Bible Strands
Matthew 16:15
“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to His disciples immediately after they report the public’s conflicting theories about His identity. He poses the question at the precise moment they are gathered following that report.
The words — ὑμεῖς (humeis) means “you yourselves,” isolating the group from the crowd. λέγετε (legete) translates literally to “do you pronounce” or “say,” structuring the inquiry as a direct demand for declaration.
The thread — The identical question appears in Luke 9:20 and Mark 8:29, where Peter immediately answers with a confession of Jesus as the Christ. Matthew 13:11 parallels the passage by contrasting the knowledge of kingdom mysteries granted to the disciples with those who remain outside it.
Why it lands — The text records Jesus demanding a personal, explicit declaration of His identity rather than a repetition of popular speculation. It requires the reader to move from reporting others’ opinions to stating their own conviction.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
Cross-references
- Luke 9:20 “But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”
- Mark 8:29 “But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”
- Matthew 13:11 He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.