What does Matthew 17:6 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 17:6 depicts a moment of intense fear and reverence experienced by the disciples of Jesus.

This verse occurs within the story of the Transfiguration, where Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up to a high mountain.

There, Jesus is transfigured before them, his face shining like the sun, and his clothes becoming as white as light.

Appearing alongside Jesus are Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, respectively.

The voice of God is then heard from a bright cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." In reaction to this divine manifestation and the voice of God, the disciples fall on their faces, overtaken by a mix of awe and terror, which is a common response to the divine presence in biblical narratives.

Historical Context

The Transfiguration event occurs in the New Testament and is found in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

It is traditionally understood to have taken place on Mount Tabor, although some scholars argue for Mount Hermon.

The event is significant in that it reveals Jesus' divine nature to a select group of his followers and serves to strengthen their faith.

The presence of Moses and Elijah symbolizes the continuity between the Old Covenant and the New, with Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Matthew 17:6 offers several insights:

• Divine Revelation: The disciples' response signifies the human reaction to a direct encounter with the divine.

It is an acknowledgment of God's overwhelming power and majesty.

• Jesus' Authority: The voice from the cloud emphasizes Jesus’ divine sonship and authority, validating his teachings and his mission.
• Human Humility: The physical act of falling on their faces can be seen as a gesture of humility and submission before divine glory.
• Fear and Awe: The fear expressed by the disciples reflects a common biblical theme where the holiness of God often induces fear, also known as "the fear of the Lord," which is a mix of awe, reverence, and fear.

Practical Applications

In daily life, the verse serves as a reminder to approach God with the humility and reverence that He deserves. It also encourages believers to listen and adhere to Jesus' teachings, as they are endorsed by God the Father.

Moreover, it calls for a recognition of the moments when God reveals Himself in our lives and how those moments should inspire awe and transformative reflection.

Cross-References

• Exodus 3:5-6: "And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground."
• Isaiah 6:5: "Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts."
• Daniel 10:8-9: "Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength."
• Revelation 1:17: "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase "fell on their face" is translated from "πίπτω εpí πρόσωπον" (piptō epi prosōpon). "πίπτω" (piptō) means 'to fall' or 'to collapse,' and "πρόσωπον" (prosōpon) refers to 'face' or 'presence'.

This emphasizes both the physical act of falling down and the metaphorical falling before someone's presence in profound respect or fear.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, including those contemporary with the New Testament period, prostrating oneself before a divine or royal figure was a common practice, symbolizing submission and reverence.

This is seen across various civilizations, such as in Egypt, Babylon, and Rome.

In religious contexts, particularly in ancient Judaism, prostration as an act of worship and reverence is well-recorded, especially in the presence of a divine revelation or theophany.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the response of the disciples can be understood in terms of the psychological and physiological reactions humans have to fear and awe-inspiring events.

Such experiences can trigger a fight-or-flight response, often resulting in physical manifestations such as kneeling or prostrating, which are also common reactions during moments of overwhelming emotion.

commentaries

Scholars and religious commentators have offered various interpretations of Matthew 17:6:

• John Calvin: He emphasized the fear of the disciples as a natural response, asserting that God's majesty naturally terrifies humans because of our imperfection and sinfulness.
• William Barclay: He describes the disciples' reaction as one of complete submission, noting that in the presence of the divine, human beings are compelled to acknowledge their nothingness.
• **R.T.

France**: France points out that the disciples' reaction to hearing the voice from the cloud is consistent with other biblical encounters with God, where the appropriate response is always fear and prostration.