Matthew 17:2

Authorized King James Version

And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
μετεμορφώθη
G3339
was transfigured
to transform (literally or figuratively, "metamorphose")
#3
ἔμπροσθεν
G1715
before
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
#4
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#5
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
ἔλαμψεν
G2989
did shine
to beam, i.e., radiate brilliancy (literally or figuratively)
#7
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
πρόσωπον
G4383
face
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#9
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#10
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#11
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἥλιος
G2246
the sun
the sun; by implication, light
#13
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
δὲ
G1161
and
but, and, etc
#15
ἱμάτια
G2440
raiment
a dress (inner or outer)
#16
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#17
ἐγένετο
G1096
was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#18
λευκὰ
G3022
white
white
#19
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#20
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
φῶς
G5457
the light
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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