Matthew 17:3
And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὤφθησαν
there appeared
G3700
ὤφθησαν
there appeared
Strong's:
G3700
Word #:
3 of 10
to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 10
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
Μωσῆς
Moses
G3475
Μωσῆς
Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
5 of 10
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Cross References
Mark 9:4And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.Luke 24:44And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.Malachi 4:5Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
Historical Context
Moses and Elijah both had unusual departures from earth—Moses died with God burying him (Deuteronomy 34:5-6), Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11). Both encountered God on mountains (Moses at Sinai, Elijah at Horeb). Their appearance demonstrates that death hasn't destroyed them and points to resurrection hope. The Transfiguration occurs six days after Peter's confession, connecting Christ's identity with His coming glorification.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Old Testament testify to Jesus Christ?
- What does the Transfiguration reveal about Christ's true nature?
- How should Christ's coming glory affect your present discipleship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses and Elijah's appearance with Jesus reveals His divine nature and mission's continuity with Old Testament revelation. Moses represents the Law, Elijah the Prophets—together they comprise Israel's Scripture, both testifying to Christ. Their conversation about Jesus' 'decease' (Luke 9:31, Greek 'exodos'—exodus) in Jerusalem shows the cross as the ultimate exodus, liberating from sin. Reformed theology sees the Transfiguration validating Christ's deity and showing Old Testament Scripture pointing to Him. The glorified Christ prefigures His resurrection body.