And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Greek word used here for "transfigured" hints that Jesus didn't gain a new glory, but rather, the divine glory that was always within Him was revealed. This wasn't just a superficial change; it was a peek into His true, essential nature, a foretaste of the glorious state He would fully inhabit.
And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain, and while he is praying, his appearance dramatically changes, revealing a divine glory. His face shines like the sun and his clothes become brilliantly white, a dazzling sight intended to prepare the disciples for his upcoming suffering and death by giving them a glimpse of his future glory. This awe-inspiring event, witnessed only by these three, serves as a pivotal moment in their understanding of who Jesus truly is.
Jesus' appearance didn't just change; something deeper was unlocked. What does the word 'transfigured' really mean for his divine nature?
The Greek word used here, 'metamorphothe,' isn't just about a superficial costume change. It points to a fundamental shift, revealing an inner essence.
The Essence of 'Metamorphosis'
Why this stunning, almost blinding, display of glory? It wasn't just for show; it was a vital message for His followers.
The Transfiguration wasn't just a mystical event; it served a crucial purpose for the disciples' faith, especially in light of the difficult road ahead.
Strengthening Their Belief
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Understand the original words
metamorphoō · Greek Verb
A radical, supernatural change in appearance or state, revealing the hidden glory or essence of a person, often associated with a divine manifestation.
doxa · Greek Noun (implied in description)
The visible manifestation of the majesty, holiness, and presence of God. It is often described as radiant, brilliant, or consuming, signaling a divine encounter.
The Transfiguration wasn't just a dazzling spectacle; it was a crucial moment of divine confirmation for Jesus and a profound encouragement for his disciples, preparing them for the upcoming suffering and death they found so hard to accept.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, calling disciples and teaching about the Kingdom of God. This period marks the initial phase of his public life and growing fame.
c. AD 28
Jesus Foretells His Suffering
After Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus begins to explain that he must suffer, be rejected, and be killed. This is a difficult concept for his disciples to grasp.
c. AD 28— this verse
Jesus Ascends a Mountain
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, separate from the other disciples. This event immediately precedes the Transfiguration.
c. AD 28
The Transfiguration
Jesus' appearance is transformed, his face shining like the sun and his clothes becoming dazzlingly white. Moses and Elijah appear, speaking with Jesus.
c. AD 28
Divine Voice from the Cloud
A voice from a bright cloud proclaims Jesus as God's beloved Son, affirming his divine identity and authority.
c. AD 28
Descent from the Mountain
After the heavenly manifestation, Jesus and his disciples descend the mountain, and Jesus charges them to keep silent about what they had seen until after his resurrection.
This passage describes Moses' face shining after being in God's presence on Mount Sinai, a clear Old Testament parallel to Jesus' radiant appearance.
2 Peter 1:16-18Peter directly references the Transfiguration, calling himself and the others 'eye-witnesses of his majesty' and connecting the heavenly voice heard then to the prophetic word, underscoring the event's divine validation.
John 1:14This verse states that 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father,' which the Transfiguration visually confirmed and amplified.
Philippians 3:21Paul speaks of Christ transforming our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body, and the Transfiguration offers a glimpse of that future, transformed glory.
Acts 6:15Stephen's face shone like an angel's face as he testified before the Sanhedrin, showing a similar, though lesser, divine radiance that occurs when God's Spirit powerfully works through a believer.
henryMatthew 17:1-13: "And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,"
17:1-13 Now the disciples beheld somewhat of Christ's glory, as of the only begotten of the Father. It was intended to support their faith, when they would have to witness his crucifixion; and would give them an idea of the glory prepared for them, when changed by his power and made like him. The apostles were overcome by the glorious sight. Peter thought that…
bengelMatthew 17:2: "And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light."
Matthew 17:2 . Μετεμορφώθη , was transfigured ) This verb implies that our Lord had always possessed the glory within Himself. The force of the verb μετασχηματίζεσθαι is different, as in Php 3:21 and 2 Corinthians 11:14 ; cf. also the distinction between μορφὴ and σχῆμα , in Php 2:6-8 .[777]— φῶς light ,) inferior to that of the sun;[778] for His garments diluted the sple…
The Greek word used here for "transfigured" hints that Jesus didn't gain a new glory, but rather, the divine glory that was always within Him was revealed. This wasn't just a superficial change; it was a peek into His true, essential nature, a foretaste of the glorious state He would fully inhabit.
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain, and while he is praying, his appearance dramatically changes, revealing a divine glory. His face shines like the sun and his clothes become brilliantly white, a dazzling sight intended to prepare the disciples for his upcoming suffering and death by giving them a glimpse of his future glory. This awe-inspiring event, witnessed only by these three, serves as a pivotal moment in their understanding of who Jesus truly is.
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain, and while he is praying, his appearance dramatically changes, revealing a divine glory. His face shines like the sun and his clothes become brilliantly white, a dazzling sight intended to prepare the disciples for his upcoming suffering and death by giving them a glimpse of his future glory. This awe-inspiring event, witnessed only by these three, serves as a pivotal moment in their understanding of who Jesus truly is.
"And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light." — The Greek word used here for "transfigured" hints that Jesus didn't gain a new glory, but rather, the divine glory that was always within Him was revealed. This wasn't just a superficial change; it…
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Last reviewed October 2026