The Transfiguration
Luke 9:28-36
Luke.9.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Εγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- μετα: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- λογους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- τουτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- ωσει: ADV
- ημεραι: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- οκτω: NUM,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- παραλαβων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- Πετρον: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- Ιωαννην: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- Ιακωβον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ανεβη: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ορος: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- προσευξασθαι: VERB,aor,mid,inf
Parallels
- Mark 9:2 (verbal): Same scene: "about eight days after" Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain — close verbal and narrative parallel to Luke 9:28 (lead‑in to the Transfiguration).
- Matthew 17:1-2 (structural): Parallel account of the Transfiguration — Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain; Matthew uses slightly different timing but the same structural episode.
- Luke 6:12 (thematic): Earlier Lukan motif of Jesus withdrawing to a mountain to pray (and praying before key decisions like choosing the Twelve), echoing the mountain‑prayer context of Luke 9:28.
- Mark 5:37 (thematic): Mark repeatedly shows Peter, James and John as Jesus’ inner circle who are taken aside at decisive moments (here at Jairus’ daughter's raising), a pattern reflected in Luke 9:28.
- 2 Peter 1:16-18 (allusion): Peter’s later testimony refers to having been an eyewitness of Jesus’ majesty on the mountain — an allusive reference to the event that begins with Luke 9:28 (the Transfiguration episode).
Alternative generated candidates
- And it happened, about eight days after these things, that he took Peter and John and James, and went up into the mountain to pray.
- And it happened about eight days after these words, that he took Peter and John and James, and went up into the mountain to pray.
Luke.9.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- εγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- προσευχεσθαι: VERB,pres,mp,inf
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ειδος: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- προσωπου: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- ετερον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ιματισμος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- λευκος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- εξαστραπτων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Matthew 17:2 (verbal): Matthew's Transfiguration account closely parallels Luke: Jesus' face shines and his garments become dazzling white — a near-verbal description of the same event.
- Mark 9:2-3 (verbal): Mark likewise describes the Transfiguration and explicitly notes the extraordinary whiteness of Jesus' clothes, providing a close verbal parallel to Luke 9:29.
- Exodus 34:29-35 (thematic): Moses' face 'shone' after encountering God in Sinai; the OT motif of a radiant countenance as a sign of divine presence functions as the background for NT accounts of Jesus' transformed appearance.
- 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 (allusion): Paul contrasts the fading glory on Moses' face with the surpassing glory of Christ and the new covenant, alluding to the tradition of radiant faces as an expression of divine revelation relevant to the Transfiguration.
- Acts 6:15 (thematic): Stephen is described as having a face 'like the face of an angel' before the council; this use of luminous/fearful facial imagery parallels Luke's use of transformed appearance to signal a heavenly encounter.
Alternative generated candidates
- And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was changed, and his garments became radiant and exceedingly white—whiter than any fuller on earth could make them.
- And while he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.
Luke.9.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ιδου: PART
- ανδρες: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- δυο: NUM,acc,pl,m
- συνελαλουν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- οιτινες: PRO,rel,nom,pl,m
- ησαν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- Μωυσης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- Ηλιας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Matthew 17:3 (verbal): Direct parallel account of the Transfiguration: Matthew also reports that Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus.
- Mark 9:4 (verbal): Mark's parallel narrative of the Transfiguration likewise records Moses and Elijah conversing with Jesus on the mountain.
- 2 Kings 2:11 (thematic): Elijah's miraculous ascent into heaven highlights his prophetic significance and helps explain his presence with Jesus as a representative of the prophets.
- Exodus 34:29 (thematic): Moses' face shining after an encounter with God connects to the glory associated with Moses at the Transfiguration and underscores his role as Lawgiver.
- Malachi 4:5 (allusion): The prophecy that Elijah will return before the day of the LORD illuminates the theological significance of Elijah's appearance with Jesus as fulfillment/anticipation of that expectation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And behold, two men were talking with him; they were Moses and Elijah,
- And behold, two men stood by him, talking with him; they were Moses and Elijah.
Luke.9.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- οφθεντες: PART,aor,pass,nom,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- δοξη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ελεγον: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- εξοδον: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- ημελλεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- πληρουν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- εν: PREP
- Ιερουσαλημ: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Matthew 16:21 (verbal): Jesus begins to explain that he must go to Jerusalem to suffer, be killed, and be raised—parallel prediction of his impending 'departure' (exodus).
