Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 16:23

"But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art a stumbling-block unto me: for thou mindest not the things of God, but the things of men." — Matthew 16:23 (ASV)

Get you behind me, Satan. The word Satan means, literally, an adversary, or one that opposes us in the accomplishment of our designs. It is commonly applied to the devil as the opposer or adversary of man. But there is no evidence that the Lord Jesus meant to apply this term to Peter as signifying that he was Satan or the devil, or that He used the term in anger.

He may have used it in the general sense which the word bore, as an adversary or opposer; and the meaning may be, that such sentiments as Peter expressed then were opposed to Him and His plans. His interference was improper. His views and feelings stood in the way of the accomplishment of the Savior's designs.

There was, undoubtedly, a rebuke in this language; for the conduct of Peter was improper; but the idea which is commonly attached to it, and which, perhaps, our translation conveys, implies a more severe and harsh rebuke than the Savior intended, and than the language He used would express.

You are an offense. That is, a stumbling-block: Your advice and wishes are in My way. If followed, they would prevent the very thing for which I came.

You savor not. That is, you think not. You think that those things should not be done which God wishes to be done. You judge of this matter as men do, who are desirous of honor, and not as God, who sees it best that I should die to promote the great interests of mankind.