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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 3:17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/3-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/40_Mat_03_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 3:17 - The Baptism of Jesus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And a voice from heaven said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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with him I am well pleased.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/matthew/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” <a href="/esv/matthew/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” <a href="/bsb/matthew/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” <a href="/blb/matthew/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, "This is my Son, the beloved, in whom I was well pleased." <a href="/kjv/matthew/3.htm">King James Bible</a> And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/3.htm">New King James Version</a> And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” <a href="/nasb/matthew/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, &#8220This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” <a href="/lsb/matthew/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> and behold, there was a voice out of the heavens saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” <a href="/amp/matthew/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased and delighted!” <a href="/csb/matthew/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.” <a href="/hcsb/matthew/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> And there came a voice from heaven: This is My beloved Son. I take delight in Him! <a href="/asv/matthew/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> and lo, a voice out of the heavens, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. <a href="/cev/matthew/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Then a voice from heaven said, "This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him." <a href="/erv/matthew/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> and lo, a voice out of the heavens, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. <a href="/gwt/matthew/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love-my Son with whom I am pleased." <a href="/gnt/matthew/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then a voice said from heaven, "This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased." <a href="/isv/matthew/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love. I am pleased with him!" <a href="/msb/matthew/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And a voice from heaven said, ?This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!? <a href="/net/matthew/3.htm">NET Bible</a> And a voice from heaven said, "This is my one dear Son; in him I take great delight." <a href="/nheb/matthew/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And look, a voice out of the heavens said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." <a href="/wbt/matthew/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. <a href="/wey/matthew/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> while a voice came from Heaven, saying, "This is My Son, the dearly loved, in whom is My delight." <a href="/web/matthew/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I delighted.” <a href="/blb/matthew/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, "This is my Son, the beloved, in whom I was well pleased." <a href="/ylt/matthew/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and lo, a voice out of the heavens, saying, 'This is My Son -- the Beloved, in whom I did delight.' <a href="/slt/matthew/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And behold a voice from the heavens, saying, This is my dearly beloved Son, in whom I was contented.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And behold, there was a voice from heaven, saying: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” <a href="/nabre/matthew/3.htm">New American Bible</a> And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And behold, a voice from heaven, which said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am pleased. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And behold a voice from Heaven that said, “This is my Son, The Beloved, in whom I am delighted.” <div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And lo, a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I delight. <a href="/godbey/matthew/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And behold, a voice from the heavens, saying; This is my beloved Son in whom I delight. <a href="/haweis/matthew/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> and lo! a voice from the heavens, saying, This is my Son, the beloved, in whom is my delight.<CM> <a href="/mace/matthew/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: at the same time a voice was heard from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." <a href="/wey/matthew/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> while a voice came from Heaven, saying, "This is My Son, the dearly loved, in whom is My delight." <a href="/worrell/matthew/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> and, behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, "This is My Son, the beloved, in whom I delighted." <a href="/worsley/matthew/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. <a href="/parallel/matthew/3-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=603" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/3.htm">The Baptism of Jesus</a> …16As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. 17<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/2400.htm" title="2400: idou (V-AMA-2S) -- See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!"></a> <a href="/greek/5456.htm" title="5456: phōnē (N-NFS) -- Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.">a voice</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">from</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranōn (N-GMP) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legousa (V-PPA-NFS) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">said,</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: Houtos (DPro-NMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">“This</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">My</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/27.htm" title="27: agapētos (Adj-NMS) -- From agapao; beloved.">beloved</a> <a href="/greek/5207.htm" title="5207: Huios (N-NMS) -- A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a son, used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.">Son,</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hō (RelPro-DMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">whom</a> <a href="/greek/2106.htm" title="2106: eudokēsa (V-AIA-1S) -- To be well-pleased, think it good, be resolved. From eu and dokeo; to think well of, i.e. Approve; specially, to approbate.">I am well pleased!”