- Mark 10:33-34 (verbal): Explicit prediction of Jesus' passion in Jerusalem (mocking, scourging, killing, rising on the third day), a close verbal parallel to the disciples' discussion of his coming 'departure.'
- Luke 18:31-33 (verbal): Within Luke's Gospel Jesus again spells out what will happen in Jerusalem (suffer, be rejected, killed, rise), directly echoing the content of the 'exodus' mentioned in 9:31.
- Luke 24:44-46 (thematic): After the resurrection Jesus interprets the Scriptures as predicting his suffering and rising in Jerusalem—links the idea of his 'departure' to fulfillment of Scripture and salvific purpose.
Alternative generated candidates
- who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure that he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
- They appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
Luke.9.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- Πετρος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- συν: PREP
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- ησαν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- βεβαρημενοι: PART,perf,pass,nom,pl,m
- υπνω·διαγρηγορησαντες: NOUN,acc,sg,f + PART,aor,act,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- ειδον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- δοξαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- δυο: NUM,acc,pl,m
- ανδρας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- συνεστωτας: PART,pres,act,acc,pl,m
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Mark 9:2-8 (verbal): Parallel transfiguration account: the disciples see Jesus' glory and the two men standing with him; Mark shares the core narrative and reaction of the disciples (though Luke uniquely mentions their drowsiness).
- Matthew 17:1-8 (verbal): Matthew's transfiguration account corresponds closely—Jesus' glory is revealed and two men appear (Moses and Elijah); the scene and directive about telling no one parallel Luke's episode.
- 2 Peter 1:16-18 (allusion): Peter appeals to an eyewitness glimpse of 'his majesty' on the holy mountain—an explicit apostolic reference to the transfiguration experience Luke describes.
- Exodus 34:29-35 (thematic): Moses' radiant face after encountering God's glory provides a theological precedent: divine glory made visible and the overwhelming effect on human witnesses, a theme echoed in the transfiguration.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; but when they were fully awake they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
- Now Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; but when they were fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.
Luke.9.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- εγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- διαχωριζεσθαι: VERB,pres,mid,inf
- αυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- απ᾽αυτου: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,3,m
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Πετρος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- Ιησουν·Επιστατα: PROPN,acc,sg,m+NOUN,voc,sg,m
- καλον: ADJ,nom/acc,sg,neut
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
- ωδε: ADV
- ειναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- και: CONJ
- ποιησωμεν: VERB,aor,act,subj,1,pl
- σκηνας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- τρεις: NUM,acc,pl,f
- μιαν: NUM,acc,sg,f
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- και: CONJ
- μιαν: NUM,acc,sg,f
- Μωυσει: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- μιαν: NUM,acc,sg,f
- Ηλια: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- μη: PART
- ειδως: PART,perf,act,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- λεγει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Matthew 17:4 (quotation): Direct Synoptic parallel: Peter proposes building three tents/booths for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah on the mountain (nearly identical wording).
- Mark 9:5 (quotation): Direct Synoptic parallel with the same episode—Peter’s offer to erect three shelters and the remark that he did not know what to say, matching Luke’s account.
- 2 Peter 1:16-18 (allusion): Peter’s later epistle recalls the Transfiguration as an eyewitness experience and the voice from heaven, echoing the same event Luke describes.
- John 1:14 (verbal): Uses the same tabernacle/booth imagery (Greek skēnōsen, 'dwelt/tabernacled among us'), a verbal/theological echo of Luke’s reference to making skēnas (tents).
- Leviticus 23:42-43 (thematic): Background for the booth/tabernacle motif: the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles) commands dwelling in booths—provides cultic/Israelite context for Peter’s suggestion to erect tents.
Alternative generated candidates
- And as they were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, 'Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tents—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah'—for he did not know what he said.
- As they were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tents—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah'—not knowing what he said.
