Matthew 17:1-13

The Transfiguration

1 After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. ¹

2 There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

3 Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus.

4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If You wish, I will put up three shelters ^[a]—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

5 While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. ^[b] Listen to Him!”

6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror.

7 Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” He said. “Do not be afraid.”

8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Do not tell anyone about this vision until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

10 The disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

11 Jesus replied, “Elijah does indeed come, and he will restore all things.

12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.”

13 Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist.

Cross References

• 1. (Mark 9:1–13; Luke 9:28–36; 2 Peter 1:16–21)

Footnotes

• [a] Or three tabernacles
• [b] Cited in 2 Peter 1:17