Matthew 17:22

Sunday, 8 March 2026

Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, Matthew 17:22

“And they, overturning in the Galilee, Jesus, He said to them, ‘The Son of Man, He is about to be surrendered into men’s hands’” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus finished His words concerning casting out the demon, saying that such a kind would only depart through prayer and fasting. Matthew next says, “And they, overturning in the Galilee.”

A new word is seen in some texts, anastrephó. It is derived from ana, up, and strephó to turn. Thus, it signifies an overturning. The sense is close to returning, but rather than being used adverbially, it is a verb carrying more weight than that. One can return without any intent or change in the way things are, or one can return while considering, making changes, redirecting to something new, etc. It is also used as a word indicating contrast.

For example, the word is used in Acts 15:16 where the Lord promises to return and build again the tabernacle of David that had fallen down. God abandoned Israel, but He will come again to them, “unabandoning” them. Thus, there is a sense of overturning in action.

In the case of Matthew 17:22, it appears the word is used to indicate that, because of the instruction from Jesus concerning the demon, the disciples’ direction in thinking is “overturned” to align with how things should be.

Because of the complicated nature of the word in relation to the surrounding words, some texts use another new word, sustrephó, to twist together. As such, it would mean they were gathering together in the Galilee. This is a convenient change, but it seems unnatural. The only other time it is used is when Paul gathered sticks together to make a fire. Regardless of this, it next says, “Jesus, He said to them, ‘The Son of Man, He is about to be surrendered into men’s hands.’”

This is now the second time Jesus speaks of the coming passion He would endure. He is preparing the disciples for what is to come, but they seem to miss the import of what He is conveying. When the events finally take place, they will seem wholly unprepared for them.

Life application: There are times when a word is used, and it is hard to pin down what is being said. Even with an explanation of the word, what was said seems insufficient to define the meaning. In such a case, it is good to look at the other uses of that word and try to determine a common thread. In the case of anastrephó, here are all of its uses –

“But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they overturned and reported...” Acts 5:22

“After this I will overturn
And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down;
I will rebuild its ruins,
And I will set it up.” Acts 15:16

“For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we overturned ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.” 2 Corinthians 1:12

“...among whom also we all once overturned ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.” Ephesians 2:3

“but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to overturn yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15

“...partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so overturned.” Hebrews 10:22

“Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to overturn honorably.” Hebrews 13:18

“And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, overturn yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear.” 1 Peter 1:17

“For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who overturning in error.” 2 Peter 2:18

These examples show that the word carries a sense of conducting oneself in a particular way, which is somewhat in contrast to another way. In many cases, through research of synonyms, a word may come up that carries all of the intent of the word. At other times, it may be best to literally translate the word (such as overturn) and let the chips fall where they may in the minds of the reader.

But remember this tool. Going to the other uses of an unusual word is a great way to better understand how that word fits into the broader panorama of its intended use.

Lord God, give us the desire to want to know every nuance of Your wonderful word. As it reflects You and what You intend for us, then when we rightly understand it and apply it to our thinking, we know it will help mold us into Your image. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.