XVII. The Mount of Transfiguration
64. The Transfiguration
1And after six daysa Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountainb apart by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. 3And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.5And Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6For he did not know what to say, for they were exceedingly afraid.
7And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; give heed to him.”
8And suddenly looking around they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.
(Mt. 17:1–3; Mk. 9:5–8)
a “after six days”—Six days after Peter's confession of the apostles' belief that Jesus is the Son of God.
b “led them up a high mountain”—Jesus and the apostles have retreated to the domains of Herod Philip, north of Galilee. They have recently been at Caesarea Philippi. Mt. Hermon is about 10 miles northeast of Caesarea Philippi and is the only “high mountain” in these parts. The apostles probably camped at the foot of Mt. Hermon while Jesus and the three ascended the mountain. (See map on page 24.)
Mt. 17:1 Peter, James / Peter and James (RSV) • John and / John his brother and (RSV) • apart by themselves. / apart. (RSV)
Mt. 17:2 them. His / them and his (RSV)
Mk. 9:7 give heed to (NASB alt. trans.) / listen to (RSV) (158:0–1/1752–4)