For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

2 PETER 1:17KJV
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2 Peter 1:17 (KJV)

What does 2 Peter 1:17 mean?

2 Peter 1:17 describes how Jesus received honor and glory from God the Father when a voice from heaven declared Him to be God’s beloved Son, in whom God is well pleased. This verse points to a specific moment when God publicly affirmed Jesus’ unique relationship and status.

Peter, the author, is writing to fellow believers and reminding them of the time when Jesus was openly recognized by God. The situation refers to the event known as the Transfiguration, when Peter and others heard God’s voice from heaven. Peter uses this memory to show that Jesus’ identity and mission were confirmed directly by God, not just by human testimony.

The Greek behind 2 Peter 1:17

  • τιμή (timē, "honour"): This word means respect, value, or recognition. In this verse, it highlights the special status and approval Jesus received from God.
  • δόξα (doxa, "glory"): This word often refers to brightness, splendor, or divine majesty. Here, it emphasizes the visible and overwhelming presence of God that surrounded Jesus.
  • ἐξοχή (exochē, "excellent"): This word, translated as "excellent," means something outstanding or preeminent. It describes the glory from which the voice came, stressing the greatness and authority of God’s presence.
  • υἱός (huios, "Son"): The Greek word for "Son" underlines the unique, familial relationship between Jesus and God, marking Him as more than a prophet or teacher.

Why 2 Peter 1:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus’ authority and identity were not self-proclaimed or based on human opinion, but were directly affirmed by God in a dramatic, public way.
  • It connects Peter’s teaching to a real historical event, grounding faith in eyewitness experience rather than abstract ideas or rumors.
  • The verse emphasizes the unique relationship between Jesus and God, which is central to understanding who Jesus is throughout the New Testament.

Where else these words appear

“pleased” Greek G2106 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
  • Romans 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
  • Colossians 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

“honour” Greek G5092 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 27:6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
  • Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
  • Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

“came” Greek G5342 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 14:11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
  • Luke 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
  • Acts 12:10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

“beloved” Greek G27 · used in 61 verses

  • Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
  • James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?