Devine Scripture

Matthew 16:13

What does Matthew 16:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 16:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 16:13 means

Jesus led His disciples away from the Jewish regions, to the Gentile area of "Caesarea Philippi." This geographical shift is significant, as it provides a backdrop for a crucial conversation about His identity, removed from the immediate opposition of the Jewish religious leaders. There, Jesus initiates a profound inquiry, asking "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" This question serves as a diagnostic, probing the public's perception of His Messiahship before He reveals deeper truths to His inner circle.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now when Jesus came into the parts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of man is?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

When Jesus came into the coasts of Cesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now when Jesus came into the parts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of man is?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now when Jesus had come into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he said, questioning his disciples, Who do men say that the Son of man is?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus, having come to the parts of Caesarea Philippi, was asking his disciples, saying, `Who do men say me to be--the Son of Man?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus came into the quarters of Cesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But when Jesus was come into the parts of Caesarea-Philippi, he demanded of his disciples, saying, Who do men say that I the Son of man am?

Context

This verse marks a significant geographical and thematic shift in the chapter. Having addressed the issue of false teaching, Jesus now turns His attention to His own Person, moving the narrative towards the pivotal confession of Peter. This question sets the stage for the profound revelations about His identity and the nature of His church that soon follow.

v.12Then understood they that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

v.13This passage

v.14And they said, Some say John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 13:41

    The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and them that do iniquity,

  • Luke 9:18

    And it came to pass, as he was praying apart, the disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Who do the multitudes say that I am?

  • Acts 7:56

    and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

  • Acts 10:38

    even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

  • John 3:14

    And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up;

  • Matthew 13:37

    And he answered and said, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;

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