicon face, countenance
Why it matters Jesus’ face shines like the sun, displaying divine radiance.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense sun
Definition The sun.
References Matthew 17:2
Lexicon sun
Why it matters Jesus’ face shining like the sun communicates radiant glory.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Neuter What is this?
Sense white, bright
Definition White, bright, shining.
References Matthew 17:2
Lexicon white, bright
Why it matters Jesus’ garments become white as light, marking heavenly glory.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense light
Definition Light, radiance, illumination.
References Matthew 17:2
Lexicon light
Why it matters Jesus’ transfigured appearance is described as white as light.
Sense Moses
Definition Covenant mediator associated with the Law.
References Matthew 17:3
Lexicon Moses
Why it matters Moses appears with Jesus as witness to the fulfillment of covenant revelation.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Sense Elijah
Definition Old Testament prophet associated with eschatological expectation.
References Matthew 17:3, 17:10-12
Lexicon Elijah
Why it matters Elijah appears at the transfiguration and is discussed in relation to John the Baptist.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Feminine What is this?
Sense tents, shelters, tabernacles
Definition Tent, shelter, dwelling, or tabernacle.
References Matthew 17:4
Lexicon tents, shelters, tabernacles
Why it matters Peter proposes three shelters, but the Father’s voice redirects attention to Jesus.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense bright cloud
Definition A cloud shining with light, signifying divine presence.
References Matthew 17:5
Lexicon bright cloud
Why it matters The cloud evokes theophany and divine presence.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense overshadowed, covered
Definition To overshadow, cover, or envelop.
References Matthew 17:5
Lexicon overshadowed, covered
Why it matters The bright cloud overshadows them as divine presence envelops the scene.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense voice, sound
Definition Voice or sound.
References Matthew 17:5
Lexicon voice, sound
Why it matters The Father’s voice interprets Jesus’ identity and commands obedience.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense beloved, dearly loved
Definition Beloved, dearly loved, cherished.
References Matthew 17:5
Lexicon beloved, dearly loved
Why it matters The Father identifies Jesus as His beloved Son.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 1st Person · Singular What is this?
Sense well pleased, delighted
Definition To be well pleased, delight in, approve.
References Matthew 17:5
Lexicon well pleased, delighted
Why it matters The Father delights in the Son.
Form in passage Present · Active · Imperative · 2nd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense listen, hear, obey
Definition To hear, listen, heed, or obey.
References Matthew 17:5
Lexicon listen, hear, obey
Why it matters The Father commands disciples to listen to Jesus.
Sense feared, were afraid
Definition To fear, be afraid, or revere.
References Matthew 17:6-7
Lexicon feared, were afraid
Why it matters The disciples respond to divine revelation with great fear.
Sense touched
Definition To touch or take hold of.
References Matthew 17:7
Lexicon touched
Why it matters Jesus comforts terrified disciples with His touch.
Form in passage Aorist · Passive · Imperative · 2nd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense rise, get up
Definition To raise, rise, awaken, or get up.
References Matthew 17:7, 17:9, 17:23
Lexicon rise, get up
Why it matters Jesus tells the fearful disciples to rise and not fear; the term also appears in resurrection language.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense vision, sight
Definition A vision or thing seen.
References Matthew 17:9
Lexicon vision, sight
Why it matters Jesus commands silence about the transfiguration vision until resurrection.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense Son of Man
Definition Jesus’ self-designation involving suffering, authority, humanity, and glory.
References Matthew 17:9, 17:12, 17:22
Lexicon Son of Man
Why it matters Jesus speaks of the Son of Man being raised, suffering, and being delivered.
Individual words βαπτιζόμενοι ὑπὲρ τῶν νεκρῶν baptizomenoi hyper tōn nekrōn · σπείρεται / ἐγείρεται speiretai / egeiretai
Form in passage Genitive · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense raised from the dead
Definition To be raised out from among the dead.
References Matthew 17:9
Lexicon raised from the dead
Why it matters The transfiguration must be interpreted after Jesus’ resurrection.
Form in passage Future · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense restore, set in order
Definition To restore, reestablish, or put back in order.
References Matthew 17:11
Lexicon restore, set in order
Why it matters Elijah’s expected work of restoration frames the disciples’ question.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense recognized, knew fully
Definition To recognize, know fully, or perceive.
References Matthew 17:12
Lexicon recognized, knew fully
Why it matters The people did not recognize John’s Elijah-like role.
Form in passage Present · Active · Infinitive What is this?
Sense suffer
Definition To suffer, undergo pain, or experience affliction.
References Matthew 17:12
Lexicon suffer
Why it matters John suffered, and the Son of Man will suffer.
Form in passage Present · Active · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense kneeling, falling on knees
Definition To kneel before someone.
References Matthew 17:14
Lexicon kneeling, falling on knees
Why it matters The father approaches Jesus humbly and urgently.
Sense have mercy
Definition To show mercy, pity, or compassion.
References Matthew 17:15
Lexicon have mercy
Why it matters The father appeals to Jesus’ mercy for His suffering son.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense son
Definition Son or male child.
References Matthew 17:15
Lexicon son
Why it matters The afflicted boy is presented to Jesus through His father’s plea.
Form in passage Present · Middle · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense has seizures, is afflicted
Definition Literally associated with being moonstruck; used for severe seizure-like affliction.
