New Testament
Matthew 3:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God publicly affirms Jesus as His Son during the event of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Then a voice spoke from heaven: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
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