New Testament
Matthew 17:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown on the ground, terrified.
Compare translations
And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
What Matthew 17:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the disciples experience a profound moment of fear and awe. They had just witnessed a divine revelation, likely the voice of God affirming Jesus as His Son. The intensity of the moment overwhelms them, causing them to fall to the ground in terror. This reaction highlights the seriousness of encountering the divine and the natural human response of fear in the presence of God’s holiness. The disciples, who had been close to Jesus, still felt unworthy and frightened when faced with the reality of God’s voice. This moment serves as a reminder of the power and majesty of God, and how it can evoke deep reverence and humility in those who encounter it. It also illustrates the importance of recognizing our own limitations and the need for God’s grace in our lives.
How to apply Matthew 17:6 to your life
When we encounter God in our lives, it can evoke feelings of fear and awe. It's important to approach these moments with humility, recognizing our need for God's grace. Allow these experiences to deepen your faith and understanding of His power and love.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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 Jesus's story: The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–9)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
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 17:6
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 17:6
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 caused the disciples to fall facedown in Matthew 17:6?
The disciples fell facedown in terror after hearing God's voice affirming Jesus as His Son. This divine revelation was overwhelming, highlighting the holiness of God and the natural human response of fear when confronted with His presence. Their reaction underscores the seriousness of encountering the divine and the reverence it inspires.
What does Matthew 17:6 teach us about fear and awe in God's presence?
Matthew 17:6 illustrates that encountering God can evoke profound fear and awe. The disciples' reaction shows that even those close to Jesus felt unworthy in the presence of God's holiness. This teaches us the importance of humility and recognizing our limitations when we experience God's power and majesty.
How can we apply the lessons from Matthew 17:6 in our lives?
We can apply the lessons from Matthew 17:6 by approaching our encounters with God with humility and reverence. Recognizing our need for God's grace in moments of awe can deepen our faith. Allow these experiences to remind us of God's power and love, encouraging us to live with a sense of wonder and respect for His presence.
What is the significance of God's voice in Matthew 17:6?
God's voice in Matthew 17:6 is significant as it affirms Jesus' identity as His Son, emphasizing the divine authority of Jesus. This moment serves as a pivotal revelation for the disciples, reinforcing their understanding of Jesus' mission and the importance of listening to Him. It highlights the necessity of recognizing God's voice in our lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.