New Testament
Matthew 17:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
While they were gathered together in Galilee, Jesus told them, "The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men."
Compare translations
And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:
What Matthew 17:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples while they are in Galilee. He reveals a significant and troubling truth: He, referred to as the 'Son of Man,' will soon be betrayed. This betrayal will come at the hands of people, indicating that He will face human opposition and suffering. The term 'Son of Man' emphasizes His humanity and His role as the Messiah. This moment is crucial as it foreshadows the events leading to His crucifixion. The disciples may not fully understand the gravity of His words, but Jesus is preparing them for the difficult times ahead. His prediction of betrayal highlights the theme of sacrifice and the challenges that come with His mission. It serves as a reminder of the reality of betrayal and suffering in the journey of faith, as well as the importance of being prepared for trials.
How to apply Matthew 17:22 to your life
This verse encourages us to be aware that betrayal and challenges are part of life. Just as Jesus prepared His disciples for difficult times, we too should prepare ourselves spiritually for trials. Trusting in God during hardships can strengthen our faith and resilience.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 17:22
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 17:22
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 17:22 mean?
Matthew 17:22 conveys Jesus' prediction of His impending betrayal by others. He refers to Himself as the 'Son of Man,' highlighting His humanity and foreshadowing the suffering He will endure.
What is the significance of the term 'Son of Man' in Matthew 17:22?
The term 'Son of Man' emphasizes Jesus' role as both human and the Messiah. It reflects His connection to humanity while also indicating His mission to save through suffering.
How does Matthew 17:22 relate to the theme of betrayal?
Matthew 17:22 highlights the theme of betrayal by predicting that Jesus will be handed over to others. This moment underscores the reality of human opposition and the suffering that accompanies His mission.
What can we learn from Matthew 17:22?
From Matthew 17:22, we learn that challenges and betrayal are part of life. It encourages us to prepare spiritually for difficult times and to trust in God during hardships.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.