Matthew 17:1
And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μεθ''
after
G3326
μεθ''
after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
2 of 24
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἡμέρας
days
G2250
ἡμέρας
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
3 of 24
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
παραλαμβάνει
taketh
G3880
παραλαμβάνει
taketh
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
5 of 24
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
7 of 24
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρον
Peter
G4074
Πέτρον
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
9 of 24
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφὸν
brother
G80
ἀδελφὸν
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
15 of 24
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
αὐτοὺς
his
G846
αὐτοὺς
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 24
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοὺς
his
G846
αὐτοὺς
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 24
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
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
20 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Matthew 26:37And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.Mark 5:37And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.2 Peter 1:18And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.2 Corinthians 13:1This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.Luke 8:51And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
Historical Context
Mountain settings in Scripture often mark divine encounters (Sinai, Horeb, Carmel). The six-day interval parallels Moses ascending Sinai (Exodus 24:16). Peter, James, and John formed Jesus' inner circle, present at the raising of Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:37) and in Gethsemane (Mark 14:33). They needed this strengthening vision before the cross.
Questions for Reflection
- Why might Jesus select only three disciples for this experience?
- How do mountaintop spiritual experiences prepare you for valley trials?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus taking 'Peter, James, and John' to 'an high mountain apart' selects an inner circle to witness His transfiguration. The 'high mountain' (traditionally Mount Tabor or Hermon) provides isolation for this revelatory event. 'After six days' (from Peter's confession, 16:16) links the transfiguration to Jesus' passion prediction—showing glory before suffering. The three disciples represent witnesses who would later testify to Jesus' divine glory (2 Peter 1:16-18).