What Is the Transfiguration?
What Is the Transfiguration? The transfiguration was the moment when Jesus was gloriously transformed on a mountain, witnessed by Peter, James, and John, with Moses and Elijah appearing beside Him.
Key verse: Luke 9:29 (KJV)
The transfiguration was the moment when Jesus was gloriously transformed on a mountain, witnessed by Peter, James, and John, with Moses and Elijah appearing beside Him.
The transfiguration was the moment when Jesus was gloriously transformed on a mountain, witnessed by Peter, James, and John, with Moses and Elijah appearing beside Him.
"And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering." — Luke 9:29 (KJV)
Meaning
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In Context
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The Biblical Answer
About eight days after Peter's confession that Jesus was the Christ, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain — traditionally identified as Mount Tabor or Mount Hermon — to pray. As He prayed, 'the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.' Moses and Elijah appeared in glory, speaking with Jesus about His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem. Peter, overwhelmed, suggested building three tabernacles. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from heaven said, 'This is my beloved Son: hear him.' When the cloud lifted, Jesus stood alone. The transfiguration was a preview of Christ's kingdom glory — a glimpse of what Peter, James, and John would see fully after the resurrection. It confirmed Jesus' divine identity, connected Him to the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah), and pointed to the cross as the necessary path to glory.
Key Scripture References
"And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering."
"While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him."
"For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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 Is the Passion of Christ?
The Passion of Christ refers to the suffering, crucifixion, and death of Jesus — the events that secured salvation for all who believe.
What Is Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem one week before His resurrection, when crowds waved palm branches and cried 'Hosanna!'
What Year Did Jesus Die?
Most scholars place the crucifixion of Jesus in either AD 30 or AD 33, with AD 33 being the most commonly accepted date.
What Is the Meaning of Emmanuel?
Emmanuel (Immanuel) means 'God With Us' — the prophetic name given to Jesus, announcing that God Himself has come to dwell among His people.
Deep Dive Commentary
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The Transfiguration
Matthew 17:1–8; Mark 9:2–8; Luke 9:28–36 • glory
Transfiguration Sunday Bible Verses
KJV scriptures for Transfiguration Sunday — Jesus revealed in His glory on the m
The Transfiguration of Jesus
Jesus is transfigured on a mountain, His face shining as the sun, with Moses and
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Luke. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Luke on day 294 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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