New Testament
Matthew 3:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then a voice spoke from heaven: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
Compare translations
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
What Matthew 3:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God publicly affirms Jesus as His Son during the event of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist. The voice from heaven signifies divine approval and love, indicating that Jesus is not just an ordinary man but the chosen one of God. This moment marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and highlights His unique relationship with God the Father. The phrase 'beloved Son' emphasizes the deep affection God has for Jesus, while 'in whom I am well pleased' indicates that Jesus fulfills God's will perfectly. This declaration serves as a powerful endorsement of Jesus' identity and mission, reassuring those present of His divine authority and purpose. It also sets the stage for the events that will unfold in Jesus' life, showcasing His role as the Messiah and the one who will bring salvation to humanity.
How to apply Matthew 3:17 to your life
This verse encourages believers to recognize Jesus as the beloved Son of God, affirming His authority and mission. It reminds us of the importance of our own identity in Christ and the love God has for us. We can find comfort in knowing that we are also valued and loved by God.
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 Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13–17)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. 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.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
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 3:17
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 3:17
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 does Matthew 3:17 mean?
Matthew 3:17 captures the moment when God publicly declares Jesus as His beloved Son during His baptism. This affirmation highlights Jesus' unique relationship with God and marks the beginning of His public ministry.
What is the significance of 'beloved Son' in Matthew 3:17?
The phrase 'beloved Son' signifies God's deep affection for Jesus, indicating that He is not just an ordinary person but the chosen one who fulfills God's will perfectly.
What does the voice from heaven in Matthew 3:17 signify?
The voice from heaven signifies divine approval and endorsement of Jesus' identity and mission, reassuring those present of His authority as the Messiah.
How does Matthew 3:17 relate to Jesus' baptism?
Matthew 3:17 occurs during Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist, marking a pivotal moment where God publicly affirms Jesus' role and sets the stage for His ministry.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.