What is the meaning of 2 Peter 1:17?

For He received honor and glory

• Peter recalls the moment on the mountain when Jesus’ very appearance shone (Matthew 17:2: “His face shone like the sun”).

• “Honor” points to public recognition; “glory” to visible radiance—both granted, not earned (John 17:5; Revelation 5:12).

• This foretaste of exaltation looks ahead to the risen Christ crowned “with glory and honor” (Hebrews 2:9).

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from God the Father

• The source is personal and specific—“God the Father,” underscoring the unique Father-Son relationship (John 3:35; 5:23).

• Heaven, not men, confers the title and splendor; the scene mirrors Philippians 2:9-11, where the Father exalts the Son above every name.

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when the voice came to Him

• A literal, audible declaration interrupts Peter’s plans for tents (Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35).

• Scripture records only two other times the Father’s voice is heard publicly—Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:17) and just before the cross (John 12:28)—each affirming the Son’s mission.

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from the Majestic Glory

• “Majestic Glory” is a reverent title for God’s own presence, echoing Sinai’s cloud and fire (Exodus 24:16-17).

• The same glory that filled the tabernacle (1 Kings 8:11) now envelopes Jesus, revealing Him as the true meeting place between God and man (John 1:14).

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saying, “This is My beloved Son,”

• The Father directly identifies Jesus with Psalm 2:7’s royal Son: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.”

• “Beloved” highlights intimate affection (John 5:20) and exclusivity (John 1:18), marking Jesus as uniquely qualified to reveal and redeem (1 John 4:9).

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in whom I am well pleased.

• The wording mirrors Isaiah 42:1—“My chosen one in whom My soul delights”—linking Jesus to the promised Servant.

• The Father’s pleasure certifies Jesus’ perfect obedience (John 8:29) and the sufficiency of His coming sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2).

• Because the Son delights the Father, those united to Him share that favor (Colossians 1:13-14).

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summary

Peter anchors our faith in an eyewitness moment when the Father Himself honored the Son with visible glory and an audible proclamation. The mountain scene unveils Jesus’ divine identity, filial relationship, and flawless obedience, assuring believers that trusting Him rests on God’s own testimony, not human invention.