And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:

MATTHEW 17:22KJV
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Matthew 17:22 (KJV)

What does Matthew 17:22 mean?

Matthew 17:22 records Jesus telling his disciples that he, the "Son of man," will be betrayed and handed over to other people. This is a clear warning from Jesus to his closest followers that he will soon face betrayal and danger at the hands of others.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking privately to his disciples while they are staying in Galilee. He uses the title "Son of man" to refer to himself, and he openly predicts that someone will deliver him into the control of other people. This statement prepares the disciples for the suffering and events that are about to unfold in Jesus’ life.

The Greek behind Matthew 17:22

  • "Son of man" (υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, huios tou anthrōpou): This phrase is how Jesus often refers to himself, highlighting both his humanity and a connection to Old Testament prophecy about a coming figure who would suffer and be glorified.
  • "Betrayed" (παραδίδοται, paradidotai): This Greek word means to hand over, deliver up, or betray. It carries the sense of someone being given into the power or control of others, often with the idea of treachery or disloyalty.
  • "Into the hands of men" (εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων, eis cheiras anthrōpōn): This phrase emphasizes that Jesus will be delivered into human control, highlighting the vulnerability and suffering he will experience as a result.

Why Matthew 17:22 matters

  • Matthew 17:22 shows that Jesus was not caught off guard by his betrayal; he knew in advance and chose to warn his disciples, which underscores his awareness and purpose.
  • The verse connects to a larger pattern in the Gospels where Jesus predicts his suffering, helping readers understand that these events were part of a plan, not a tragic accident.
  • By using the title "Son of man" and speaking of betrayal, Jesus ties his own story to Old Testament expectations and prepares his followers for the difficult events ahead.

Where else these words appear

“abode” Greek G390 · used in 11 verses

  • John 2:15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
  • 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
  • Hebrews 10:33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

“Galilee” Greek G1056 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 3:7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
  • Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

“be” Greek G3195 · used in 107 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Acts 11:28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
  • Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

“betrayed” Greek G3860 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 4:12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
  • Mark 14:10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
  • John 19:16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.