Transfiguration
Overview
- Testament: New
- Book: Matthew, Mark, Luke, 2 Peter
- Chapters: Matthew 17:1-9; Mark 9:2-9; Luke 9:28-36; 2 Peter 1:16-18
- Summary: On a high mountain, Jesus was transfigured in radiant glory before Peter, James, and John; Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with him; the Father’s voice came from a cloud declaring “This is my beloved Son.”
Details
About a week after Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus took Peter, James, and John apart to a high mountain. There he was transfigured before them: his face shone as the sun, and his garments became white as the light. Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with him — Luke specifies they spoke of his “decease” (exodus) which he would accomplish at Jerusalem. Peter, not knowing what to say, offered to build three tabernacles — one for Jesus, one for Moses, one for Elijah. While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them and a voice from the cloud said: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” The disciples fell on their faces in fear. Jesus came and touched them: “Arise, and be not afraid.” When they lifted their eyes they saw only Jesus. As they descended the mountain, Jesus commanded them to tell no one until the Son of Man was risen from the dead.
The Transfiguration gives the disciples — and readers — a preview of Christ’s resurrection glory and divine nature. Moses represents the Law and Elijah the Prophets; both appear to honor Jesus as their fulfillment. The cloud and divine voice echo the Sinai theophany, identifying this mountain as a new Sinai. The command to “hear him” surpasses Moses and Elijah as the authoritative Word.
Key People Involved
- Jesus Christ — Transfigured in glory; the central figure
- Moses — Representative of the Law; appeared in glory
- Elijah — Representative of the Prophets; appeared in glory
- Peter — Offered to build tabernacles; received the command to hear Jesus
- James — Witness apostle
- John — Witness apostle; later described the event in 2 Peter
Key Places
- High mountain — Traditionally identified as Mount Hermon or Mount Tabor
Important Verses
“And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.” — Matthew 17:2
“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” — Matthew 17:5
Cross-References
- Preceded by: Peter’s Confession
- Foreshadowed in: Moses’ Farewell Speeches — Moses’ face shone after encountering God
- Related: Elijah Taken to Heaven — Elijah’s appearance here continues his unique role
- Related: Resurrection — The glory visible here is the resurrection glory
- Related books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, 2 Peter, Exodus
Notes
The Transfiguration occupies a literary pivot in the Synoptic Gospels — from Galilean ministry to the journey toward Jerusalem and the cross. Peter later identifies it as the moment he was an “eyewitness of his majesty” and the basis for confidence in the prophetic word (2 Peter 1:16-18). The appearance of Moses and Elijah, who both had extraordinary departures from earth (Deuteronomy 34; 2 Kings 2), signals that Jesus’ coming “exodus” in Jerusalem is the culmination of the entire biblical narrative.