References Matthew 17:15
Lexicon has seizures, is afflicted
Why it matters The boy’s suffering is severe and destructive, though Jesus also addresses demonic oppression.
Sense suffers badly, is terribly afflicted
Definition To suffer badly or be severely afflicted.
References Matthew 17:15
Lexicon suffers badly, is terribly afflicted
Why it matters The father emphasizes the boy’s misery and danger.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense fire
Definition Fire.
References Matthew 17:15
Lexicon fire
Why it matters The boy’s affliction repeatedly throws Him into dangerous situations.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense water
Definition Water.
References Matthew 17:15
Lexicon water
Why it matters The boy’s affliction also throws Him into water, showing destructive danger.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Infinitive What is this?
Sense heal, cure
Definition To heal, cure, or restore.
References Matthew 17:16, 17:18
Lexicon heal, cure
Why it matters The disciples could not heal the boy, but Jesus does.
Form in passage Vocative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense unbelieving, faithless
Definition Unbelieving, faithless, lacking trust.
References Matthew 17:17
Lexicon unbelieving, faithless
Why it matters Jesus rebukes the unbelieving generation.
Form in passage Perfect · Passive · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense perverted, distorted, twisted
Definition Twisted, distorted, perverted, or turned aside.
References Matthew 17:17
Lexicon perverted, distorted, twisted
Why it matters Jesus names the generation’s spiritual distortion.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense rebuked, commanded sternly
Definition To rebuke, command, or warn sternly.
References Matthew 17:18
Lexicon rebuked, commanded sternly
Why it matters Jesus rebukes the demon with authority.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense demon, evil spirit
Definition A demon or evil spirit.
References Matthew 17:18
Lexicon demon, evil spirit
Why it matters Jesus’ authority drives the demon out of the boy.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense came out, departed
Definition To go out, come out, or depart.
References Matthew 17:18
Lexicon came out, departed
Why it matters The demon leaves at Jesus’ rebuke.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense from that hour, immediately
Definition From that hour or moment.
References Matthew 17:18
Lexicon from that hour, immediately
Why it matters The boy is healed immediately, showing Jesus’ effective authority.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense privately, separately
Definition Privately, separately, by oneself.
References Matthew 17:19
Lexicon privately, separately
Why it matters The disciples ask Jesus privately about their failure.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Infinitive What is this?
Sense cast out, drive out
Definition To cast out, drive out, or expel.
References Matthew 17:19
Lexicon cast out, drive out
Why it matters The disciples could not cast out the demon.
Sense little faith, small faith
Definition Smallness or insufficiency of faith.
References Matthew 17:20
Lexicon little faith, small faith
Why it matters Jesus identifies little faith as the reason for the disciples’ failure.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense faith, trust, reliance
Definition Faith, trust, confidence, or reliance.
References Matthew 17:20
Lexicon faith, trust, reliance
Why it matters Faith like a mustard seed is sufficient because God is powerful.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense mustard seed
Definition A very small seed used proverbially for smallness.
References Matthew 17:20
Lexicon mustard seed
Why it matters Jesus teaches that even small genuine faith can move mountains.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense mountain
Definition Mountain or hill.
References Matthew 17:1, 17:20
Lexicon mountain
Why it matters Mountain imagery frames both transfiguration and the metaphor of mountain-moving faith.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Form in passage Future · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense be impossible, be unable
Definition To be impossible or powerless.
References Matthew 17:20
Lexicon be impossible, be unable
Why it matters Jesus says nothing will be impossible where genuine faith depends on God.
Form in passage Present · Passive · Infinitive What is this?
Sense delivered, handed over, betrayed
Definition To hand over, deliver up, or betray.
References Matthew 17:22
Lexicon delivered, handed over, betrayed
Why it matters Jesus predicts that the Son of Man will be delivered into human hands.
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Feminine What is this?
Sense hands, power
Definition Hands, often symbolizing agency or power.
References Matthew 17:22
Lexicon hands, power
Why it matters Jesus will be delivered into human hands.
Form in passage Future · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense kill, put to death
Definition To kill or put to death.
References Matthew 17:23
Lexicon kill, put to death
Why it matters Jesus again predicts His death.
Individual words ὥρα τρίτη hōra tritē · ἄχρι ἧς ἡμέρας εἰσῆλθεν Νῶε εἰς τὴν κιβωτόν achri hēs hēmeras eisēlthen Nōe eis tēn kibōton
Form in passage Dative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense third day
Definition The third day, resurrection timing.
References Matthew 17:23
Lexicon third day
Why it matters Jesus predicts resurrection on the third day.
Form in passage Aorist · Passive · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense grieved, distressed, sorrowful
Definition To grieve, distress, or make sorrowful.
References Matthew 17:23
Lexicon grieved, distressed, sorrowful
Why it matters The disciples are deeply grieved by Jesus’ passion prediction.
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Neuter What is this?
Sense two-drachma tax
Definition A two-drachma coin or temple tax amount.
References Matthew 17:24
Lexicon two-drachma tax
Why it matters The question about Jesus paying the temple tax leads to teaching on Sonship freedom.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense teacher
Definition Teacher or instructor.
References Matthew 17:24
Lexicon teacher
Why it matters The collectors ask Peter whether His teacher pays the tax.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense kings
Definition Kings, rulers, royal authorities.
