Matthew 3:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A voice from heaven declares Jesus to be the beloved Son in whom the Father is well pleased.
What Does Matthew 3:17 Mean?
To the open heaven and the descending Spirit is added a voice. The Father himself speaks from above, naming Jesus his beloved Son and declaring his delight in him. The witness of heaven now confirms in words what the dove showed in sign.
These words gather up the hopes of Scripture, echoing the language of the promised King and the chosen servant. Before Jesus has preached a sermon or worked a miracle, the Father announces who he is and that he is loved. The baptism scene closes with the whole of heaven bearing witness to the Son, sending him forth in the Father's love and the Spirit's power.
Matthew 3:17 in the Original Language
agapetos (ἀγαπητός), 'beloved' -- dearly loved, the object of deep affection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 3:17
What does Matthew 3:17 mean?
A voice from heaven declares Jesus to be the beloved Son in whom the Father is well pleased.