Devine Scripture

Matthew 28:17

What does Matthew 28:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 28:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 28:17 means

Upon seeing Jesus on the appointed mountain, the disciples worshipped Him, acknowledging His divine nature and His victory over death. However, some among them still harbored elements of doubt. This realistic detail underscores the humanity of the disciples, showing that even in the presence of the risen Lord, belief could be a process. Their worship, alongside the lingering doubt, paints a picture of nascent faith that would be fully solidified by Jesus' subsequent words and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when they saw him they gave him worship: but some were in doubt.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having seen him, they bowed to him, but some did waver.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And seeing him they adored: but some doubted.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when they saw him, they did homage to him: but some doubted.

Context

This verse describes the disciples' initial reaction to seeing the risen Jesus on the mountain. It immediately precedes Jesus' profound declaration of authority and the Great Commission, which will solidify their faith and empower their mission. The mention of doubt among some of them provides a realistic context for Jesus' subsequent words, which are designed to dispel uncertainty and confirm His divine power and presence.

v.16But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

v.17This passage

v.18And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.

Cross references

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

  • John 5:23

    that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father that sent him.

  • Matthew 16:28

    Verily I say unto you, There are some of them that stand here, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

  • Psalms 2:12

    Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him.

  • Psalms 45:11

    So will the king desire thy beauty; For he is thy lord; and reverence thou him.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:6

    then he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain until now, but some are fallen asleep;

  • Matthew 28:9

    And behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and took hold of his feet, and worshipped him.

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