References Matthew 17:25
Lexicon kings
Why it matters Jesus uses royal tax logic to teach the sons’ exemption.
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Neuter What is this?
Sense taxes, duties, tribute
Definition Taxes, customs, duties, or census tribute.
References Matthew 17:25
Lexicon taxes, duties, tribute
Why it matters Jesus’ tax question clarifies sonship and obligation.
Form in passage Genitive · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense sons, children
Definition Sons or children.
References Matthew 17:25-26
Lexicon sons, children
Why it matters Jesus teaches that the sons are exempt.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense free, exempt
Definition Free, exempt, not bound as a slave or subject.
References Matthew 17:26
Lexicon free, exempt
Why it matters Jesus’ Sonship means exemption, yet He pays voluntarily.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Subjunctive · 1st Person · Plural What is this?
Sense cause offense, cause to stumble
Definition To cause stumbling, offense, or scandal.
References Matthew 17:27
Lexicon cause offense, cause to stumble
Why it matters Jesus pays the tax to avoid unnecessary offense.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense fishhook
Definition A fishhook.
References Matthew 17:27
Lexicon fishhook
Why it matters Jesus commands Peter to catch a fish through which the tax will be provided.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense fish
Definition Fish.
References Matthew 17:27
Lexicon fish
Why it matters Jesus provides the tax through the first fish Peter catches.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense stater, four-drachma coin
Definition A coin worth four drachmas, sufficient for two temple tax payments.
References Matthew 17:27
Lexicon stater, four-drachma coin
Why it matters The coin pays the tax for Jesus and Peter.
Key Hebrew Terms
Sense glory, weight, honor
Definition Glory, honor, weightiness, splendor.
References Exodus 24:16; Matthew 17:1-8
Lexicon glory, weight, honor
Why it matters The transfiguration reveals Jesus’ radiant glory.
Sense cloud
Definition Cloud, often associated with divine presence.
References Exodus 24:15-18; Matthew 17:5
Lexicon cloud
Why it matters The bright cloud at the transfiguration evokes divine presence.
Sense hear, listen, obey
Definition To hear, listen, heed, or obey.
References Deuteronomy 18:15; Matthew 17:5
Lexicon hear, listen, obey
Why it matters The Father commands the disciples to listen to Jesus.
Sense son
Definition Son, descendant, or relational heir.
References Psalm 2:7; Matthew 17:5
Lexicon son
Why it matters The Father identifies Jesus as His beloved Son.
Sense beloved, loved one
Definition Beloved or dearly loved one.
References Matthew 17:5
Lexicon beloved, loved one
Why it matters The Father’s beloved Son language highlights Jesus’ unique relationship with the Father.
Sense servant
Definition Servant, slave, or royal servant.
References Isaiah 42:1; Matthew 17:5
Lexicon servant
Why it matters Isaiah’s servant whom God delights in echoes behind the Father’s affirmation.
Sense Moses
Definition Covenant mediator associated with Torah.
References Matthew 17:3
Lexicon Moses
Why it matters Moses appears with Jesus as witness to the Son’s fulfillment.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Sense Elijah
Definition Prophet whose name means the LORD is my God.
References Malachi 4:5-6; Matthew 17:3, 17:10-13
Lexicon Elijah
Why it matters Elijah appears at the transfiguration and frames the discussion of John’s forerunner role.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Sense turn, return, restore
Definition To turn, return, restore, or bring back.
References Malachi 4:6; Matthew 17:11
Lexicon turn, return, restore
Why it matters Elijah’s ministry is associated with turning hearts and restoration.
Form in passage Niphal · Participle active What is this?
Sense afflict, humble, suffer
Definition To afflict, humble, oppress, or suffer.
References Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 17:12
Lexicon afflict, humble, suffer
Why it matters John suffers and the Son of Man will suffer.
Sense faithfulness, firmness, trust
Definition Faithfulness, firmness, steadiness, or trustworthiness.
References Matthew 17:20
Lexicon faithfulness, firmness, trust
Why it matters The disciples’ little faith contrasts with the dependent trust Jesus requires.
Sense hand, power, agency
Definition Hand, power, possession, or agency.
References Matthew 17:22
Lexicon hand, power, agency
Why it matters The Son of Man will be delivered into human hands.
Sense rise, arise, stand
Definition To rise, arise, stand, or be established.
References Matthew 17:23
Lexicon rise, arise, stand
Why it matters Jesus predicts being raised on the third day.
Sense ransom, atonement price
Definition Ransom, covering price, or atonement money.
References Exodus 30:12; Matthew 17:24-27
Lexicon ransom, atonement price
Why it matters The temple tax background relates to Israel’s half-shekel atonement offering for sanctuary service.
Sense shekel, weight of silver
Definition Shekel, a weight or monetary unit.
References Exodus 30:13; Matthew 17:24
Lexicon shekel, weight of silver
Why it matters The temple tax episode echoes half-shekel sanctuary support.
