Matthew 17:3
And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Matthew 17:3
And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The startling appearance of Moses and Elijah isn't just a historical reunion; it signifies the Law and the Prophets themselves coming to acknowledge Jesus, handing over their authority to Him as the ultimate fulfillment of all they represented. Their conversation, focused on His coming death, highlights that His sacrifice is the central event where both the Law's demands and the Prophets' promises find their completion.
Jesus has taken Peter, James, and John up a high mountain where he is transfigured before them, radiating divine glory. In this awe-inspiring moment, Moses and Elijah appear, representing the Law and the Prophets respectively, to converse with Jesus about his impending suffering and death in Jerusalem. This stunning vision, which occurs while the disciples are drowsy, serves to affirm Jesus' identity and mission as the fulfillment of all that the Law and Prophets foreshadowed.
Suddenly, two figures from Israel's spiritual history appear, radiating glory. Who are they, and why are they here?
The appearance of Moses and Elijah isn't random. Moses represents the Law given on Sinai, and Elijah, the pinnacle of the prophetic tradition. Their presence signifies that the entire history and spiritual heritage of Israel – its Law and its Prophets – have led to this moment and are now paying homage to Jesus.
They aren't just observers; they are actively conversing with Jesus. Luke tells us their topic was Jesus' upcoming "decease" (Luke 9:31), the very event that would fulfill the Law's sacrifices and the Prophets' foretellings. This highlights that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of everything the Law and Prophets pointed towards.
These aren't just any historical figures; they appear in glory. What does this reveal about their current state and the future hope for believers?
The text emphasizes that Moses and Elijah appeared "in glory." This isn't just a dazzling light; it signifies a heavenly radiance, a foretaste of the glory experienced in God's presence.
For Elijah, this was a continuation of his heavenly state, as he was taken to heaven without dying. For Moses, who did die, his appearance in a glorified body serves as a powerful testament to the resurrection. Both demonstrate that death is not the end, and that believers, like Christ, will one day share in this glorious transformation.
This divine appearance provides the disciples with a vision of ultimate victory and hope, a crucial encouragement as they face the upcoming suffering and crucifixion of Jesus.
Understand the original words
Mosheh · Hebrew Noun
A great prophet of the Old Testament who led the Israelites out of Egypt and mediated the Law at Mount Sinai; he represents the Law of God.
Eliyyahu · Hebrew Noun
A major prophet in the Old Testament known for his zeal for God and his dramatic departure from earth; he represents the Prophets.
The appearance of Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, alongside Jesus in glory, visually confirms that Jesus is the fulfillment of all that they foreshadowed and predicted.
c. 1400 BC
Moses Receives the Law
Moses, the great lawgiver, receives the Ten Commandments and the covenant law from God on Mount Sinai, establishing the foundation of Israel's religious and civil life.
c. 850 BC
Elijah Taken to Heaven
The prophet Elijah, a fierce defender of God's law, is miraculously taken to heaven in a whirlwind, an extraordinary event signifying his unique relationship with God.
c. 400 BC
Malachi's Prophecy
The prophet Malachi foretells the coming of a forerunner, often understood to be Elijah, who will prepare the way for the Lord and the coming Day of the Lord.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples, signaling the arrival of the promised Messiah.
c. AD 31-32
This passage describes Moses encountering God's glory on Mount Sinai, paralleling the mountain setting and divine revelation experienced by Jesus and the disciples.
1 Kings 19:9-18This narrative details Elijah's encounter with God in a 'still small voice' after a great display of power, mirroring Elijah's presence with Jesus during a profound divine manifestation.
Malachi 4:5This prophecy foretells the coming of Elijah before the great day of the Lord, directly connecting Elijah's mission to the Messianic era that Jesus represents.
Luke 9:30-31Luke's account specifies that Moses and Elijah spoke with Jesus about his 'departure' (or 'exodus'), highlighting the central theme of Jesus' upcoming suffering and death.
John 1:45Philip finds Nathanael and tells him Jesus is the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote, directly linking Moses and prophets to Jesus' identity.
barnesMatthew 17:3: "And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him."
And behold there appeared unto them Moses and Elias - Moses, a distinguished servant of God, by whom the law was given, and whose institutions typified the Messiah. It was particularly proper that he should appear, when his prophecies and types were about to be fulfilled, and the rites which he had instituted were about to be done away. Elias, or Elijah, a distinguished prophet, taken to heaven without seein…
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…
The startling appearance of Moses and Elijah isn't just a historical reunion; it signifies the Law and the Prophets themselves coming to acknowledge Jesus, handing over their authority to Him as the ultimate fulfillment of all they represented. Their conversation, focused on His coming death, highlights that His sacrifice is the central event where both the Law's demands and the Prophets' promises find their completion.
Jesus has taken Peter, James, and John up a high mountain where he is transfigured before them, radiating divine glory. In this awe-inspiring moment, Moses and Elijah appear, representing the Law and the Prophets respectively, to converse with Jesus about his impending suffering and death in Jerusalem. This stunning vision, which occurs while the disciples are drowsy, serves to affirm Jesus' identity and mission as the fulfillment of all that the Law and Prophets foreshadowed.
"And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him." — The startling appearance of Moses and Elijah isn't just a historical reunion; it signifies the Law and the Prophets themselves coming to acknowledge Jesus, handing over their authority to Him as the…
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The Transfiguration
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to a high mountain where he is transfigured before them, appearing in glory with Moses and Elijah, who converse with him about his coming death.