Matthew 17:4
Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
Original Language Analysis
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 27
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
4 of 27
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
unto Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
unto Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
7 of 27
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 27
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καλόν
good
G2570
καλόν
good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
9 of 27
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
θέλεις
thou wilt
G2309
θέλεις
thou wilt
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
15 of 27
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ποιήσωμεν
let us make
G4160
ποιήσωμεν
let us make
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
16 of 27
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
σκηνάς,
tabernacles
G4633
σκηνάς,
tabernacles
Strong's:
G4633
Word #:
19 of 27
a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Μωσῇ
for Moses
G3475
Μωσῇ
for Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
23 of 27
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
Historical Context
The 'tabernacles' (Greek 'skenai') Peter proposed recall the Feast of Tabernacles, commemorating wilderness wandering and anticipating messianic kingdom. Peter may have thought the kingdom was arriving immediately. His suggestion to honor all three equally missed Jesus' unique role. The Father's voice (v. 5) corrects this misunderstanding, commanding attention to Jesus alone.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you sometimes try to preserve spiritual experiences rather than apply them?
- When does honoring spiritual heroes become distraction from Christ alone?
- What 'mountaintop experiences' must you leave to serve in the valley?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter's proposal to build three tabernacles reveals misunderstanding of the moment's significance. He treats Jesus as equal with Moses and Elijah rather than recognizing His supremacy. The suggestion to preserve this experience through building structures shows human tendency to institutionalize divine encounters rather than submit to God's purposes. Peter's 'it is good for us to be here' prioritizes comfort over mission—they must descend the mountain to accomplish Jesus' redemptive work.