Lexicon data: MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML (CC0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (CC BY 4.0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon (CC BY 4.0) · STEPBible Data (CC BY 4.0) · Full details
Discourse Connectives (37)
grounds / explanation 2inference / conclusion 1strong contrast / correction 1purpose clause 1conditional clause 4content marker or causal 4continuation or mild contrast 12contrast setup (μέν...δέ) 1additive / emphatic 11
| v.1 | ΚαὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.2 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.δὲandcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.3 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.4 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.εἰIfconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical. |
| v.6 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.7 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.8 | δὲandcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.εἰonlyconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical. |
| v.9 | ΚαὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.10 | ΚαὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.οὖνtheninference / conclusionAsk: what has Paul argued up to this point? 'Therefore' is the payoff.ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.11 | δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.μὲνindeedcontrast setup (μέν...δέ)The μέν...δέ pair is a rhetorical hinge. Both sides matter equally. |
| v.12 | δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason.ἀλλ᾽butstrong contrast / correctionAsk: what is being set aside? What is being asserted instead? |
| v.13 | ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.14 | ΚαὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.15 | ὅτιforcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason.γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.16 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.17 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.18 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.20 | δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point.ἐὰνIfconditional (subjunctive / open)ἐάν + subjunctive signals an open condition: 'if (as may be the case)...' |
| v.21 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.εἰonlyconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical. |
| v.22 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.23 | καὶandadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.24 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.26 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.27 | ἵναThatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...'δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
Discourse data: STEPBible TAGNT (CC BY 4.0)
Verb Aspect (107 main verbs)
completed 34ongoing 18prospective 9imperative 9subjunctive 4background 1infinitive 5participle 27
| v.1 | παραλαμβάνειparalambánōtookpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἀναφέρειled ~ uppresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.2 | μετεμορφώθηmetamorphóōtransfiguredaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἔλαμψενlámpōshoneaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.3 | ὤφθηhoráōappearedaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionσυλλαλοῦντεςsyllaléōtalkingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.4 | ἀποκριθεὶςansweredaorist passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionθέλειςthélōwishpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthποιήσωpoiéōmakefuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.5 | λαλοῦντοςlaléōspeakingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐπεσκίασενepiskiázōovershadowedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionλέγουσαlégōsaidpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεὐδόκησαeudokéōwell pleasedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀκούετεlisten topresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.6 | ἀκούσαντεςheardaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἔπεσανpíptōfellaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐφοβήθησανphobéōovercome by fearaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.7 | προσῆλθενprosérchomaicameaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἁψάμενοςtouchedaorist middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἘγέρθητεegeírōget upaorist passive imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationφοβεῖσθεphobéōafraidpresent middle imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.8 | ἐπάραντεςepaírōlifted upaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶδονhoráōsawaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.9 | καταβαινόντωνkatabaínōcoming downpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐνετείλατοentéllomaicommandedaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionλέγωνlégōsayingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἴπητεépōtellaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἐγερθῇegeírōraisedaorist passive subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.10 | ἐπηρώτησανeperōtáōaskedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionλέγοντεςlégōsayingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionλέγουσινlégōsaypresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthδεῖdéōmustpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἐλθεῖνérchomaicomeaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.11 | ἀποκριθεὶςansweredaorist passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἔρχεταιérchomaicomingpresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἀποκαταστήσειrestorefuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.12 | λέγωlégōtellpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἦλθενérchomaicomeaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐπέγνωσανepiginṓskōrecognizeaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐποίησανpoiéōdidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἠθέλησανthélōpleasedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionμέλλειméllōis going topresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπάσχεινpáschōsufferpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.13 | συνῆκανsyníēmiunderstoodaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionεἶπενépōspokenaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.14 | ἐλθόντωνérchomaicameaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionπροσῆλθενprosérchomaiapproachedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionγονυπετῶνgonypetéōkneeling downpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.15 | λέγωνlégōsaidpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐλέησόνeleéōhave mercy onaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationσεληνιάζεταιselēniázomaiseizurespresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπάσχειpáschōsufferspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπίπτειpíptōfallspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.16 | προσήνεγκαprosphérōbroughtaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἠδυνήθησανdýnamaicouldaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionθεραπεῦσαιtherapeúōhealaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.17 | ἀποκριθεὶςansweredaorist passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionδιεστραμμένηdiastréphōperverseperfect passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀνέξομαιput up withfuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionφέρετέphérōbringpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.18 | ἐπετίμησενepitimáōrebukedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐξῆλθενexérchomaicame outaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐθεραπεύθηtherapeúōhealedaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.19 | προσελθόντεςprosérchomaicameaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶπονépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἠδυνήθημενdýnamaicouldaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐκβαλεῖνekbállōcast ~ outaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.20 | λέγειlégōsaidpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthλέγωlégōsaypresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἔχητεéchōhavepresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἐρεῖτεeréōsayfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionΜετάβαmetabaínōmoveaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationμεταβήσεταιmetabaínōmovefuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἀδυνατήσειimpossiblefuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.22 | Συστρεφομένωνsystréphōgatheringpresent passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionΜέλλειméllōis going topresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπαραδίδοσθαιparadídōmibetrayedpresent passive infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.23 | ἀποκτενοῦσινkillfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἐγερθήσεταιegeírōraisedfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἐλυπήθησανlypéōdistressedaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.24 | Ἐλθόντωνérchomaicameaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionπροσῆλθονprosérchomaicameaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionλαμβάνοντεςlambánōcollectorspresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶπανépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionτελεῖteléōpaypresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.25 | λέγειlégōsaidpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἐλθόνταérchomaicameaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionπροέφθασενprophthánōfirstaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionλέγωνlégōspokepresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionδοκεῖdokéōthinkpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthλαμβάνουσινlambánōcollectpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.26 | εἰπόντοςlégōsaidaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἔφηphēmísaidimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past action |
| v.27 | σκανδαλίσωμενskandalízōoffendaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentπορευθεὶςporeúomaigoaorist passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionβάλεcastaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationἀναβάνταcomes upaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἆρονtakeaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationἀνοίξαςopenaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεὑρήσειςheurískōfindfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionλαβὼνlambánōtakeaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionδὸςdídōmigiveaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
Verb forms indicate aspect — not interpretive weight. Consult context before drawing conclusions about emphasis.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain
Formation Focus
Matthew 17 forms readers to behold Jesus as the beloved Son in glory, listen to Him above every other voice, understand suffering through resurrection, minister by dependent faith, and use freedom with humble wisdom.
