Luke 9:31
who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The word for "departure" here isn't just about dying; it's "exodus," echoing the Israelites' grand exit from slavery. Jesus used this loaded term to speak not only of his death but also his resurrection and ascension, a complete "going out" from this world and into ultimate fulfillment.
Just moments after a dazzling vision where Jesus’ appearance changed and he was joined by Moses and Elijah, this verse reveals the topic of their conversation. They weren't discussing heavenly matters abstractly, but rather Jesus' impending "departure"—his death and resurrection—which would tragically take place in Jerusalem. This foreshadows the disciples' eventual understanding that Jesus’ suffering and glory were intrinsically linked.
Ever heard the word 'exodus' and thought 'leaving Egypt'? That same profound word describes Jesus' ultimate journey. But what does it truly encompass?
The Greek word Luke uses for Jesus' 'decease' is 'exodos.' It literally means 'a journey out' or 'a departure.'
More Than Just Death
Imagine seeing Jesus in dazzling glory, then hearing Him speak of His imminent death. How do these two realities fit?
The Transfiguration event is breathtaking – Jesus appears in radiant glory, accompanied by Moses and Elijah. Yet, in this moment of supreme heavenly revelation, the conversation isn't about prolonged glory on earth.
A Glimpse of the Future
Understand the original words
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 term 'departure' (exodos) Jesus uses powerfully echoes the Exodus from Egypt, framing His death not as a defeat, but as a divinely ordained liberation from sin and death, leading to a new spiritual promised land.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. This period culminates in His growing popularity and the increasing tension with religious authorities.
c. 29 AD— this verse
The Transfiguration
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain where He is transfigured, appearing in glory with Moses and Elijah. They discuss His upcoming 'departure' (death and resurrection) in Jerusalem.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Enters Jerusalem
Jesus makes His final, triumphal entry into Jerusalem, deliberately setting the stage for the events of Passover.
c. 30 AD
The Crucifixion
Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified in Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecies and His own words about His departure.
This passage describes God leading the Israelites out of Egypt with a pillar of cloud and fire, echoing the 'departure' (exodus) Jesus spoke of, signifying His own exit from this world into His ultimate freedom.
2 Peter 1:15Peter, who was present at the Transfiguration, uses the same 'departure' (exodus) word when speaking of his own impending death, showing how this unique term became associated with a believer's final journey home.
Philippians 3:20-21This passage speaks of our Lord changing our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body, paralleling the glory seen at the Transfiguration and the transformation that occurs at His return, which follows His 'departure'.
Hebrews 11:22Speaking of Joseph's exodus from Egypt, this verse highlights the theme of leaving one land for another, a concept reflected in Christ's departure from earth to His heavenly kingdom.
Matthew 17:1-8This parallel account of the Transfiguration provides further detail, emphasizing Jesus' glory and the appearance of Moses and Elijah, underscoring the significance of Christ's conversation about His coming suffering.
vincentLuke 9:31: "Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem."
This verse is peculiar to Luke. Spake (ἔλεγον)Imperfect, were speaking.Decease (ἔξοδον)The Rev. retains the word of the A. V., though it has, to modern ears, a somewhat formal sound. No word, however, could more accurately represent the original, which is compounded of ἐξ, out of, and ὁδός, a journeying; and thus corresponds to the Latin decessus, a going away, whence the word decease. T…
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…
The word for "departure" here isn't just about dying; it's "exodus," echoing the Israelites' grand exit from slavery. Jesus used this loaded term to speak not only of his death but also his resurrection and ascension, a complete "going out" from this world and into ultimate fulfillment.
Just moments after a dazzling vision where Jesus’ appearance changed and he was joined by Moses and Elijah, this verse reveals the topic of their conversation. They weren't discussing heavenly matters abstractly, but rather Jesus' impending "departure"—his death and resurrection—which would tragically take place in Jerusalem. This foreshadows the disciples' eventual understanding that Jesus’ suffering and glory were intrinsically linked.
Just moments after a dazzling vision where Jesus’ appearance changed and he was joined by Moses and Elijah, this verse reveals the topic of their conversation. They weren't discussing heavenly matters abstractly, but rather Jesus' impending "departure"—his death and resurrection—which would tragically take place in Jerusalem. This foreshadows the disciples' eventual understanding that Jesus’ suffering and glory were intrinsically linked.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Luke 9:31 is available in the Sola app.
c. 30 AD
The Resurrection
Three days after His crucifixion, Jesus is resurrected, demonstrating His victory over death and validating His claims.
c. 49 AD
Council of Jerusalem
Early church leaders debate and decide on the requirements for Gentile converts, affirming the gospel's reach beyond Judaism.
c. 64 AD
Martyrdom of Peter
Tradition holds that the Apostle Peter was martyred in Rome, likely during Nero's persecution. He later wrote about Christ's glory and departure.
"who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem." — The word for "departure" here isn't just about dying; it's "exodus," echoing the Israelites' grand exit from slavery. Jesus used this loaded term to speak not only of his death but also his resurrect…
