The Transfiguration
Matthew 17:1-13
Matt.17.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Και: CONJ
- μεθ᾽ημερας: PREP,gen,sg,f
- εξ: PREP
- παραλαμβανει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Ιησους: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- Πετρον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- Ιακωβον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- Ιωαννην: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- αδελφον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,3,m
- και: CONJ
- αναφερει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- ορος: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- υψηλον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- κατ᾽ιδιαν: ADV
Parallels
- Mark 9:2-3 (verbal): Near-verbatim parallel account: Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain and is transfigured—same setting and participants.
- Luke 9:28-29 (verbal): Parallel narrative in Luke: Jesus withdraws with Peter, John, and James to a mountain to pray, and the transfiguration occurs—shared sequence and details.
- Exodus 24:9-11 (structural): Moses ascends a mountain with selected leaders and experiences a divine, glorious presence—structural parallel of an inner circle witnessing a heavenly revelation on a high mountain.
- 2 Kings 2:11 (thematic): Elijah is taken up from a mountain in a spectacular divine event witnessed by his companion—echoes the mountain as locus of prophetic/transcendent revelation and intimate witness.
- Matt 16:28 (allusion): Jesus' prior promise that some standing would not taste death before seeing the Son of Man come in his kingdom is commonly understood as alluded to or fulfilled in the transfiguration scene.
Alternative generated candidates
- After six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
- After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up into a high mountain apart.
Matt.17.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- μετεμορφωθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- εμπροσθεν: PREP
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,3
- και: CONJ
- ελαμψεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- το: ART,nom,sg,n
- προσωπον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,3,m
- ως: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ηλιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- τα: ART,nom,pl,neut
- δε: CONJ
- ιματια: NOUN,nom,pl,n
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,3,m
- εγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- λευκα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- ως: CONJ
- το: ART,nom,sg,n
- φως: NOUN,nom,sg,n
Parallels
- Mark 9:2-3 (verbal): Mark's parallel account of the Transfiguration uses similar language about Jesus' appearance and his clothes becoming dazzling/white, closely mirroring Matthew's description.
- Luke 9:29 (verbal): Luke records the same change in Jesus' appearance—'the appearance of his face was altered' and his clothes became intensely white—paralleling Matthew's report.
- Exodus 34:29-35 (thematic): Moses' face 'shining' after encountering God establishes the Old Testament motif of radiance as a sign of divine presence; Matthew's imagery evokes this typological connection between Jesus and Moses.
- 2 Peter 1:16-18 (quotation): Peter explicitly cites the Transfiguration as an eyewitness revelation of Jesus' majesty, referring to the same dazzling manifestation and the Father's voice—using the event as proof of Christ's glory.
- 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 (allusion): Paul's discussion of Moses' fading glory (and the veiled face) versus the surpassing glory of the new covenant alludes to the motif of divine radiance, which the Transfiguration exemplifies in relation to Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light.
- And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light.
Matt.17.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ιδου: INTJ
- ωφθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- αυτοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- Μωυσης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- Ηλιας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- συλλαλουντες: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,pl,m
- μετ᾽αυτου: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Mark 9:4 (verbal): Mark's Transfiguration account uses nearly the same wording—Moses and Elijah appeared and were speaking with Jesus, a close verbal parallel to Matthew's report.
- Luke 9:30-31 (verbal): Luke likewise records that Moses and Elijah appeared and were talking with Jesus, identifying the same event and emphasizing their conversation about Jesus' departure (exodus) in Jerusalem.
- 2 Peter 1:16-18 (allusion): Peter explicitly cites the Transfiguration as an eyewitness event where Jesus' glory was revealed and the voice from heaven was heard, echoing the significance of Moses and Elijah's appearance.
- Malachi 4:5 (Malachi 3:23 in some traditions) (allusion): The prophecy that Elijah would come before the great day of the Lord provides background for the appearance of Elijah at the Transfiguration, linking it to fulfillment of prophetic expectation.
- Exodus 34:29-35 (thematic): Moses' shining face after encounter with God thematically parallels the radiance of Jesus at the Transfiguration, connecting Moses' and Jesus' theophanic experiences.
Alternative generated candidates
- And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.
- And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.
