Matthew 3:17 Commentary - Abbott's Illustrated New Testament

Verse 17

In whom I am well pleased. This English is scarcely strong enough. "I delight" comes nearer, perhaps, to that ineffable complacency which is manifestly intended; and this is rather preferable, as it would immediately carry the thoughts back to that august Messianic prophecy to which the voice from heaven plainly alluded (Isaiah 42:1), "Behold my Servant, whom I uphold; mine Elect, IN WHOM MY SOUL DELIGHTETH." Was this voice heard by the bystanders? From Matthew's form of it, one might suppose it so designed, but it would appear that it was and probably only John heard and saw anything peculiar in the great baptism. Accordingly the words "Hear ye Him" are not added as at the Transfiguration.