The chapter addresses shallow views of glory, failure to listen, fear in God’s presence, confusion about prophecy, ministry impotence, little faith, grief over suffering, and misuse of freedom.
Reverent worship, obedient listening, Christ-centered interpretation, courage, dependent faith, humble prayer, resurrection hope, wise freedom, and non-offensive love.
Practice Response
- Listen to the Son.
- Read Moses and Elijah toward Christ.
- Receive Jesus’ comfort.
- Move from vision to mission.
- Bring affliction to Jesus.
- Repent of ministry self-reliance.
- Exercise mustard seed faith.
- Hold death and resurrection together.
- Restrain freedom wisely.
- Trust Jesus’ provision.
Warnings and Misreadings
- Matthew 17 warns against failing to listen to the beloved Son, misunderstanding glory apart from resurrection, missing God’s forerunner because of unbelief, ministering in little faith, being part of an unbelieving and perverse generation, grieving over the cross without grasping resurrection hope, and using freedom in a way that creates unnecessary offense.
- Treating the transfiguration as a mystical spectacle detached from Jesus’ mission. - Jesus commands silence until resurrection, showing that the vision must be interpreted through His death and resurrection.
- Putting Moses, Elijah, and Jesus on the same level. - The Father singles out Jesus as the beloved Son and commands the disciples to listen to Him · afterward they see Jesus alone.
- Assuming Peter’s shelter proposal is harmless enthusiasm only. - Peter’s impulse fails to grasp the unique supremacy of Jesus and the unfolding mission.
- Thinking Elijah has not come because the expected restoration was not recognized. - Jesus teaches that Elijah has come in John the Baptist, but He was not recognized and suffered.
- Reading the failed exorcism as a technique problem only. - Jesus identifies the issue as little faith, not lack of formula.
- Treating mustard seed faith as a way to manipulate outcomes. - The point is dependent faith in God’s power, not autonomous human control.
- Ignoring the resurrection in the passion prediction. - Jesus predicts both death and resurrection on the third day.
- Assuming Jesus pays the temple tax because He is obligated like everyone else. - Jesus teaches that sons are exempt, then pays voluntarily to avoid offense.
- Using avoiding offense as a universal excuse never to confront sin. - Jesus confronts sin and false teaching elsewhere · here He avoids unnecessary offense where freedom can be restrained without disobedience.
- Making the coin in the fish the center of the passage. - The miracle serves the larger point of Jesus’ Sonship, freedom, humility, and provision.
Discipleship Questions
- Do I listen to Jesus when His words correct my expectations of glory?
- Am I tempted to honor Moses, Elijah, tradition, or experience in a way that dulls obedience to the Son?
- Where do I want a mountaintop Jesus without the cross-bearing mission below?
- Do I interpret Scripture with Jesus as the center and fulfillment?
- Am I willing to recognize God’s work when it comes through suffering and rejection?
- Where has ministry failure exposed little faith rather than lack of technique?
- Do I bring impossible needs to Jesus quickly and humbly?
- What mountain am I facing that calls for dependent faith rather than self-reliance?
- Do I grieve the cost of obedience while forgetting resurrection promise?
- Where am I free, yet called to restrain that freedom to avoid needless offense?
- Do I use my rights to serve love, or do I use them to assert myself?
- Do I trust Jesus to provide even for practical obligations?
Pastoral Applications
- Preaching - Preaching Matthew 17 must hold Jesus’ glory and suffering together. The transfigured Son is the crucified and risen Son.
- Christology - The Father’s command requires that Jesus be treated as the final and definitive voice over all discipleship, interpretation, and mission.
- Biblical_theology - Moses and Elijah must be preached as witnesses to Christ, not competitors with Christ.
- Discipleship - Mountaintop experiences are not ends in themselves · disciples must descend into costly obedience and needy ministry.
- Ministry_failure - The failed exorcism warns leaders not to rely on past association, office, or method apart from living faith.
- Counseling - The father’s plea for mercy gives language for families carrying deep affliction: bring the loved one to Jesus.
- Faith - Jesus’ mustard seed teaching encourages weak believers that genuine dependent faith matters more than impressive confidence.
- Suffering - Pastors must help believers hold grief over suffering together with resurrection hope.
- Freedom - Christian freedom should be governed by love and wisdom, not merely by what one has the right to do.
- Offense - Not all offense must be avoided, but unnecessary offense can be avoided when no truth is compromised.
