2 Peter 1:17
What does 2 Peter 1:17 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Peter 1:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Peter 1:17 means
Peter recalls that Jesus received honor and glory from God the Father when a voice came from the “Majestic Glory,” declaring him the beloved Son in whom the Father is well pleased. This public affirmation reveals Jesus’ unique identity and the Father’s delight in him. The transfiguration was not a private feeling but a heavenly endorsement, signifying that the Son’s path, including suffering and glory, carries divine approval. By highlighting the Father’s voice and the bestowed honor, Peter shows that Christ’s majesty is not borrowed or assumed; it is recognized and celebrated by God himself, assuring believers that trusting Jesus rests on the highest authority.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there was borne such a voice to him by the Majestic Glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased:
KJV
King James Version · 1611For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there was borne such a voice to him by the Majestic Glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For God the Father gave him honour and glory, when such a voice came to him out of the great glory, saying, This is my dearly loved Son, with whom I am well pleased.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for having received from God the Father honour and glory, such a voice being borne to him by the excellent glory: `This is My Son--the beloved, in whom I was well pleased;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For he received from God the Father honour and glory, this voice coming down to him from the excellent glory: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear ye him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For he received fromGod [the] Father honour and glory, such a voice being uttered to him by the excellent glory: This is my beloved Son, in whom I have found my delight;
Context
Verse 17 expands the eyewitness claim of verse 16 by quoting the heavenly voice heard at the transfiguration. The focus is on the Father’s affirmation of the Son’s identity and mission. This sets up verse 18, where Peter stresses that he and others personally heard that voice on the holy mount. With this double witness—sight and sound—Peter then turns in verses 19–21 to the prophetic word, calling it more sure and urging readers to heed it as a guiding light until the dawning of full day in Christ’s return.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 3:35
The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
- Mark 9:7
And there came a cloud overshadowing them: and there came a voice out of the cloud, This is my beloved Son: hear ye him.
- Matthew 17:5
While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
- John 5:26
For as the Father hath life in himself, even so gave he to the Son also to have life in himself:
- 2 Corinthians 1:3
Blessedbethe God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort;
- John 6:27
Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him the Father, even God, hath sealed.
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