Luke 9:30
And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Moses and Elijah were Israel's two greatest figures—Moses the lawgiver and covenant mediator who led the Exodus, Elijah the prophet who called Israel back from Baal worship and performed mighty miracles. Both encountered God on mountains (Sinai/Horeb), both fasted forty days, both saw theophanic glory. Jewish expectation held that Moses' body would be resurrected and Elijah would return before the Messianic age. Their appearance authenticated Jesus as the Prophet like Moses whom God promised (Deuteronomy 18:15-18) and the one prepared by Elijah's ministry (John the Baptist fulfilled this role, Matthew 11:14). The scene visually demonstrated that Jesus superseded both Law and Prophets.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the appearance of Moses (representing Law) and Elijah (representing Prophets) validate Jesus as the fulfillment of all Scripture?
- What does the presence of both Moses (who died) and Elijah (who was translated) teach about the afterlife and resurrection?
- Why would God orchestrate this specific meeting between Jesus and the two greatest Old Testament figures at this crucial moment before the cross?
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Analysis & Commentary
And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias. The word idou (ἰδού, "behold") draws attention to the extraordinary appearance. The duo andres (δύο ἄνδρες, "two men") are identified as Moses and Elias (Μωϋσῆς καὶ Ἠλίας—Elijah's Greek name). Moses represents the Law, Elijah the Prophets—the two divisions of Hebrew Scripture that testified of Christ (Luke 24:27, 44). Their appearance validates Jesus as the fulfillment of all Old Testament revelation.
Moses died and was buried by God (Deuteronomy 34:5-6), while Elijah was translated to heaven without death (2 Kings 2:11). Their presence demonstrates continuity between old and new covenants and confirms resurrection hope—Moses, though dead, lives; Elijah, who never died, returns. Jewish tradition expected Elijah's return before Messiah (Malachi 4:5-6). That both converse with Jesus confirms His Messianic identity and shows the Law and Prophets bow to Him as their culmination and Lord.