- Provision - Jesus’ provision in the temple tax account encourages confidence that the Son who is free also supplies what obedience requires.
Pastoral Trajectories
Matthew 17 follows Matthew 16:28 by giving a preview of Jesus’ kingdom glory.
Moses and Elijah appear, but the Father commands the disciples to listen to Jesus.
The disciples fall in fear, and Jesus touches them and tells them not to be afraid.
The vision cannot be announced properly until after Jesus is raised.
Jesus explains that Elijah came in John, who suffered rejection.
The disciples cannot heal the boy, but Jesus rebukes the demon and heals Him immediately.
Jesus rebukes little faith yet teaches the power of genuine mustard seed faith.
Jesus repeats His death and resurrection prediction, and the disciples are deeply distressed.
Jesus shows He is free as Son but chooses humble restraint to avoid offense.
The Biblical World
Chapter At A Glance
Matthew moves from the glory of the transfigured Son, to the Father’s command to listen to Him, to the clarification that Elijah has come and suffered, to a failed exorcism caused by little faith, to Jesus’ authority over the demon, to a second passion prediction, and finally to the Son’s freedom and humble payment of the temple tax.
Matthew 17 places Jesus at the summit of covenant revelation. Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and Prophets, appear with Jesus, but the Father identifies Jesus as the beloved Son and commands the disciples to listen to Him. Elijah’s expected coming is fulfilled in John the Baptist, who suffers at the hands of unbelieving leaders, preparing the way for the suffering Son of Man.
The temple tax episode reveals that Jesus, as Son, stands in a unique relation to the temple and its obligations, anticipating the larger Matthean movement in which Jesus Himself is greater than the temple.
Matthew 17 clarifies the gospel by showing that Jesus is the beloved Son whose glory is real, whose voice is final, and whose mission moves through suffering, death, and resurrection. The gospel is not mere glory-experience, moral effort, or religious obligation. It is the revelation of the Son who fulfills the Law and Prophets, conquers demonic power, predicts His death and resurrection, and lives in humble freedom.
Disciples receive His glory by listening to Him, trusting Him, following Him down the mountain, and clinging to resurrection hope.
Reverent worship, obedient listening, Christ-centered interpretation, courage, dependent faith, humble prayer, resurrection hope, wise freedom, and non-offensive love.
Focus Points
- Transfiguration
- Beloved Son
- Divine glory
- Moses and Elijah
- Law and Prophets
- Father’s voice
- Listen to Jesus
- Fear and comfort
- Jesus alone
- Elijah expectation
- John the Baptist
- Suffering Son of Man
- Demon oppression
- Little faith
- Mustard seed faith
- Mountain-moving faith
- Passion prediction
- Resurrection on the third day
- Temple tax
- Sonship freedom
- Avoiding offense
- Miraculous provision
- The Glory of the Son
- Fulfillment of Law and Prophets
- Listen to Him
- Glory Interpreted by Resurrection
- Elijah and John the Baptist
- Suffering before Glory
- Failure of Little Faith
- Authority over Demons
- The Son’s Freedom
- Humble Restraint
- Christology
- Revelation
- Scripture Fulfillment
- The Trinity
- Fear and Divine Presence
- Prophetic Ministry
- Demonology
- Faith
- Passion and Resurrection
- Christian Freedom
- Providence
Explore Further
Doctrine: Authority of ScriptureDoctrine: Messianic KingshipDoctrine: Resurrection of ChristDoctrine: Authority of ChristDoctrine: Covenant FaithfulnessDoctrine: DeliveranceDoctrine: Human RebellionDoctrine: WorshipThread: Royal SonshipThread: Messianic FulfillmentThread: Divine PresenceThread: Kingdom
Cross References
Most certainly I tell You, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom.”
ImmediateContext
Yahweh said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and stay here, and I will give You the stone tablets with the law and the commands that I have written, that You may teach them.” Moses rose up with Joshua, His servant, and Moses went up onto God’s Mountain. He said to the elders, “Wait here for us, until we come again to You. Behold, Aaron and Hur are...
OldTestamentFoundation
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant in Moses’ hand, when He came down from the mountain, Moses didn’t know that the skin of His face shone by reason of His speaking with Him. When Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of His face shone; and they were afraid to come near Him. Moses called to...
OldTestamentFoundation
Yahweh Your God will raise up to You a prophet from among You, of Your brothers, like me. You shall listen to Him.
OldTestamentFoundation
I will tell of the decree: Yahweh said to me, “You are my son. Today I have become Your father.
OldTestamentFoundation
“Behold, my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights: I have put my Spirit on Him. He will bring justice to the nations.
OldTestamentFoundation
Behold, I will send You Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Yahweh comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”
OldTestamentFoundation
If You are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come.
SameBook
From that time, Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.
SameBook
Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell You, if You have faith, and don’t doubt, You will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if You told this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it would be done.
SameBook
But I tell You that one greater than the temple is here.
SameBook
After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themselves, and He was changed into another form in front of them. His clothing became glistening, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. Elijah and Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus.
CounterpartPassage
About eight days after these sayings, He took with Him Peter, John, and James, and went up onto the mountain to pray. As He was praying, the appearance of His face was altered, and His clothing became white and dazzling. Behold, two men were talking with Him, who were Moses and Elijah,
CounterpartPassage
For we didn’t follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to You the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” We heard this voice come out of heaven...
