What Was the Transfiguration?
What Was the Transfiguration? The transfiguration was the moment Jesus' divine glory was visibly revealed to Peter, James, and John on a mountain — confirming His identity as God's beloved Son.
Key verse: Matthew 17:2 (KJV)
The transfiguration was the moment Jesus' divine glory was visibly revealed to Peter, James, and John on a mountain — confirming His identity as God's beloved Son.
The transfiguration was the moment Jesus' divine glory was visibly revealed to Peter, James, and John on a mountain — confirming His identity as God's beloved Son.
"He was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light." — Matthew 17:2 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
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The Biblical Answer
Matthew 17:1-8 (also Mark 9, Luke 9) records this extraordinary event. Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a high mountain where 'he was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light' (Matthew 17:2). Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with Him about His coming death (Luke 9:31). Peter, overwhelmed, offered to build three tabernacles. A bright cloud overshadowed them, and the Father's voice declared, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him' (Matthew 17:5). The disciples fell on their faces in terror. The transfiguration revealed Jesus' pre-incarnate glory temporarily breaking through His human veil. Moses represented the law, Elijah the prophets — both pointed to Christ. Peter later wrote, 'We were eyewitnesses of his majesty' (2 Peter 1:16). The event confirmed Jesus' identity before the coming suffering of the cross, assuring the disciples that the One who would die was indeed the glorious Son of God.
Key Scripture References
"He was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light."
"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him."
"We were eyewitnesses of his majesty."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Proof Is There That Jesus Is God?
Jesus claimed divine titles, accepted worship, forgave sins, demonstrated omniscience and power over nature and death — and Scripture explicitly calls Him God.
Who was Elijah the prophet?
Elijah was one of Israel's greatest prophets who confronted the worship of Baal, performed mighty miracles, and was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire without dying.
What Does the Bible Say About Angels?
Angels are powerful spiritual beings created by God to serve Him, deliver messages, protect believers, and carry out His will.
Who Is Satan (the Devil)?
Satan is a fallen angel who rebelled against God and now leads the forces of evil, seeking to oppose God's purposes and destroy humanity.
Deep Dive Commentary
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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