</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/mark/1-11.htm">Mark 1:11</a> And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” <a href="/luke/3-22.htm">Luke 3:22</a> and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” <a href="/john/1-32.htm">John 1:32-34</a> Then John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and resting on Him. / I myself did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ / I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” <a href="/2_peter/1-17.htm">2 Peter 1:17</a> For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” <a href="/psalms/2-7.htm">Psalm 2:7</a> I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father. <a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Isaiah 42:1</a> “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations. <a href="/hebrews/1-5.htm">Hebrews 1:5</a> For to which of the angels did God ever say: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father”? Or again: “I will be His Father, and He will be My Son”? <a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Matthew 17:5</a> While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” <a href="/acts/13-33.htm">Acts 13:33</a> He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’ <a href="/romans/1-4.htm">Romans 1:4</a> and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. <a href="/john/12-28.htm">John 12:28</a> Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” <a href="/colossians/1-13.htm">Colossians 1:13</a> He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, <a href="/ephesians/1-6.htm">Ephesians 1:6</a> to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One. <a href="/hebrews/5-5.htm">Hebrews 5:5</a> So also Christ did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest, but He was called by the One who said to Him: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.” <a href="/john/5-37.htm">John 5:37</a> And the Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me. You have never heard His voice nor seen His form,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And see a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.lo.<a href="/john/5-37.htm">John 5:37</a> And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.<a href="/john/12-28.htm">John 12:28-30</a> Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again… <a href="/revelation/14-2.htm">Revelation 14:2</a> And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:This.<a href="/matthew/12-18.htm">Matthew 12:18</a> Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.<a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Matthew 17:5</a> While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.<a href="/psalms/2-7.htm">Psalm 2:7</a> I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hosea/9-16.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/micah/2-9.htm">Dearly</a> <a href="/malachi/3-12.htm">Delight</a> <a href="/matthew/2-11.htm">Found</a> <a href="/matthew/3-16.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/3-16.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/malachi/2-11.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/malachi/2-17.htm">Pleased</a> <a href="/matthew/3-3.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/ezekiel/11-21.htm">Well-Pleased</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/12-18.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/matthew/12-18.htm">Dearly</a> <a href="/matthew/12-18.htm">Delight</a> <a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Found</a> <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/12-18.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/matthew/12-18.htm">Pleased</a> <a href="/matthew/12-19.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/matthew/12-18.htm">Well-Pleased</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 3</div>1. <a href="/matthew/3-1.htm">John preaches: his office, life, and baptism.</a> 7. <a href="/matthew/3-7.htm">He reprimands the Pharisees,</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/3-13.htm">and baptizes Jesus in Jordan.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And a voice from heaven said, This phrase indicates a divine communication, emphasizing the supernatural nature of the event. In biblical context, a voice from heaven often signifies God's direct intervention or approval, as seen in other instances such as the Transfiguration (<a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Matthew 17:5</a>). The voice from heaven underscores the authority and authenticity of the message being delivered. This moment occurs at the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, a significant event marking the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. The heavenly voice also fulfills the Old Testament pattern where God speaks to His chosen servants, as seen with Moses and the prophets.“This is My beloved Son, The declaration "This is My beloved Son" identifies Jesus as the unique Son of God, affirming His divine sonship and messianic identity. This phrase echoes <a href="/psalms/2-7.htm">Psalm 2:7</a>, a royal psalm that speaks of the king as God's son, thus linking Jesus to the Davidic line and messianic expectations. The term "beloved" signifies a deep, unique relationship between the Father and the Son, highlighting Jesus' preeminence and the Father's love for Him. This identification sets Jesus apart from all others, confirming His role as the promised Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.in whom I am well pleased!” The expression "in whom I am well pleased" indicates God's complete satisfaction and approval of Jesus. This phrase reflects the fulfillment of <a href="/isaiah/42.htm">Isaiah 42:1</a>, where the servant of the Lord is described as one in whom God delights. It underscores Jesus' perfect obedience and sinlessness, qualities that make Him the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins. This divine approval at the outset of Jesus' ministry assures believers of His authority and mission. It also serves as a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of living a life pleasing to God through obedience and faithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is being baptized by John the Baptist in this passage. 2. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> A prophet who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, preparing the way for the Lord. