Devine Scripture

Matthew 17:6

What does Matthew 17:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 17:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 17:6 means

When the disciples heard the powerful, authoritative voice of God the Father, they were overcome with profound fear and fell prostrate to the ground. This physical response reflects the natural human reaction to encountering the unbridled presence and holiness of God. Their terror indicates the sheer weight and awe-inspiring nature of the divine revelation they just witnessed, despite its glorious nature.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And at these words the disciples went down on their faces in great fear.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the disciples having heard, did fall upon their face, and were exceedingly afraid,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the disciples hearing fell upon their face, and were very much afraid.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the disciples hearing [it] fell upon their faces, and were greatly terrified.

Context

This verse describes the immediate and overwhelming effect of God's audible declaration on the disciples. It directly follows the Father's powerful affirmation of Jesus, illustrating the profound impact of such a divine encounter. Their fear highlights the stark contrast between human frailty and divine majesty, preparing for Jesus' reassuring intervention.

v.5While 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.

v.6This passage

v.7And Jesus came and touched them and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

Cross references

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

  • Leviticus 9:24

    And there came forth fire from before Jehovah, and consumed upon the altar the burnt-offering and the fat: and when all the people saw it, they shouted, and fell on their faces.

  • Judges 13:20

    For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of Jehovah ascended in the flame of the altar: and Manoah and his wife looked on; and they fell on their faces to the ground.

  • Daniel 10:16

    And, behold, one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by reason of the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I retain no strength.

  • 2 Peter 1:18

    and this voice we ourselves heard borne out of heaven, when we were with him in the holy mount.

  • Ezekiel 3:23

    Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of Jehovah stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell on my face.

  • Acts 26:14

    And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying unto me in the Hebrew language, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the goad.

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