And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter's enthusiastic offer to build three shelters reveals more than just his awe; it shows he's missing the point of the transfiguration. He's so captivated by the glorious present that he desires to build permanent dwelling places, failing to grasp that this divine glimpse is meant to prepare them for Jesus' future suffering and triumph, not to create an earthly paradise.
And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just been transfigured on a mountain, appearing in glory with Moses and Elijah, while a divine voice declares Him to be God's Son. Overwhelmed and amazed, Peter blurts out a proposal to build temporary shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, eager to prolong this miraculous encounter and perhaps delay the suffering Jesus had spoken of. This moment highlights the disciples' awe and their struggle to grasp Jesus' true identity and mission, which soon shifts as the vision fades.
Peter’s words, "Lord, it is good that we are here," burst forth from an overwhelmed heart. What was he so happy about?
Imagine this scene: The Son of God, radiating glory, converses with Moses and Elijah, giants of Israel's past. For Peter, James, and John, this isn't just a miracle; it's a glimpse of the divine kingdom fully realized.
Peter’s joy isn't just excitement; it’s a reaction to overwhelming divine revelation. He's experiencing a foretaste of God's glory, a perfect moment where heaven touches earth. It's so good, so right, that he wishes it could last forever. He’s seeing Jesus not just as the Messiah, but in His full, cosmic glory, with the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) in His presence.
Peter, ever the man of action, immediately wants to do something. But what does his eagerness to build tents reveal?
Peter’s suggestion to build three tents is a very human, very Peter response! It’s rooted in a desire to preserve this perfect moment and honor the divine visitors.
Ask a follow-up
Amidst his overwhelming vision and eager plans, Peter includes a crucial phrase: 'If you wish.' What does this teach us about true discipleship?
This small phrase, 'if you wish,' is incredibly significant. Even in his awe and excitement, Peter doesn't seize control. He defers to Jesus’s will.
Understand the original words
skēnē · Greek Noun
A temporary structure (booth) used for dwelling, often associated with the wilderness wanderings and the Feast of Tabernacles; symbolically points to God's desire to dwell among His people.
Peter's proposal to build shelters reflects his awe and desire to prolong the glorious moment of the Transfiguration, yet it also reveals a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission, which involved suffering and death before entering glory.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
After centuries of slavery, the Israelites, led by Moses, are miraculously delivered from Egypt. This event establishes the Law given through Moses and marks a pivotal moment of God's direct interaction with His people.
c. 8th century BC
Ministry of Elijah
Elijah, a powerful prophet, confronts the apostasy of Israel, performing miracles and challenging the prophets of Baal. He is known for his fiery zeal and is associated with a dramatic ascension into heaven.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Jesus' Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry, calling disciples and teaching about the Kingdom of God. This period includes his baptism and preparation for his ultimate sacrifice.
c. AD 27
Jesus' Baptism
Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, and the heavens open. A voice from heaven declares, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.'
c. AD 28— this verse
The Transfiguration
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain where he is transfigured before them. His face shines like the sun, and his clothes become dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear, talking with Jesus. Peter, overwhelmed, suggests building three shelters.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecies and offering atonement for sins. He is raised from the dead, conquering death and offering the promise of eternal life.
This passage describes Moses setting up a tent where the Lord would speak with him, directly echoing Peter's desire to build tabernacles for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah as a way to prolong their divine encounter.
Leviticus 23:33-43The Feast of Tabernacles, where Israelites lived in temporary shelters, highlights the cultural context of 'tabernacles' and connects to Peter's instinct to create a dwelling place for this heavenly moment.
John 1:14The Word becoming flesh and 'dwelling among us' in a tabernacle connects to the divine presence made manifest, similar to the glory Peter witnesses and wishes to preserve.
2 Peter 1:16-18Peter himself reflects on the transfiguration, emphasizing that they did not follow cleverly devised myths but were eyewitnesses to Christ's majesty, underscoring the significance of this moment he wished to prolong.
vincentMatthew 17:4: "Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias."
Let us make (ποιήσωμεν)But the best texts read, ποιήσω, I will make, which is more characteristic of Peter. He would erect the booths himself.Three tabernacles (σκηνάς)Tents or booths, out o the brushwood lying near. Peter realized that it was night, and was for preparing shelters into which the hea…
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…
Peter's enthusiastic offer to build three shelters reveals more than just his awe; it shows he's missing the point of the transfiguration. He's so captivated by the glorious present that he desires to build permanent dwelling places, failing to grasp that this divine glimpse is meant to prepare them for Jesus' future suffering and triumph, not to create an earthly paradise.
Jesus has just been transfigured on a mountain, appearing in glory with Moses and Elijah, while a divine voice declares Him to be God's Son. Overwhelmed and amazed, Peter blurts out a proposal to build temporary shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, eager to prolong this miraculous encounter and perhaps delay the suffering Jesus had spoken of. This moment highlights the disciples' awe and their struggle to grasp Jesus' true identity and mission, which soon shifts as the vision fades.
Jesus has just been transfigured on a mountain, appearing in glory with Moses and Elijah, while a divine voice declares Him to be God's Son. Overwhelmed and amazed, Peter blurts out a proposal to build temporary shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, eager to prolong this miraculous encounter and perhaps delay the suffering Jesus had spoken of. This moment highlights the disciples' awe and their struggle to grasp Jesus' true identity and mission, which soon shifts as the vision fades.
"And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”" — Peter's enthusiastic offer to build three shelters reveals more than just his awe; it shows he's missing the point of the transfiguration. He's so captivated by the glorious present that he desires t…
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Last reviewed October 2026