Luke.9.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ταυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- δε: CONJ
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- λεγοντος: PTCP,pres,act,gen,sg,m
- εγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- νεφελη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- επεσκιαζεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτους·εφοβηθησαν: PRON,acc,pl,m+VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,pl
- δε: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- εισελθειν: VERB,pres,mid,inf
- αυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- νεφελην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Matthew 17:5 (verbal): Synoptic parallel to the Transfiguration: a bright cloud overshadows the disciples and God's voice issues from the cloud; same sequence of fear on entering the cloud.
- Mark 9:7 (verbal): Another close synoptic parallel: the cloud envelops them, a voice speaks from the cloud, and the disciples are struck with fear—same event phrasing as Luke's account.
- Exodus 24:15-18 (allusion): Moses goes up into the cloud on Sinai and remains there in God's presence; the cloud as theophanic sign and locus of divine encounter parallels Luke's cloud overshadowing Jesus and the disciples.
- Exodus 19:16-20 (thematic): At Sinai the mountain is covered with thunder, lightning, smoke, and a thick cloud causing fear among the people—an Old Testament motif of covenantal revelation and awe that echoes the Transfiguration cloud.
- Acts 1:9 (thematic): A cloud takes Jesus up and conceals him from the disciples; like Luke 9:34, the cloud functions as divine action/presence associated with Jesus and evokes awe/otherworldly significance.
Alternative generated candidates
- While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered into the cloud.
- While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.
Luke.9.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- φωνη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- εγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- εκ: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- νεφελης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- λεγουσα·Ουτος: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,f,sg + PRON,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- υιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- εκλελεγμενος: VERB,perf,pass,part,nom,m,sg
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- ακουετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- Matthew 17:5 (verbal): Direct Transfiguration parallel — the cloud and divine voice identify Jesus as God’s Son and command the disciples to listen; wording closely parallels Luke with minor emphases ('beloved' vs. 'chosen').
- Mark 9:7 (verbal): Mark’s Transfiguration account echoes the same heavenly declaration ('This is my Son; listen to him'), a near-verbal parallel to Luke’s report of the voice from the cloud.
- Psalm 2:7 (allusion): Old Testament background for divine sonship — 'You are my Son' is a Messianic formula invoked elsewhere in the NT and undergirds the heavenly declaration in the Gospels.
- Isaiah 42:1 (allusion): Language of 'my chosen' (and the Servant motif) parallels Luke’s 'ὁ ἐκλελεγμένος' (my chosen), linking Jesus’ identity to the Servant/Messiah theme in Isaiah.
- 2 Samuel 7:14 (thematic): God’s promise that a Davidic offspring will be his son provides royal/sonship theological background for the heavenly affirmation of Jesus as God’s Son.
Alternative generated candidates
- And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, 'This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him.'
- And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, 'This is my Son, my chosen—hear him.'
Luke.9.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- γενεσθαι: VERB,aor,mid,inf
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- φωνην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ευρεθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- Ιησους: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- μονος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- αυτοι: PRON,nom,pl,3
- εσιγησαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- ουδενι: PRON,dat,sg,n
- απηγγειλαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- εν: PREP
- εκειναις: DEM,dat,pl,f
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- ημεραις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- ουδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- ων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- εωρακαν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Mark 9:9 (verbal): Direct Synoptic parallel to the Transfiguration aftermath — the disciples 'kept the matter to themselves' and Jesus is left alone after the heavenly voice.
- Matthew 17:9 (verbal): Parallel account of the Transfiguration: same injunction to tell no one about the vision and Jesus found alone after the voice.
- Mark 8:30 (thematic): Earlier instance of Jesus commanding secrecy ('he ordered them to tell no one'), illustrating the recurring 'Messianic secrecy' motif that frames Luke 9:36.
- John 12:28-29 (allusion): Another occasion of a voice from heaven; the crowd's public reaction here (some think it thundered) contrasts with the intimate, kept-to-themselves revelation of the Transfiguration.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.
- When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. And they kept this saying to themselves, and told no one at that time any of the things they had seen.
And it happened, about eight days after these words, that he took Peter and John and James, and went up into the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his garments became dazzlingly white—such white as no fuller on earth could make them. And there appeared talking with him two men, who were Moses and Elijah,
who were speaking of his departure, the exodus he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake they saw his glory, and the two men who stood with him. And as they were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tents—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah'—not knowing what he said.
While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, 'This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him.' And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silence and told no one at that time any of the things they had seen.