CanonicalPartner
God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, has at the end of these days spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds. His Son is the radiance of His glory, the very image of His substance, and upholding all things by the word of His power, who,...
CanonicalPartner
Therefore let’s not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in His brother’s way, or an occasion for falling. I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself; except that to Him who considers anything to be unclean, to Him it is unclean. Yet if because of food Your brother is...
CanonicalPartner
But be careful that by no means does this liberty of Yours become a stumbling block to the weak. For if a man sees You who have knowledge sitting in an idol’s temple, won’t His conscience, if He is weak, be emboldened to eat things sacrificed to idols? And through Your knowledge, He who is weak perishes, the brother for whose sake Christ died.
CanonicalPartner
Passages
Chapter opening: Matthew 17:1-13
After six days (μεθ' ημερας εξ). This could be on the sixth day, but as Luke ( Lu 9:28 ) puts it "about eight days" one naturally thinks of a week as the probable time, though it is not important. Taketh with him (παραλαμβανε). Literally, takes along . Note historical present. These three disciples form an inner group who have shown more understanding of Jesus.
So at Gethsemane. Apart (κατ' ιδιαν) means "by themselves" ( alone , μονους, Mark has it) up (αναφερε) into a high mountain, probably Mount Hermon again, though we do not really know. "The Mount of Transfiguration does not concern geography" (Holtzmann).
He was transfigured before them (μετεμορφωθη εμπροσθεν αυτων). The word is the same as the metamorphoses (cf. Ovid) of pagan mythology. Luke does not use it. The idea is change (μετα-) of form (μορφη). It really presents the essence of a thing as separate from the σχημα (fashion), the outward accident. So in Ro 12:2 Paul uses both verbs, συνσχεματιζεσθε (be not fashioned) and μεταμορφουσθε (be ye transformed in your inner life).
So in 1Co 7:31 σχημα is used for the fashion of the world while in Mr 16:12 μορφη is used of the form of Jesus after his resurrection. The false apostles are described by μετασχηματισομα in 2Co 11:13-15 . In Php 2:6 we have εν μορφη used of the Preincarnate state of Christ and μορφην δουλου of the Incarnate state ( Php 2:7 ), while σχηματ ως ανθρωπος emphasizes his being found "in fashion as a man."
But it will not do in Mt 17:2 to use the English transliteration μεταμορφωσις because of its pagan associations. So the Latin transfigured (Vulgate transfiguratus est ) is better. "The deeper force of μεταμορφουσθα is seen in 2Co 3:18 (with reference to the shining on Moses' face), Ro 12:2 " (McNeile). The word occurs in a second-century papyrus of the pagan gods who are invisible.
Matthew guards against the pagan idea by adding and explaining about the face of Christ "as the sun" and his garments "as the light."
There appeared (ωφθη). Singular aorist passive verb with Moses (to be understood also with Elijah), but the participle συνλαλουντες is plural agreeing with both. "Sufficient objectivity is guaranteed by the vision being enjoyed by all three" (Bruce). The Jewish apocalypses reveal popular expectations that Moses and Elijah would reappear. Both had mystery connected with their deaths.
One represented law, the other prophecy, while Jesus represented the gospel (grace). They spoke of his decease ( Lu 9:31 ), the cross, the theme uppermost in the mind of Christ and which the disciples did not comprehend. Jesus needed comfort and he gets it from fellowship with Moses and Elijah.
And Peter answered (αποκριθεις δε ο Πετρος). "Peter to the front again, but not greatly to his credit" (Bruce). It is not clear what Peter means by his saying: "It is good for us to be here" (καλον εστιν ημας ωδε εινα). Luke ( Lu 9:33 ) adds "not knowing what he said," as they "were heavy with sleep." So it is not well to take Peter too seriously on this occasion.
At any rate he makes a definite proposal. I will make (παιησω). Future indicative though aorist subjunctive has same form. Tabernacles (σκηνας), booths. The Feast of Tabernacles was not far away. Peter may have meant that they should just stay up here on the mountain and not go to Jerusalem for the feast.
Overshadowed (επεσκιασεν). They were up in cloud-land that swept round and over them. See this verb used of Mary ( Lu 1:35 ) and of Peter's shadow ( Ac 5:15 ). This is (ουτος εστιν). At the baptism ( Mt 3:17 ) these words were addressed to Jesus. Here the voice out of the bright cloud speaks to them about Jesus. Hear ye him (ακουετε αυτου). Even when he speaks about his death. A sharp rebuke to Peter for his consolation to Jesus about his death.
And touched them (κα αψαμενος αυτων). Tenderness in their time of fear.
Lifting up their eyes (επαραντες τους οφθαλμους αυτων). After the reassuring touch of Jesus and his words of cheer. Jesus only (Ιησουν μονον). Moses and Elijah were gone in the bright cloud.
Until (εως ου). This conjunction is common with the subjunctive for a future event as his Resurrection (εγερθη) was. Again ( Mr 9:10 ) they were puzzled over his meaning. Jesus evidently hopes that this vision of Moses and Elijah and his own glory might stand them in good stead at his death.
Elijah must first come (Ελειαν δε ελθειν πρωτον). So this piece of theology concerned them more than anything else. They had just seen Elijah, but Jesus the Messiah had come before Elijah. The scribes used Mal 4:5 . Jesus had also spoken again of his death (resurrection). So they are puzzled.