Matt.17.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αποκριθεις: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Πετρος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- Ιησου·Κυριε: NOUN,dat,sg,m+NOUN,voc,sg,m
- καλον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
- ωδε: ADV
- ειναι·ει: VERB,pres,act,inf+CONJ
- θελεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- ποιησω: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- ωδε: ADV
- τρεις: NUM,acc,pl,f
- σκηνας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- μιαν: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- Μωυσει: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- μιαν: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- Ηλια: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- μιαν: ADJ,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Mark 9:5 (quotation): Parallel account of the Transfiguration: Peter offers to make three tents/shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah (near-verbatim parallel to Matthew's report).
- Luke 9:33 (quotation): Luke's version of the Transfiguration similarly records Peter's desire to erect three booths for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, preserving the same episode in another Gospel tradition.
- John 1:14 (verbal): Uses the verb for 'dwelt/tabernacled' (ἐσκήνωσεν): the language of 'tabernacle/booth' connects the imagery of making tents for God's presence with the Word 'tabernacling' among us.
- 2 Peter 1:16-18 (structural): Peter's later epistolary recollection of the Transfiguration (as an eyewitness) corresponds to the same event Matthew describes and underscores its significance for apostolic testimony.
- Leviticus 23:42-43 (allusion): The Feast of Booths/Tabernacles (dwelling in temporary booths) provides cultic/background resonance for Peter's proposal to erect booths, evoking themes of divine dwelling and pilgrimage.
Alternative generated candidates
- Peter answered and said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you will, let us make three tents—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.'
- Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you will, I will make three tabernacles—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
Matt.17.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ετι: ADV
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,3,m
- λαλουντος: VERB,pres,act,part,gen,sg,m
- ιδου: INTJ
- νεφελη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- φωτεινη: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- επεσκιασεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- ιδου: INTJ
- φωνη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- εκ: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- νεφελης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- λεγουσα·Ουτος: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,f,sg
- 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
- αγαπητος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- ω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- ευδοκησα·ακουετε: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,3,m
Parallels
- Mark 9:7 (verbal): The Markan Transfiguration account records the same divine voice from the cloud: 'This is my beloved Son; listen to him,' a near-verbatim parallel to Matthew's wording.
- Luke 9:34-35 (verbal): Luke's version of the Transfiguration likewise has a cloud and a heavenly voice declaring Jesus' special status ('This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him'), paralleling Matthew's announcement with slight wording differences.
- Matt.3:17 (verbal): The same divine formula appears at Jesus' baptism in Matthew: 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,' showing Matthew's reuse of the heavenly endorsement motif for both baptism and Transfiguration.
- Psalm 2:7 (allusion): The declaration 'You are my Son' echoes the Messianic language of Psalm 2:7, which the NT frequently cites to affirm Jesus' sonship and divine appointment.
- Isaiah 42:1 (thematic): Isaiah's portrayal of the servant in whom God 'delights' and whom He upholds resonates with the language 'my beloved... in whom I am well pleased,' linking the Transfiguration's approval to prophetic servant motifs.
Alternative generated candidates
- While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.'
- While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; listen to him."
Matt.17.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ακουσαντες: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,pl,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- μαθηται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- επεσαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- επι: PREP
- προσωπον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,3
- και: CONJ
- εφοβηθησαν: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,pl
- σφοδρα: ADV
Parallels
- Mark 9:6 (verbal): Mark's account of the Transfiguration uses nearly identical wording: the disciples fall on their faces and are greatly afraid — a close verbal parallel to Matthew's description.
- Luke 9:34 (thematic): Luke's Transfiguration narrative reports the disciples' fear when a cloud overshadowed them (divine glory/manifestation), paralleling Matthew's theme of fear in response to the heavenly revelation.
- Revelation 1:17 (thematic): John falls at Christ's feet 'as dead' and is overwhelmed on seeing heavenly glory; similar motif of prostration and fear before a divine/Christological manifestation.
- Exodus 34:8 (allusion): When Moses encounters God's presence and words on Sinai he bows down and worships — an Old Testament precedent for falling prostrate in awe and fear at a divine revelation.
- Daniel 10:9-10 (thematic): Daniel is incapacitated, sets his face to the ground, and is touched and strengthened by a heavenly messenger — another example of being overwhelmed, prostrate, and afraid in the presence of a heavenly revelation.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.
- When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.
Matt.17.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- προσηλθεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Ιησους: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- αψαμενος: PART,aor,mid,nom,sg,m
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,3
- ειπεν·Εγερθητε: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- μη: PART
- φοβεισθε: VERB,pres,mp,imp,2,pl
Parallels
- Mark 9:7-8 (structural): Synoptic parallel to the Transfiguration scene — the divine voice, the cloud, and the disciples' stunned reaction; same event though Mark does not record Jesus' touching and the 'do not be afraid' formula.
