Luke Chapter 9 · Verse 31
Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
ἣν
Who
G3739
ἣν
Who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὀφθέντες
appeared
G3700
ὀφθέντες
appeared
Strong's:
G3700
Word #:
2 of 13
to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1
δόξῃ
glory
G1391
δόξῃ
glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
4 of 13
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
ἔλεγον
and spake
G3004
ἔλεγον
and spake
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
of his
G846
αὐτοῦ
of his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἣν
Who
G3739
ἣν
Who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔμελλεν
he should
G3195
ἔμελλεν
he should
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
10 of 13
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
Cross References
2 Peter 1:15Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.1 Peter 5:10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.Philippians 3:21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Historical Context
The Exodus was Israel's foundational salvation event—deliverance from Egyptian bondage through Passover lamb's blood and passage through the Red Sea. All subsequent redemption was interpreted through this lens. Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29) would accomplish the ultimate Exodus—deliverance from sin, death, and Satan through His blood and resurrection. That Moses and Elijah discussed this reveals that Old Testament saints understood Messiah must suffer (1 Peter 1:10-11). The cross was not Plan B but the eternal purpose, foreshadowed in the Law (sacrificial system) and Prophets (Suffering Servant passages like Isaiah 53).
Questions for Reflection
- How does describing Jesus' death as His 'exodus' reframe the crucifixion from tragedy to triumphant liberation?
- What does it reveal about God's redemptive plan that Moses and Elijah understood and discussed Jesus' coming death?
- In what ways does Jesus' exodus accomplish greater deliverance than the Exodus from Egypt that Moses led?
Analysis & Commentary
Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. Moses and Elijah appeared in glory (ophthentes en doxē, ὀφθέντες ἐν δόξῃ)—the same radiant divine presence manifested in Jesus. The verb ophthentes (appearing) is the same term used of resurrection appearances, suggesting these were not phantoms but real, glorified persons. Their topic of conversation is crucial: his decease (tēn exodon autou, τὴν ἔξοδον αὐτοῦ)—literally "exodus," the term for Israel's liberation from Egypt. Jesus' death is portrayed as a new Exodus, accomplishing greater redemption than Moses' deliverance.
The verb accomplish (plēroun, πληροῦν, "to fulfill" or "complete") indicates Jesus' death was not tragic accident but predetermined mission. The phrase at Jerusalem (ἐν Ἰερουσαλήμ) emphasizes geographic and theological necessity—the Lamb must be slain where sacrifices were offered. This conversation reveals heaven's perspective: the cross was not defeat but victory, not catastrophe but divine plan, not ending but exodus into new creation.