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god_the_father.htm">God the Father</a> The voice from heaven, affirming Jesus as His beloved Son. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_jordan_river.htm">The Jordan River</a> The location where Jesus was baptized, symbolizing the beginning of His public ministry. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_holy_spirit.htm">The Holy Spirit</a> Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove upon Jesus during His baptism, as described in the surrounding context.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_affirmation.htm">Divine Affirmation</a> God's declaration of Jesus as His beloved Son underscores the divine approval and authority of Jesus' mission. Believers can find assurance in Jesus' identity and mission. <a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a> Just as Jesus' identity is affirmed by the Father, believers are also given a new identity in Christ as children of God. This should shape how we view ourselves and live our lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_trinity_in_action.htm">The Trinity in Action</a> The presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit at Jesus' baptism highlights the unity and distinct roles within the Trinity. Understanding this can deepen our appreciation for the relational nature of God. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_and_approval.htm">Obedience and Approval</a> Jesus' baptism, though He was sinless, was an act of obedience to fulfill all righteousness. Our obedience to God's will is a response to His love and approval, not a means to earn it. <a href="/topical/p/public_declaration_of_faith.htm">Public Declaration of Faith</a> Jesus' baptism was a public declaration of His mission. Similarly, baptism for believers is a public testimony of faith and commitment to follow Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 3</a> <a href="/q/what_shows_jesus_as_god's_beloved_son.htm">What signifies Jesus as God's beloved, well-pleased Son?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_transfiguration_of_jesus.htm">What is the Transfiguration of Jesus?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'beloved'_mean_in_the_bible.htm">What does "beloved" mean in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_christology_study.htm">What does Christology study or explore?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) A voice from heaven.--The words were heard, so far as the record goes, as the sign was seen, by our Lord and the Baptist only. It was a testimony to them, and not to the multitude. The precise force of the latter clause, in whom I was well pleased, points (to speak after the manner of men) rather to a definite divine act or thought, than to a continued ever-present acceptance. He who stood there was the beloved Son, in whom, "in the beginning," the Father was well-pleased. To the Baptist this came as the answer to all questionings. This was none other than the King to whom had been spoken the words, "Thou art my Son" (<a href="/psalms/2-7.htm" title="I will declare the decree: the LORD has said to me, You are my Son; this day have I begotten you.">Psalm 2:7</a>), who was to the Eternal Father what Isaac was to Abraham (the very term "beloved son" is used in the Greek of <a href="/genesis/22-2.htm" title="And he said, Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and get you into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I will tell you of.">Genesis 22:2</a>, where the English version has "only"), upon whom the mind of the Father rested with infinite content. And we may venture to believe that the "voice" came as an attestation also to the human consciousness of the Son of Man. There had been before, as in <a href="/luke/2-49.htm" title="And he said to them, How is it that you sought me? knew you not that I must be about my Father's business?">Luke 2:49</a>, the sense that God was His Father. Now, with an intensity before unfelt, and followed, as the sequel shows, with entire change in life and action, there is, in His human soul, the conviction that He is "the Son, the beloved."Here, as before, it is instructive to note the legendary accretions that have gathered round the simple narrative of the Gospels. Justin (Dial. c., Tryph. p. 316) adds that "a fire was kindled in Jordan." An Ebionite Gospel added to the words from heaven, "This day have I begotten thee," and further adds, "a great light shone around the place, and John saw it, and said, 'Who art thou, Lord?' and again a voice from heaven, saying. 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.' And then John fell down, and said, 'I beseech Thee, O Lord, baptise Thou me.' But He forbade him, saying, 'Suffer it, for thus it is meet that all things should be accomplished.'More important and more difficult is the question, What change was actually wrought in our Lord's human nature by this descent of the Spirit? The words of the Baptist, "He giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him" (<a href="/john/3-34.htm" title="For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God: for God gives not the Spirit by measure to him.">John 3:34</a>) imply the bestowal of a real gift. The words that follow here, "He was led by the Spirit" (<a href="/matthew/4-1.htm" title="Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.">Matthew 4:1</a>), "The Spirit driveth Him" (<a href="/mark/1-12.htm" title="And immediately the spirit drives him into the wilderness.">Mark 1:12</a>), show, in part, the nature of the change. We may venture to think even there of new gifts, new powers, a new intuition (comp. <a href="/john/3-11.htm" title="Truly, truly, I say to you, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and you receive not our witness.">John 3:11</a>), a new constraint, as it were, bringing the human will that was before in harmony with the divine into a fuller consciousness of that harmony, and into more intense activity; above all, a new intensity of prayer, uttering itself in Him, as afterwards in His people, in the cry, "Abba, Father" (<a href="/mark/14-36.htm" title="And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what you will.">Mark 14:36</a>; <a href="/romans/8-15.htm" title="For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.">Romans 8:15</a>; <a href="/galatians/4-6.htm" title="And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.">Galatians 4:6</a>). There also we may think of the Spirit as "making intercession with groanings that cannot be uttered." