And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss is that Luke emphasizes these aren't just specters, but two distinct individuals engaged in conversation. The Greek word used suggests they were actively "talking with" Jesus, showing a shared moment of communication rather than a passive appearance. This highlights that the Old Testament figures were not just there to witness Jesus, but to actively participate in a dialogue with Him about His coming suffering.
And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus prays on a mountain with Peter, James, and John, his appearance suddenly transforms, shining with divine glory. At this moment, two figures, Moses and Elijah, appear and begin talking with Jesus about his upcoming departure and suffering in Jerusalem.
Two giants of Israel's history appear beside Jesus on the mountain. Who are they, and why is their presence so significant?
As Jesus is transfigured, Moses and Elijah appear, representing the entirety of the Old Testament.
The Lawgiver and the Prophet
Their appearance signifies that the Old Covenant, embodied in the Law and the Prophets, testifies to Jesus. They weren't just random figures; they were the peak representatives of God's previous dealings with humanity, now conversing with the fulfillment of all they pointed toward.
What were these two monumental figures discussing with Jesus during this celestial moment?
The Scriptures reveal that Moses and Elijah weren't just present; they were actively talking with Jesus.
Discussing the 'Decease'
Luke tells us they spoke of Jesus' 'departure' (Greek: exodos) which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem.
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Their conversation wasn't about earthly kingdoms or past glories, but about the central event of salvation history: the sacrifice Jesus was about to make.
Understand the original words
Mōysēs · Greek Noun
The primary lawgiver of Israel, representing the Law in the Old Testament; he is a prototype of the prophet whom God promised would come.
Ēlias · Greek Noun
A major prophet of Israel known for his zeal for God and his miraculous life; he represents the Prophets in the Old Testament.
doxa · Greek Noun
The manifest presence, splendor, and majesty of God or Christ. In the New Testament, it refers to the radiance of Christ's divine nature and his exaltation.
exodos · Greek Noun
A term referring to death; literally an 'exodus' or 'departure.' It signifies the completion of one's mission, specifically referring to Christ's passion, resurrection, and ascension.
The appearance of Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets respectively, alongside Jesus in His glory, powerfully confirms Jesus as the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecy and revelation.
c. 1400 BC
Moses Receives the Law
Moses receives the Law from God on Mount Sinai, establishing him as the central figure of the Old Covenant and the Lawgiver for Israel.
c. 850 BC
Elijah is Taken to Heaven
The prophet Elijah is miraculously taken to heaven in a whirlwind, signifying his unique status and anticipating his future return.
c. 550 BC
Malachi's Prophecy
The prophet Malachi prophesies the coming of a forerunner who will prepare the way for the Lord, often interpreted as John the Baptist, and references Elijah's return.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples, culminating in his eventual passion and resurrection.
c. AD 30— this verse
The Transfiguration
Jesus is transfigured on a mountain in the presence of Peter, James, and John, appearing in glory with Moses and Elijah, who discuss his coming death.
This passage describes Moses' face shining after encountering God, mirroring the radiant appearance of Jesus during the Transfiguration, and highlighting a connection to divine glory.
1 Kings 19:9-18This account of Elijah's encounter with God in a still, small voice parallels the significance of divine communication and presence during the Transfiguration, where Elijah also appeared.
Malachi 4:5This prophecy foretells the coming of Elijah before the great day of the Lord, directly linking Elijah to a preparatory role that finds fulfillment in his appearance with Jesus.
Matthew 17:1-8This parallel account of the Transfiguration provides the fuller narrative context, including the disciples' reaction and the voice from the cloud, reinforcing the significance of Moses and Elijah's presence.
John 1:45This verse identifies Jesus as the one Moses wrote about in the Law and the prophets, underscoring why Moses and Elijah, representing those very authorities, would be speaking with Him.
vincentLuke 9:30: "And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:"
There talked (συνελάλουν)The imperfect is graphic; as the vision revealed itself, the two were in the act of talking.
calvinLuke 9:28-36: "And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray."
- And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, and James, and John his brother, and leadeth them to a high mountain apart; 2. And was transfigured before them: and his face shone as the sun, and his garments became white as the light. 3. And, lo, there appeared to them [473] Moses and Elijah talking with him. 4. And Peter answering said to Jesus, Lord, i…
What's easy to miss is that Luke emphasizes these aren't just specters, but two distinct individuals engaged in conversation. The Greek word used suggests they were actively "talking with" Jesus, showing a shared moment of communication rather than a passive appearance. This highlights that the Old Testament figures were not just there to witness Jesus, but to actively participate in a dialogue with Him about His coming suffering.
As Jesus prays on a mountain with Peter, James, and John, his appearance suddenly transforms, shining with divine glory. At this moment, two figures, Moses and Elijah, appear and begin talking with Jesus about his upcoming departure and suffering in Jerusalem.
As Jesus prays on a mountain with Peter, James, and John, his appearance suddenly transforms, shining with divine glory. At this moment, two figures, Moses and Elijah, appear and begin talking with Jesus about his upcoming departure and suffering in Jerusalem.
"And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem." — What's easy to miss is that Luke emphasizes these aren't just specters, but two distinct individuals engaged in conversation. The Greek word used suggests they were actively "talking with" Jesus, sho…
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Last reviewed October 2026