- Luke 9:34-36 (structural): Luke's Transfiguration account parallels Matthew 17: the disciples' fear and the aftermath on descending the mountain; similar narrative frame and commands given by Jesus afterward.
- Mark 5:41 (verbal): Jesus takes a person by the hand and says 'Arise' (Talitha cumi) — verbal and physical-action parallel to Matthew's 'touched them' and 'Arise'.
- Matt.14:27 (verbal): Jesus' command 'Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid' while approaching the disciples on the sea — verbal/thematic parallel to Matthew 17:7's 'Be not afraid.'
Alternative generated candidates
- But Jesus came and touched them and said, 'Rise; do not be afraid.'
- And Jesus came and touched them, and said, "Rise; do not be afraid."
Matt.17.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- επαραντες: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- οφθαλμους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,3
- ουδενα: PRON,acc,sg,m
- ειδον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- ει: COND
- μη: PART
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m,3
- Ιησουν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- μονον: ADV
Parallels
- Mark 9:8 (verbal): Mark's Transfiguration account uses virtually the same wording—when they looked up they saw no one except Jesus alone (direct verbal parallel).
- Luke 9:36 (verbal): Luke's account likewise emphasizes that after the heavenly voice the disciples found Jesus alone, echoing Matthew's wording and scene (verbal/structural parallel).
- Matt.17:1-7 (structural): The broader Matthean Transfiguration narrative provides the context for v.8; v.8 functions as the concluding observation that restores focus solely to Jesus after the vision.
- Exodus 34:29-35 (thematic): Moses' radiant appearance after an encounter with God parallels the motif of a transformed leader revealed in glory and then returning to be seen by others—a typological background to the Transfiguration.
- 2 Kings 2:11 (thematic): Elijah's being taken up and the altered relationship between prophet and successor highlights the theme of a theophanic departure/return to ordinary presence, resonating with the Transfiguration's shift from vision back to seeing Jesus alone.
Alternative generated candidates
- And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
- And lifting up their eyes they saw no one but Jesus only.
Matt.17.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Και: CONJ
- καταβαινοντων: VERB,pres,act,part,gen,pl,m
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,3
- εκ: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ορους: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- ενετειλατο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- αυτοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Ιησους: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- λεγων·Μηδενι: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- ειπητε: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,pl
- το: ART,nom,sg,n
- οραμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- εως: CONJ
- ου: PART
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- υιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ανθρωπου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εκ: PREP
- νεκρων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- εγερθη: VERB,aor,pass,subj,3,sg
Parallels
- Mark 9:9 (quotation): Nearly identical wording: Jesus orders the disciples not to tell anyone about the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead (direct Gospel parallel to Matthew's command).
- Luke 9:36 (verbal): After the transfiguration Luke reports the disciples kept silence and told no one in those days what they had seen—parallel secrecy motif, though Luke omits the explicit 'until the resurrection' formula.
- Matt.16:21 (thematic): Jesus begins to explain that the Son of Man must go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and be raised—the proclamation of the resurrection gives the temporal rationale for postponing public disclosure of the transfiguration.
- Mark 8:30 (thematic): Jesus charges the disciples to tell no one that he is the Christ (the 'Messianic secret'); thematically related to Matthew 17:9's injunction to withhold the transfiguration until the proper time (the resurrection).
Alternative generated candidates
- As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, 'Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.'
- As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, "Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is raised from the dead."
Matt.17.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- επηρωτησαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m,3
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- μαθηται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- λεγοντες·Τι: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,pl,m
- ουν: CONJ
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- γραμματεις: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- λεγουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- οτι: CONJ
- Ηλιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- δει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ελθειν: VERB,aor,act,inf
- πρωτον: ADV
Parallels
- Malachi 4:5-6 (quotation): The OT prophecy that Elijah must come before the 'great and terrible day' of the Lord—basis for the scribes' expectation.
- Mark 9:11 (verbal): Parallel Gospel account in which the disciples ask Jesus the same question about Elijah's coming.
- Mark 9:12-13 (thematic): Jesus explains that Elijah has come already and suffered, linking the prophecy to a prophetic figure who must suffer before fulfilment.
- Matthew 11:14 (allusion): Jesus identifies John the Baptist as 'Elijah who is to come,' directly addressing the expectation behind the scribes' claim.
- Luke 1:17 (allusion): The angel's prophecy that John will come 'in the spirit and power of Elijah,' prefiguring the NT claim that Elijah's role is fulfilled in John the Baptist.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the disciples asked him, 'Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?'
