And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

MATTHEW 17:6KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 17:6 (KJV)

What does Matthew 17:6 mean?

Matthew 17:6 describes how the disciples reacted with intense fear, falling facedown on the ground, after hearing a powerful voice. The verse shows their deep awe and terror in response to what they had just witnessed.

This moment happens during the Transfiguration, when Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain and is transformed before them. God’s voice speaks from a bright cloud, declaring Jesus as His beloved Son. The disciples’ reaction highlights how overwhelming and frightening it was to encounter the direct presence and voice of God.

The Greek behind Matthew 17:6

  • "πρόσωπον" (prosōpon) — face: This word means "face" or "countenance." Falling on their faces is a physical sign of fear and reverence, often seen in the Bible when people encounter the divine.
  • "σφόδρα" (sphodra) — sore: This word means "exceedingly" or "greatly." It emphasizes the intensity of the disciples’ fear, showing that this was not mild anxiety but a deep, overwhelming terror.
  • "ἐφοβήθησαν" (ephobēthēsan) — afraid: This verb means "to be afraid" or "to fear." In this context, it carries the sense of being struck with awe and dread, not just ordinary fear.

Why Matthew 17:6 matters

  • Matthew 17:6 clears up any idea that the disciples were casual or comfortable in this moment; their reaction shows how awe-inspiring and unsettling it was to witness God’s glory and hear His voice.
  • The verse connects to a common biblical pattern where people fall facedown in fear when confronted with God’s presence, underlining the seriousness and holiness of the event.
  • Understanding the disciples’ fear helps set up what happens next, as Jesus reassures and comforts them, showing both the majesty and the compassion present in this scene.

Where else these words appear

“sore” Greek G4970 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • Matthew 19:25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
  • Mark 16:4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

“face” Greek G4383 · used in 73 verses

  • Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

“fell” Greek G4098 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Luke 8:6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
  • Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

“afraid” Greek G5399 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Luke 1:50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
  • Acts 13:26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.