Elijah is come already (Ελειας ηδη ηλθεν). Thus Jesus identifies John the Baptist with the promise in Malachi, though not the real Elijah in person which John denied ( Joh 1:21 ). They knew him not (ουκ επιγνωσαν αυτον). Second aorist active indicative of επιγινωσκω, to recognize. Just as they do not know Jesus now ( Joh 1:26 ). They killed John as they will Jesus the Son of Man.
Then understood (τοτε συνηκαν). One of the three k aorists. It was plain enough even for them. John was Elijah in spirit and had prepared the way for the Messiah.
Epileptic (σεληνιαζετα). Literally, "moonstruck," "lunatic." The symptoms of epilepsy were supposed to be aggravated by the changes of the moon (cf. 4:24 ). He has it bad (κακως εχε) as often in the Synoptic Gospels.
Perverse (διεστραμμενη). Distorted, twisted in two, corrupt. Perfect passive participle of διαστρεφω.
Little faith (ολιγοπιστιαν). A good translation. It was less than "a grain of mustard seed" (κοκκον σιναπεως). See 13:31 for this phrase. They had no miracle faith. Bruce holds "this mountain" to be the Mount of Transfiguration to which Jesus pointed. Probably so. But it is a parable. Our trouble is always with "this mountain" which confronts our path. Note the form μεταβα (μετα and βηθ).
And they were exceeding sorry (κα ελυπηθησαν σφοδρα). So they at last understood that he was talking about his death and resurrection.
They that received the half-shekel (ο τα διδραχμα λαμβανοντες). This temple tax amounted to an Attic drachma or the Jewish half-shekel, about one-third of a dollar. Every Jewish man twenty years of age and over was expected to pay it for the maintenance of the temple. But it was not a compulsory tax like that collected by the publicans for the government. "The tax was like a voluntary church-rate; no one could be compelled to pay" (Plummer).
The same Greek word occurs in two Egyptian papyri of the first century A. D. for the receipt for the tax for the temple of Suchus (Milligan and Moulton's Vocabulary ). This tax for the Jerusalem temple was due in the month Adar (our March) and it was now nearly six months overdue. But Jesus and the Twelve had been out of Galilee most of this time. Hence the question of the tax-collectors.
The payment had to be made in the Jewish coin, half-shekel. Hence the money-changers did a thriving business in charging a small premium for the Jewish coin, amounting to some forty-five thousand dollars a year, it is estimated. It is significant that they approached Peter rather than Jesus, perhaps not wishing to embarrass "Your Teacher," "a roundabout hint that the tax was overdue" (Bruce).
Evidently Jesus had been in the habit of paying it (Peter's).
Jesus spake first to him (προεφθασεν αυτον ο Ιησους λεγων). Here only in the N. T. One example in a papyrus B. C. 161 (Moulton and Milligan, Vocabulary ). The old idiomatic use of φθανω with the participle survives in this example of προφθανω in Mt 17:25 , meaning to anticipate, to get before one in doing a thing. The Koine uses the infinitive thus with φθανω which has come to mean simply to arrive.
Here the anticipation is made plain by the use of προ-. See Robertson's Grammar , p. 1120. The "prevent" of the Authorized Version was the original idea of praevenire , to go before, to anticipate. Peter felt obliged to take the matter up with Jesus. But the Master had observed what was going on and spoke to Peter first. Toll or tribute (τελη η κηνσον). Customs or wares collected by the publicans (like φορος, Ro 13:7 ) and also the capitation tax on persons, indirect and direct taxation.
Κηνσος is the Latin census , a registration for the purpose of the appraisement of property like η απογραφη in Lu 2:2 ; Ac 5:37 . By this parable Jesus as the Son of God claims exemption from the temple tax as the temple of his Father just as royal families do not pay taxes, but get tribute from the foreigners or aliens, subjects in reality.
The sons (ο υιο). Christ, of course, and the disciples also in contrast with the Jews. Thus a reply to Peter's prompt "Yes." Logically (αραγε) free from the temple tax, but practically not as he proceeds to show.
Lest we cause them to stumble (ινα μη σκανδαλισωμεν αυτους). He does not wish to create the impression that he and the disciples despise the temple and its worship. Aorist tense (punctiliar single act) here, though some MSS. have present subjunctive (linear). "A hook" (αγκιστρον). The only example in the N. T. of fishing with a hook. From an unused verb αγκιζω, to angle, and that from αγκος, a curve (so also αγκαλη the inner curve of the arm, Lu 2:38 ).
First cometh up (τον αναβαντα πρωτον ιχθυν). More correctly, "the first fish that cometh up." A shekel (στατηρα). Greek stater = four drachmae, enough for two persons to pay the tax. For me and thee (αντ εμου κα σου). Common use of αντ in commercial transactions, "in exchange for." Here we have a miracle of foreknowledge. Such instances have happened. Some try to get rid of the miracle by calling it a proverb or by saying that Jesus only meant for Peter to sell the fish and thus get the money, a species of nervous anxiety to relieve Christ and the Gospel of Matthew from the miraculous.
"All the attempts have been in vain which were made by the older Rationalism to put a non-miraculous meaning into these words" (B. Weiss). It is not stated that Peter actually caught such a fish though that is the natural implication. Why provision is thus only made for Peter along with Jesus we do not know.