Mark emphasizes the supernatural brilliance of Jesus' transfigured appearance: His garments became 'shining, exceeding white as snow' (στίλβοντα λευκὰ λίαν ὡς χιών), with such intensity that 'no fuller on earth can white them' (οἷα γναφεὺς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς οὐ δύναται οὕτως λευκᾶναι). A 'fuller' (gnapheus) was a launderer who bleached cloth—Mark's point is that no human process could achieve this brilliance. This supernatural whiteness signifies divine holiness, purity, and glory. White garments in Scripture symbolize righteousness (Revelation 3:4-5; 19:8) and angelic/divine presence (Daniel 7:9; Matthew 28:3). Jesus' transformed appearance revealed His essential nature as the divine Son, providing visible confirmation of Peter's confession (Mark 8:29). The glory manifested externally what was always true internally—Jesus is God incarnate, worthy of worship and absolute obedience.
Historical Context
Ancient fullers used various methods to whiten cloth: beating, washing with alkaline substances (natron, lye), sulfur fumigation, and sun-bleaching. Even the best professional laundering couldn't match the brilliance of Christ's transfigured garments, emphasizing the supernatural nature of this event. The imagery recalls Daniel 7:9, where the Ancient of Days wears garments 'white as snow,' applying divine attributes to Jesus. First-century Jewish apocalyptic literature associated brilliant white clothing with angelic and divine beings, so witnesses would immediately recognize this as a theophany. The emphasis on garments may also anticipate Christ's burial cloths left in the tomb (John 20:6-7) and His resurrection glory.
Questions for Reflection
How does the supernatural brilliance of Christ's garments point to His essential holiness and divine nature?
What does this visible manifestation of glory teach about the reality that faith grasps invisibly—Jesus is the radiance of God's glory (Hebrews 1:3)?
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Analysis & Commentary
Mark emphasizes the supernatural brilliance of Jesus' transfigured appearance: His garments became 'shining, exceeding white as snow' (στίλβοντα λευκὰ λίαν ὡς χιών), with such intensity that 'no fuller on earth can white them' (οἷα γναφεὺς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς οὐ δύναται οὕτως λευκᾶναι). A 'fuller' (gnapheus) was a launderer who bleached cloth—Mark's point is that no human process could achieve this brilliance. This supernatural whiteness signifies divine holiness, purity, and glory. White garments in Scripture symbolize righteousness (Revelation 3:4-5; 19:8) and angelic/divine presence (Daniel 7:9; Matthew 28:3). Jesus' transformed appearance revealed His essential nature as the divine Son, providing visible confirmation of Peter's confession (Mark 8:29). The glory manifested externally what was always true internally—Jesus is God incarnate, worthy of worship and absolute obedience.