And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

MATTHEW 17:7KJV
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Matthew 17:7 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“touched” Greek G680 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
  • Mark 5:28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
  • Luke 8:44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

“came” Greek G4334 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Matthew 21:23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
  • Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

“be” 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.

“Arise” Greek G1453 · used in 135 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.
  • Mark 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
  • Acts 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;