And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter's eagerness to build tents shows he was focused on preserving the moment rather than understanding Jesus' larger mission. He wanted to set up temporary shelters, not realizing this glorious vision was meant to point beyond itself to the ongoing work of Christ.
And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Moses and Elijah begin to depart from Jesus after their heavenly conversation, Peter, overcome by the awe of the moment, blurts out a proposal to build tents to keep them there. He's essentially trying to freeze this incredible, glorious moment, not yet grasping that this divine encounter points beyond itself to Jesus' future suffering and ultimate glory.
Peter’s heart is still caught in the breathtaking beauty of the Transfiguration. He wants to freeze this perfect moment, but why?
As Moses and Elijah begin to depart, Peter blurts out his desire to build three shelters. This wasn't just a casual suggestion; it was a desperate attempt to prolong an overwhelming spiritual experience.
Peter’s heart is in the right place, but his mind is reeling. What does his earnest, yet misguided, proposal tell us about faith?
Peter’s words, "Master, it is good that we are here," reveal a sincere desire to honor Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. However, the text quickly clarifies: "not knowing what he said."
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Understand the original words
epistata · Greek Noun
A title often used by disciples to address Jesus, signifying respect for his authority as a teacher and leader.
skēnas · Greek Noun
Temporary dwellings used during the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles). Peter’s suggestion reflects a desire to prolong the experience of God's presence in a commemorative way.
The appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus during the Transfiguration powerfully signifies the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in Christ, grounding Peter's awe and confusion in the grand sweep of salvation history.
c. 1400 BC
The Law Given at Sinai
Moses receives the Law from God on Mount Sinai, establishing the covenant and foundational principles for Israel.
c. 800s-700s BC
Elijah's Ministry and Ascension
The prophet Elijah serves as a powerful voice for God in Israel, confronting idolatry before being taken to heaven in a whirlwind.
c. 6th Century BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The first wave of Jewish exiles are deported to Babylon, marking a period of national crisis and spiritual testing.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God, performs miracles, and is ultimately crucified in Jerusalem, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.
c. AD 33— this verse
The Transfiguration
Jesus is transfigured on a mountain with Moses and Elijah appearing, revealing His divine glory to Peter, James, and John.
c. AD 60-62
Composition of Luke's Gospel
Luke writes his Gospel, carefully researching events and providing a chronological account for his readers, including the Transfiguration narrative.
This passage describes Peter making the same suggestion to build tabernacles during the Transfiguration, highlighting his desire to preserve a moment of divine glory on earth, unaware of its transient nature.
John 1:14This verse speaks of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, a concept contrasted with Peter's desire to build earthly dwellings, emphasizing that true divine presence is not confined to physical structures.
2 Peter 1:16-18Peter himself reflects on the Transfiguration, underscoring that he and the others were eyewitnesses to Christ's majesty, not just clever fables, reinforcing the reality of the event and its significance for their faith.
Hebrews 12:2This verse encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, which speaks to the ultimate focus that should remain on Christ, even in moments of awe-inspiring divine revelation like the Transfiguration.
Philippians 3:20-21This passage contrasts our earthly citizenship with our heavenly one, aligning with the Transfiguration's glimpse of future glory and reminding us that our true hope and dwelling are not in temporary earthly arrangements, but in Christ's transformed body.
vincentLuke 9:33: "And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said."
As they were departing (ἐν τῷ διαχωρίζεσθαι ἀυτοὺς)Lit., in their departing. The verb only here in New Testament. The whole sentence is peculiar to Luke's narrative.MasterSee on Luke 5:5.Let us makeSee on Matthew 17:4.TabernaclesSee on Matthew 17:4. "Jesus m…
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…
Peter's eagerness to build tents shows he was focused on preserving the moment rather than understanding Jesus' larger mission. He wanted to set up temporary shelters, not realizing this glorious vision was meant to point beyond itself to the ongoing work of Christ.
As Moses and Elijah begin to depart from Jesus after their heavenly conversation, Peter, overcome by the awe of the moment, blurts out a proposal to build tents to keep them there. He's essentially trying to freeze this incredible, glorious moment, not yet grasping that this divine encounter points beyond itself to Jesus' future suffering and ultimate glory.
As Moses and Elijah begin to depart from Jesus after their heavenly conversation, Peter, overcome by the awe of the moment, blurts out a proposal to build tents to keep them there. He's essentially trying to freeze this incredible, glorious moment, not yet grasping that this divine encounter points beyond itself to Jesus' future suffering and ultimate glory.
"And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said." — Peter's eagerness to build tents shows he was focused on preserving the moment rather than understanding Jesus' larger mission. He wanted to set up temporary shelters, not realizing this glorious v…
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Last reviewed October 2026