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - Lo; peculiar to St. Matthew - a reminiscence of Aramaic diction. A voice. Similarly in <a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Matthew 17:5</a> (Transfiguration, cf. <a href="/2_peter/1-17.htm">2 Peter 1:17, 18</a>); <a href="/john/12-28.htm">John 12:28</a> (like thunder); [possibly <a href="/acts/2-6.htm">Acts 2:6</a>, Pentecost]; <a href="/acts/9-4.htm">Acts 9:4</a> (Paul's conversion); 10:13, 15 (Peter). Talmudic and rabbinic writings often mention the Bath-Qol as speaking from heaven. The character of the occasions on which the voice is heard in the New Testament on the one hand, and in the Jewish writings on the other, shows the complete difference in the moral aspect of the two voices. The latter is at best little more than a parody of the former. (For the meaning of the expression Bath-Qol vide especially Weber, p. 188; Edersheim, 'Life,' 1:285.) From heaven; out of the heavens (Revised Version), pointing to the phrase in ver. 16. Saying. Western authorities add, "unto him," mostly reading the following words in the second person (cf. Mark and Luke). This is my beloved Son. Very similar if not identical words were spoken at the Transfiguration (<a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Matthew 17:5</a>), Matthew giving precisely the same, Mark and Luke only omitting "in whom I am well pleased," and Luke also reading "chosen" instead of "beloved." It would seem more natural to suppose that the words spoken on the two occasions were really slightly different, and that therefore Matthew is the less accurate. My .... Son (cf. <a href="/psalms/2-7.htm">Psalm 2:7</a>). My beloved Son. The expression is probably based on <a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Isaiah 42:1</a> (cf. infra, Matthew 12:18, note); but this does not necessitate the punctuation of the Revised Version margin, and Westcott and Herr margin: "My Son; my beloved in whom," etc. (For the expression, comp. also <a href="/mark/12-6.htm">Mark 12:6</a> (not in the parallel passage, <a href="/matthew/21-37.htm">Matthew 21:37</a>); <a href="/ephesians/1-6.htm">Ephesians 1:6</a>.) In whom I am well pleased; rather, in whom I have delight (cf. <a href="/isaiah/62-4.htm">Isaiah 62:4</a>, Authorized Version). The tense (εὐδόκησα) is equivalent to "my delight" fell on him, he became the object of my love" (Winer, 40:5, b, 2). The Spirit came, the Father bore witness. "Thus the Baptist receives through a revelation the certainty of the Messiahship of Jesus, and thus the reader learns that the Son of David, who through his birth (ch. 1.) and the fortunes of his childhood (ch. 2.) was certified as the Messiah, now also is announced to the last of the prophets as the Son of God, to whom Jehovah, in <a href="/psalms/2-7.htm">Psalm 2:7</a>, etc., had promised the Messianic dominion of the world" (Weiss, 'Matthaus-Evang.'). Yet not only so; the words probably revealed to the Lord Jesus himself more of his exact relationship to the Father than he had before as Man realized. Such an assurance of his true nature, and of the Father's delight in him, would be of essential service in strengthening him for his work (cf. <a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Matthew 17:5</a>). There are two other matters connected with our Lord's baptism recorded by tradition (cf. especially Resch, 'Agrapha,'pp. 346-367)-additional words spoken, and an additional sign given. The words spoken are found in "Western" authorities of <a href="/luke/3-22.htm">Luke 3:22</a>, "Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee," evidently with a desire to emphasize the application of the second psalm. The additional sign is the light or fire. The simplest form of this is (Tatian's 'Diatessaron,' edit. Zahn), "A light rose upon the waters;" and in the Ebionite Gospel apud Epiph., "Immediately a great light shone round about the place;" more fully in Justin Martyr ('Trypho,' § 88), "When Jesus had gone down into the water, fire was kindled in the Jordan;" also in a now lost 'Pred. Paul,' "When he was being baptized, fire was seen upon the water;" and in the Cod. Vercellensis of the Old Latin, "When he was being baptized, an immense light shone round from the water, so that all who had come thither were afraid." Although there is no intrinsic objection to this symbol having taken place, it is very improbable that in this case the evangelists would not have recorded it. The legend may have arisen from ver. 11, or, and more probably, from an endeavour to make the baptism parallel to the Transfiguration (<a href="/matthew/17-2.htm">Matthew 17:2</a>); cf. Ephraem, in Resch ('Agrapha,' p. 358), "John drew near and worshipped the Son, whose form an unwonted lustre surrounded." <a href="/commentaries/matthew/3-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>And καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. a voice φωνὴ (phōnē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5456.htm">Strong's 5456: </a> Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language. from ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. heaven οὐρανῶν (ouranōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. said, λέγουσα (legousa) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “This Οὗτός (Houtos) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. My μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. beloved ἀγαπητός (agapētos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_27.htm">Strong's 27: </a> From agapao; beloved. Son, Υἱός (Huios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5207.htm">Strong's 5207: </a> A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. whom ᾧ (hō) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. I am well pleased!” εὐδόκησα (eudokēsa) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2106.htm">Strong's 2106: </a> To be well-pleased, think it good, be resolved. From eu and dokeo; to think well of, i.e. Approve; specially, to approbate. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/3-17.htm">Matthew 3:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/3-17.htm">Matthew 3:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/3-17.htm">Matthew 3:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/3-17.htm">Matthew 3:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/3-17.htm">Matthew 3:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/3-17.htm">Matthew 3:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/3-17.htm">Matthew 3:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/3-17.htm">Matthew 3:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/3-17.htm">Matthew 3:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/3-17.htm">Matthew 3:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/3-17.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 3:17 Behold a voice out of the heavens (Matt. 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