Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really beautiful passage from Matthew 17:5. It's a classic story about Jesus and his followers. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: Jesus is teaching his disciples – Peter and James – that they are experiencing something amazing. They’ve been feeling anxious and worried, and now, suddenly, a bright cloud appears overhead. As the cloud gets closer, you can hear a voice coming from it. This voice says, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Let's unpack what that means: “While he yet spake…” : Jesus was still talking. He wasn’t finished with his lesson. “…behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them…” : A huge, white cloud is covering the disciples. It's a dramatic and noticeable sight! “…and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said…” : Suddenly, you hear a clear, distinct voice – it’s like someone speaking directly to Jesus. “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” : This is the most important part. Jesus says, “This is my beloved Son.” He's talking about himself - his beloved son. He’s expressing immense love and happiness for him. The word "well pleased" means extremely happy and joyful. So, what's the big picture? This story teaches us a few important things: Jesus loves us deeply: He’s showing his affection to his disciples through this incredible event. He is our Savior: By speaking to them, he’s proclaiming his divine nature and highlighting his importance. We should be thankful: It’s a reminder that God's love for us isn't just quiet; it's expressed in grand and wonderful ways. In short, this verse is about Jesus revealing his immense love and happiness to his disciples. It's a powerful moment of divine communication. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Connect it to a specific biblical theme (like faith or love)?