Matthew 17:2
And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μετεμορφώθη
was transfigured
G3339
μετεμορφώθη
was transfigured
Strong's:
G3339
Word #:
2 of 21
to transform (literally or figuratively, "metamorphose")
ἔμπροσθεν
before
G1715
ἔμπροσθεν
before
Strong's:
G1715
Word #:
3 of 21
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 21
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 #:
5 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔλαμψεν
did shine
G2989
ἔλαμψεν
did shine
Strong's:
G2989
Word #:
6 of 21
to beam, i.e., radiate brilliancy (literally or figuratively)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόσωπον
face
G4383
πρόσωπον
face
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
8 of 21
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 21
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
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
10 of 21
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 21
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
ἐγένετο
was
G1096
ἐγένετο
was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
17 of 21
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
19 of 21
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
Psalms 104:2Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:Matthew 28:3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:Luke 9:29And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.Revelation 10:1And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:Revelation 20:11And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.Mark 9:3And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.John 17:24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
Historical Context
The transfiguration temporarily revealed Jesus' divine nature usually veiled by His humanity. The shining face and garments manifested the Shekinah glory. Mark adds the whiteness exceeded any earthly bleaching (Mark 9:3). This confirmed Jesus' deity and prefigured His resurrection glory, encouraging the disciples during the dark days ahead.
Questions for Reflection
- How does contemplating Christ's glory transform your worship?
- What does the transfiguration reveal about Jesus' true nature?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The transformation—'he was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light'—reveals Jesus' divine glory temporarily unveiled. 'Transfigured' (Greek: metamorphoō) means to change form, revealing His true nature. His shining face recalls Moses' glowing face after encountering God (Exodus 34:29-30), but exceeds it ('as the sun'). The brilliant white garments symbolize divine purity and heavenly glory. This glimpse of Jesus' pre-incarnate and post-resurrection glory strengthened disciples for coming trials.