who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The word Luke uses for "departure" is not just about death, but a grand "exit" from this world. This single word encompasses not only Jesus' crucifixion and death, but also his resurrection and ascension, pointing to the completion of his divine mission.
who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just moments after Jesus is transfigured and appears in glory with Moses and Elijah, and the Father's voice declares Him as His beloved Son, the conversation turns. Moses and Elijah are discussing with Jesus the "departure" – His death and resurrection – that He is destined to fulfill in Jerusalem, signaling a shift from heavenly glory back to His earthly mission. This glimpse of heavenly glory, along with the profound conversation about His upcoming suffering, serves to prepare the disciples for the difficult road ahead, even as Peter momentarily wished to linger in that radiant moment.
Jesus' 'departure' wasn't just a physical exit, but a profound event loaded with meaning. Why use a word usually reserved for a nation's liberation?
The Greek word used for Jesus' 'decease' is 'exodos.' This word primarily means 'an exit' or 'a going out.' It's famously used to describe the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt—a journey from bondage to freedom, from suffering to the promised land.
When Jesus speaks of His 'exodos,' it’s not merely about death. It encompasses His entire journey of suffering, crucifixion, death, resurrection, and ascension. It's His 'going out' of this world, a transition from humiliation to ultimate glory, paralleling Israel's journey.
This 'exodus' was not forced upon Him. It was something He actively 'accomplished' or 'fulfilled' at Jerusalem, signifying His voluntary sacrifice and ultimate victory over sin and death for His people.
On a mountaintop, bathed in divine glory, Jesus speaks of suffering and death. How can these two realities exist in the same moment?
The Transfiguration is a powerful moment where Jesus’ divine glory is revealed. Yet, immediately following this breathtaking display, the conversation turns to His 'exodus'—His suffering and death in Jerusalem.
This wasn't a contradiction, but a preview. The glory seen was a glimpse of His true identity and future victory, while the talk of departure was the necessary path to that victory. It shows that Jesus was not dragged to death unwillingly, but came to accomplish it willingly as a sacrifice.
Ask a follow-up
This union of glory and suffering teaches us that God’s ultimate purposes often involve difficult paths. His glory isn’t always displayed in ease and comfort, but sometimes shines brightest through faithful obedience in the face of hardship.
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 word 'departure' (exodos) for Jesus' death, used here and in 2 Peter, powerfully evokes the Exodus from Egypt, framing Jesus' death and resurrection not just as an end, but as a profound liberation and a new beginning for God's people.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Growing Opposition
Jesus spent approximately three years teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. As His popularity grew, so did the suspicion and opposition from religious and political leaders.
c. 29 AD— this verse
Transfiguration Event
Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain where He was transfigured before them, appearing in glory and conversing with Moses and Elijah about His impending 'departure'.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a move that signaled His messianic claims and brought Him into direct conflict with the authorities.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified in Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecies and His own predictions about His 'departure'. He was resurrected three days later.
c. 33 AD
Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in Jerusalem, empowering them to spread the gospel and establish the early Church.
c. 60-65 AD
Writing of the Gospels
Luke, an eyewitness companion of the Apostle Paul, compiled his Gospel account, including the unique details of the Transfiguration, during this period.
This passage describes the Israelites' departure from Egypt, a journey also called an 'exodus.' Jesus' 'exodus' at Jerusalem mirrors this, transitioning His people from bondage to freedom, though His journey is from spiritual bondage to ultimate liberation.
2 Peter 1:12-15Peter, who witnessed the Transfiguration, uses the same Greek word for 'departure' here to refer to his own impending death. This highlights the significance of Christ's 'exodus' as a model for believers facing their own end.
Philippians 2:5-8This passage speaks of Jesus emptying himself and taking the form of a servant, culminating in his obedience unto death on the cross. It echoes the Transfiguration moment where Jesus, in glory, speaks of the very death he would willingly accomplish.
Hebrews 12:1-3This passage calls believers to run the race set before them, looking to Jesus as the pioneer and perfecter of faith. The Transfiguration, where Jesus discusses his 'exodus,' sets him forth as the ultimate example of faith and obedience, inspiring us to persevere.
Matthew 17:1-8This parallel account of the Transfiguration emphasizes Jesus' glorious appearance and the voice from heaven declaring Him God's Son. It shows the divine affirmation of Jesus before He discusses His departure, underscoring the weighty significance of His mission.
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 Luke uses for "departure" is not just about death, but a grand "exit" from this world. This single word encompasses not only Jesus' crucifixion and death, but also his resurrection and ascension, pointing to the completion of his divine mission.
Just moments after Jesus is transfigured and appears in glory with Moses and Elijah, and the Father's voice declares Him as His beloved Son, the conversation turns. Moses and Elijah are discussing with Jesus the "departure" – His death and resurrection – that He is destined to fulfill in Jerusalem, signaling a shift from heavenly glory back to His earthly mission. This glimpse of heavenly glory, along with the profound conversation about His upcoming suffering, serves to prepare the disciples for the difficult road ahead, even as Peter momentarily wished to linger in that radiant moment.
Just moments after Jesus is transfigured and appears in glory with Moses and Elijah, and the Father's voice declares Him as His beloved Son, the conversation turns. Moses and Elijah are discussing with Jesus the "departure" – His death and resurrection – that He is destined to fulfill in Jerusalem, signaling a shift from heavenly glory back to His earthly mission. This glimpse of heavenly glory, along with the profound conversation about His upcoming suffering, serves to prepare the disciples for the difficult road ahead, even as Peter momentarily wished to linger in that radiant moment.
"who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem." — The word Luke uses for "departure" is not just about death, but a grand "exit" from this world. This single word encompasses not only Jesus' crucifixion and death, but also his resurrection and ascen…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026