New Testament
Matthew 16:23
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But Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me. You're not thinking about things the way God does — you're thinking like a human being."
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But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
What Matthew 16:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus rebukes Peter sharply after Peter tries to prevent Him from talking about His impending suffering and death. By calling Peter 'Satan,' Jesus highlights that Peter's thoughts are contrary to God's plan. Instead of understanding the necessity of Jesus' sacrifice, Peter is focused on human concerns and desires. This moment illustrates the struggle between divine purpose and human understanding. Jesus emphasizes that true followers must align their thoughts with God's will, even when it contradicts their own desires. The term 'stumbling block' indicates that Peter's perspective could hinder Jesus' mission. This exchange serves as a reminder that our human instincts can sometimes lead us away from God's intentions, and we must strive to see things from a divine perspective.
How to apply Matthew 16:23 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own thoughts and motivations. Are we aligning our desires with God's will, or are we allowing human reasoning to cloud our judgment? We should seek to understand God's plans, even when they challenge our comfort or expectations, and support His purposes in our lives.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Foretells His Death (Matthew 16:21–28)
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 16:23 mean?
In Matthew 16:23, Jesus rebukes Peter for trying to prevent Him from discussing His suffering and death. By calling Peter 'Satan,' Jesus indicates that Peter's thoughts are opposing God's plan, highlighting the conflict between human understanding and divine purpose.
What is the meaning of 'stumbling block' in Matthew 16:23?
The term 'stumbling block' in Matthew 16:23 refers to something that hinders or obstructs progress. Jesus uses it to describe how Peter's perspective could interfere with His mission, emphasizing the need to align thoughts with God's will.
Why does Jesus call Peter 'Satan' in Matthew 16:23?
Jesus calls Peter 'Satan' to emphasize that Peter's attempt to dissuade Him from His mission is contrary to God's purpose. This strong rebuke highlights the seriousness of aligning one's thoughts with God's will.
How can we apply Matthew 16:23 to our lives?
We can apply Matthew 16:23 by examining our own motivations and ensuring they align with God's will. It encourages us to seek understanding of God's plans, even when they challenge our personal desires or comfort.
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