Signs and leaven
Matthew 16:1–12FocusDiscernment about teaching
Connection to the wholeJesus warns the disciples against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees, correcting their initial concern about bread.
interpretation Matthew 16:28
KJVVerily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Read it in context
Peter's Confession, Call to Discipleship, and the Transfiguration
Start reading at Matthew 16:13 (Matthew 16:13 to Matthew 17:8).
This unit begins with Jesus' question about his identity, includes Peter's confession, Jesus' teaching on suffering and discipleship, and culminates in the Transfiguration, which many interpret as the initial fulfillment of the promise in Matthew 16:28.
- 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
- 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
- 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
- 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
- 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
- 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
- 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
- 16:20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
- 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
- 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
- 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
- 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
- 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
- 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
- 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
- 16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
- 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
- 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
- 17:3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
- 17:4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
- 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
- 17:6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
- 17:7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.
- 17:8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 16:1–16:28): Pharisees and Sadducees ask Jesus for a sign. Jesus then teaches His disciples, with Peter speaking in the confession and the exchange about Jesus' coming suffering. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the main event or theme? Jesus' prophecy that some of his disciples would live to see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing through Jesus the certainty of the Son of man's glorious manifestation and the establishment of his kingdom.
- What is the literary style? Gospel narrative containing a prophetic statement.
When
- When was it written? c. A.D. 50 to 70. book background
- When does the event take place? During Jesus' earthly ministry, specifically after Peter's confession at Caesarea Philippi, around A.D. 30. stated in the text
Where
- Where did it happen? In the region of Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus had just been with his disciples. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? Judea or Antioch. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Peter's Confession, Call to Discipleship, and the Transfiguration (Matthew 16:13 to Matthew 17:8). Start reading at Matthew 16:13. This unit begins with Jesus' question about his identity, includes Peter's confession, Jesus' teaching on suffering and discipleship, and culminates in the Transfiguration, which many interpret as the initial fulfillment of the promise in Matthew 16:28.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse concludes a discourse on discipleship and the future coming of the Son of man, immediately preceding the Transfiguration, which is widely understood as a partial fulfillment of this promise, where Peter, James, and John saw Jesus in glory. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? It points to Jesus as the "Son of man" who possesses divine authority and will manifest his kingdom and glory, confirming his identity as the Christ. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers are encouraged to live in expectation of Christ's coming and the full manifestation of his kingdom, understanding that his glory and authority are real and will ultimately be revealed. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 16:13, Matthew 16:27, Matthew 16:28, Matthew 17:1-8
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Other accounts of this event
Peter's confession and Jesus' first passion prediction
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- taste Luke 2:26 John 8:52 Heb 2:9
- see Matt 10:23 Matt 24:3,27-31,42 Matt 26:64 Mark 13:26 Luke 18:8 Luke 21:27-28
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 16
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
Peter's confession
Matthew 16:13–20FocusJesus' identity
Connection to the wholeThe disciples' answer to who Jesus is becomes a turning point before He explains His coming suffering.
interpretation FocusSuffering and discipleship
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion prediction and correction of Peter show that acknowledging His identity must be joined to accepting His path and demands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.