And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.
MATTHEW 17:7KJVWhat does Matthew 17:7 mean?
Matthew 17:7 describes how Jesus approaches His disciples, touches them, and reassures them by telling them to get up and not be afraid. The verse shows Jesus responding gently to their fear after a powerful and overwhelming experience.
In this scene, Jesus is speaking to Peter, James, and John right after the Transfiguration, where they saw Him in glory and heard the voice of God. The disciples had fallen on their faces in fear, and Jesus comforts them with both His touch and His words, inviting them to stand and not be afraid of what they have witnessed.
The Greek behind Matthew 17:7
- The word "touched" (ἥψατο, hēpsato) often carries the sense of a gentle, reassuring contact. Here, it emphasizes Jesus’ personal care and physical presence in calming the disciples’ fear.
- The phrase "be not afraid" uses the Greek word φοβεῖσθε (phobeisthe), which is related to fear or being terrified. Jesus’ command is not just to stop being scared in general, but specifically to not be overwhelmed by the awe and fear of the divine encounter they just experienced.
Why Matthew 17:7 matters
- This verse highlights Jesus’ compassion and understanding of human fear, showing that even in moments of divine revelation, He meets people where they are and comforts them.
- It connects to the broader story of the Transfiguration by marking the transition from a moment of overwhelming glory back to Jesus’ familiar, approachable presence.
- The verse reminds readers that encounters with the divine, while awe-inspiring, are not meant to leave people paralyzed by fear, but to draw them closer to trust and reassurance.