And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
While the text calls Jesus the "beloved Son," some of the earliest manuscripts actually highlight him as "my Chosen One." This subtle shift emphasizes that Jesus isn't just dearly loved, but divinely selected for a unique and crucial role. The command to "listen to him" then becomes not just an instruction, but an urgent directive to obey the one God Himself has appointed above all others.
And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This moment occurs immediately after Jesus is transfigured on a mountain with Peter, James, and John, appearing alongside Moses and Elijah. Peter, overwhelmed, suggests building shelters for them, but a cloud overshadows them and a voice from heaven declares Jesus' divine identity. Following this celestial affirmation, the disciples are left with only Jesus, a stark reminder to focus solely on him.
Have you ever heard a voice from the heavens? At Jesus' Transfiguration, God the Father spoke directly, revealing something crucial about His Son.
The Father declares, “This is my Chosen One.” While some manuscripts read “my beloved Son,” many scholars agree that “chosen” (eklektos in Greek) might be the original word. This title isn't just about affection; it points to Jesus’ unique selection and divine authority. He is set apart, designated for a specific, paramount role. This echoes the Old Testament concept of God choosing Israel, but elevates it to a singular, perfect fulfillment in Jesus. It signifies His perfect obedience and unique relationship with the Father, distinguishing Him from all others.
This title of 'Chosen One' highlights that Jesus isn't just a son of God, but the Son, uniquely chosen and empowered for His mission. It underlines His authority, especially as the verse immediately commands us to 'listen to him.'
After revealing His Son's identity, God gives a direct command. What does it mean to truly 'listen to Him'?
The Father’s command, 'listen to him!' (or 'hear him'), is the climax of this heavenly declaration. It's not a suggestion; it’s the ultimate divine instruction.
This command implies more than just passively hearing words. It calls for active obedience, attentive reception, and complete trust in Jesus’ teachings and authority. It means recognizing Him as the supreme Teacher, above Moses and Elijah, above all human wisdom. His words carry the weight of heaven and are the final word on God’s will and way for humanity.
This command is crucial because the disciples (and we) are prone to be distracted by earthly glory or human understanding, as Peter's desire to build tents showed. God is re-centering their focus: 'Hear Him.' All other voices, even well-intentioned ones, must be subordinate to the voice of His Chosen Son.
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Understand the original words
huios · Greek Noun
The primary title of Jesus, signifying his unique relationship to the Father, his divinity, and his role as the Messiah who mediates the covenant between God and humanity.
eklelegmenos · Greek Adjective/Participle
Refers to the one selected by God for a specific redemptive task or office. In the context of the Messiah, it points to the Servant of the Lord who is uniquely set apart by God.
akouete · Greek Verb
To hear and obey; in a biblical context, it implies more than auditory perception—it includes submission to the message and acting upon the divine instruction given.
The voice from the cloud directly echoes God's affirmation of Jesus, offering a powerful divine endorsement amidst the disciples' confusion about Jesus' impending suffering and death.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry, calling disciples, teaching, and performing miracles. This period is marked by growing crowds and increasing opposition from religious leaders.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus Predicts His Death
Jesus begins to reveal to his disciples that he must suffer and die. This announcement causes confusion and distress, particularly for Peter.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' Transfiguration
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain, where he is transfigured, appearing in glory with Moses and Elijah. A divine voice from a cloud affirms Jesus as God's Son and commands the disciples to listen to him.
c. AD 28-30
Disciples' Confusion and Fear
The disciples are overwhelmed by the experience, with Peter proposing to build shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. They are terrified by the divine voice and the cloud.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecies about his suffering, and then resurrected, demonstrating his divine power over death.
This Old Testament passage directly foreshadows the command to listen to a prophet like Moses, which is echoed in Luke 9:35's directive to 'listen to him!' It highlights Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's prophetic voice.
Exodus 24:15-18This passage describes Moses going up Mount Sinai and being covered by a cloud, similar to the transfiguration event. It sets a precedent for divine revelation occurring within a cloud on a mountain.
2 Peter 1:17-18Peter himself, one of the witnesses at the transfiguration, later refers to this event, calling it a 'divine glory' that accompanied Jesus. He explicitly links the voice from heaven ('This is my beloved Son') to the confirming glory they saw and heard.
Isaiah 42:1This verse speaks of God's 'chosen servant' whom He upholds, and who will bring justice to the nations. This concept of God's 'Chosen One' directly parallels the declaration made about Jesus at His transfiguration.
Matthew 3:17Similar to the voice at the transfiguration, the Father's voice declared Jesus as His 'beloved Son' at His baptism. This shows a consistent affirmation of Jesus' identity and divine sonship at key moments in His ministry.
calvinLuke 9:28-36: "And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray."
- And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, and James, and John his brother, and leadeth them to a high mountain apart; 2. And was transfigured before them: and his face shone as the sun, and his garments became white as the light. 3. And, lo, there appeared to them [473] Moses and Elijah talking with him. 4. And Peter answering said to Jesus, Lord, i…
pulpitLuke 9:35: "And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him."
Verse 35. - And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. The reading here of the older authorities must be adopted. Instead of the voice out of the cloud saying, "This is my beloved Son," we must substitute," This is my Elect." As SS. Matthew and Mark both read, "my beloved Son," we have here another of the many proofs that each of the three records of the Transf…
While the text calls Jesus the "beloved Son," some of the earliest manuscripts actually highlight him as "my Chosen One." This subtle shift emphasizes that Jesus isn't just dearly loved, but divinely selected for a unique and crucial role. The command to "listen to him" then becomes not just an instruction, but an urgent directive to obey the one God Himself has appointed above all others.
This moment occurs immediately after Jesus is transfigured on a mountain with Peter, James, and John, appearing alongside Moses and Elijah. Peter, overwhelmed, suggests building shelters for them, but a cloud overshadows them and a voice from heaven declares Jesus' divine identity. Following this celestial affirmation, the disciples are left with only Jesus, a stark reminder to focus solely on him.
This moment occurs immediately after Jesus is transfigured on a mountain with Peter, James, and John, appearing alongside Moses and Elijah. Peter, overwhelmed, suggests building shelters for them, but a cloud overshadows them and a voice from heaven declares Jesus' divine identity. Following this celestial affirmation, the disciples are left with only Jesus, a stark reminder to focus solely on him.
"And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!”" — While the text calls Jesus the "beloved Son," some of the earliest manuscripts actually highlight him as "my Chosen One." This subtle shift emphasizes that Jesus isn't just dearly loved, but divinely…
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Last reviewed October 2026