Mark 9:5
And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of three pilgrimage festivals, celebrating harvest and commemorating Israel's wilderness wandering. Jewish eschatology connected it with messianic age (Zechariah 14:16-19). Peter's suggestion may reflect belief that the kingdom had arrived and they should immediately celebrate. Building tabernacles also echoes Moses' tabernacle housing God's presence (Exodus 40). However, Peter's attempt to equalize Jesus with Moses and Elijah was theologically problematic—Jesus isn't one among prophets but the Son to whom all prophets point. Mark notes Peter 'knew not what to say' (οὐ γὰρ ᾔδει τί ἀποκριθῇ), indicating his confused state. The Father's voice immediately corrects this confusion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Peter's desire to stay on the mountain and avoid the valley of suffering parallel our tendency to seek spiritual highs while avoiding the cross?
- What does Peter's attempt to equalize Jesus with Moses and Elijah reveal about incomplete understanding of Christ's absolute supremacy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Peter's response, 'Master, it is good for us to be here' (Ῥαββί, καλόν ἐστιν ἡμᾶς ὧδε εἶναι), expresses desire to remain in this moment of glory. His proposal to build 'three tabernacles' (τρεῖς σκηνάς)—one for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah—seems to place them on equal footing, missing Jesus' supremacy. The term 'tabernacles' (skēnas) recalls Israel's wilderness dwelling and the Feast of Tabernacles commemorating God's presence. Peter may have thought the messianic age had arrived, fulfilling Zechariah 14:16's prophecy about Gentiles celebrating Tabernacles in the kingdom. His well-meaning but misguided proposal reveals incomplete understanding—he wanted to preserve the mountain-top experience, avoiding the valley of suffering awaiting them. The disciples often struggled to reconcile kingdom glory with suffering servanthood. God's voice corrects Peter's proposal (v. 7), directing attention to Jesus alone.