What Is the Transfiguration — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Luke 9:29, sits inside Luke 9. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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