- Then the disciples asked him, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"
Matt.17.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- αποκριθεις: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- ειπεν·Ηλιας: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg + NOUN,nom,sg,m
- μεν: PART
- ερχεται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- αποκαταστησει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- παντα·: ADJ,acc,pl,n
Parallels
- Mark 9:12-13 (verbal): Mark records the same saying about Elijah coming first to restore all things and applies it to the necessity of the Son of Man's suffering; close verbal parallel to Matthew's statement.
- Luke 1:17 (allusion): The angel tells Zechariah that John the Baptist will go before the Lord 'in the spirit and power of Elijah,' linking the coming of Elijah with the forerunner who prepares the way.
- Malachi 4:5-6 (3:23-24 LXX) (quotation): The prophetic promise that Elijah will return before the great and dreadful day of the LORD is the Old Testament foundation for Jesus' expectation that Elijah 'will come' and 'restore all things.'
- Matt 11:14 (verbal): Jesus identifies John the Baptist as 'Elijah who was to come' (if listeners will accept it), directly linking Matthew's remark about Elijah's coming with John's ministry.
- Luke 1:76 (allusion): Zechariah's blessing calls his son a prophet who will 'go before the Lord to prepare his ways,' echoing the role associated with Elijah's return to restore/prepare things for the Lord.
Alternative generated candidates
- He answered, 'Elijah does come and will restore all things.
- He answered, "Elijah indeed is coming and will restore all things."
Matt.17.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- λεγω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,m
- οτι: CONJ
- Ηλιας: PROPN,nom,sg,m
- ηδη: ADV
- ηλθεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- ουκ: PART
- επεγνωσαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m,3
- αλλα: CONJ
- εποιησαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- εν: PREP
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- οσα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- ηθελησαν·ουτως: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- υιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ανθρωπου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- μελλει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- πασχειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- υπ᾽αυτων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl,3
Parallels
- Matthew 11:14 (quotation): Jesus earlier identifies John the Baptist explicitly as 'Elijah who is to come,' directly linking Elijah's coming with John and echoing the claim in 17:12.
- Mark 9:12-13 (verbal): The parallel synoptic wording: Mark records the same prediction that Elijah (interpreted as John) has come and suffered, making this a close verbal and narrative parallel to Matthew 17:12.
- Luke 1:17 (allusion): The angel's prophecy that John will go 'in the spirit and power of Elijah' establishes the background expectation that John functions as Elijah's forerunner, which Matthew 17:12 invokes.
- Malachi 4:5-6 (3:23-24 MT) (thematic): The prophecy that Elijah will return before the great day set the Jewish expectation of an Elijah figure; Matthew 17:12 alludes to this tradition in identifying John/Elijah and the rejection he suffered.
- Matthew 14:10 (thematic): The account of John the Baptist's beheading exemplifies how 'they did to him whatever they pleased,' illustrating the mistreatment of the Elijah-figure that Matthew 17:12 uses as precedent for the Son of Man's coming suffering.
Alternative generated candidates
- But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they wished.'
- But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but treated him as they wished. Likewise the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.
Matt.17.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τοτε: ADV
- συνηκαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- μαθηται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- οτι: CONJ
- περι: PREP
- Ιωαννου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- βαπτιστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
Parallels
- Matthew 11:14 (verbal): Jesus explicitly identifies John the Baptist as 'Elijah who was to come,' the same identification the disciples realize in 17:13.
- Mark 9:13 (structural): Synoptic parallel to Matthew 17:10–13; Mark recounts Jesus' saying that 'Elijah has come' and the disciples' understanding that he spoke of John.
- Luke 1:17 (allusion): The angel's prophecy that John will go before the Lord 'in the spirit and power of Elijah' provides the NT framework for understanding John as the Elijah-figure mentioned in Matthew 17:13.
- Malachi 4:5-6 (thematic): The OT promise that Elijah will return before the day of the LORD is the prophetic background for identifying John as the fulfillment of the Elijah role noted by Jesus and recognized by the disciples.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the disciples understood that he had spoken to them of John the Baptist.
- Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptist.
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them: his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. And suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.
Then Peter spoke and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you will, let us make three tents—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."
When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise; do not be afraid." And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus alone.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision until the Son of Man is raised from the dead." And his disciples asked him, "Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"
He answered, "Truly, Elijah will come first and restore all things." But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they wished. So likewise the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.
Then the disciples understood that he had been speaking to them of John the Baptist.