Transfiguration
“To be transformed, changed in form”
Summary
The Transfiguration was the miraculous event in which Jesus was visibly glorified before three disciples on a high mountain, with His face shining like the sun and His garments becoming dazzling white.
☩The Event and Setting
Approximately six days after Peter's confession and Christ's first announcement of His coming death, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain to pray. While praying, Jesus was 'transfigured' (Greek _metemorphothe_)—His face shone like the sun and His garments became dazzling white, whiter than any fuller could bleach them. The disciples, initially heavy with sleep, awoke to see His glory. Moses and Elijah appeared and conversed with Jesus about His 'exodus' (departure or death) which He would accomplish at Jerusalem. Peter, overwhelmed with rapture, proposed building three tabernacles, not knowing what he said. A bright cloud overshadowed them—reminiscent of the Shekinah glory—and from it came the voice: 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.'
☩Location and Witnesses
Tradition identified Mount Tabor as the site, but modern scholars generally favor Mount Hermon, since the preceding events occurred near Caesarea Philippi in the far north. The event likely occurred at night, when the supernatural brightness would be most visible, and the disciples are described as having been asleep. Only Peter, James, and John—the same three present at the raising of Jairus's daughter and later at Gethsemane—were privileged to witness this revelation. These three formed a competent number of witnesses and were perhaps more faithful than the others. After descending, Jesus commanded them to tell no one until after His resurrection.
☩Significance and Purpose
The Transfiguration served multiple purposes. First, it demonstrated the harmony between the Old and New Testaments, as Moses (the lawgiver) and Elijah (the prophet) appeared in unity with Jesus, showing that His work—even His death—was contemplated by their dispensations. Second, it established the superiority of the new covenant: the voice from heaven commanded 'hear him,' indicating Christ's authority surpasses that of Moses and Elijah. Third, it strengthened Jesus for His approaching sufferings, as an angel would later strengthen Him in Gethsemane. Fourth, it provided the disciples with evidence of Christ's glory that would sustain their faith through the coming trials of the cross. Peter later testified that they were 'eyewitnesses of his majesty' on the 'holy mount,' confirming the credibility of apostolic preaching about Christ's return in glory.
☩Typological and Spiritual Meaning
The Transfiguration was a prophetic preview of Christ's kingdom glory and His second coming. The disciples saw 'the Son of man coming in his kingdom,' as Christ had promised some of them would. It was an anticipation of His resurrection, ascension, and exaltation. The same Greek word (_metamorphoo_) used of Christ's transfiguration is applied to Christians who are being 'transformed' by the renewing of their minds and 'changed' from glory to glory as they behold the Lord. Moses' departure from the scene symbolizes the passing of the Law, while Elijah's departure represents the cessation of prophecy—both yielding to Christ alone, who remains as the sole mediator between God and man.
Related Verses1 mention
Matthew· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Transfiguration," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Transfiguration," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Transfiguration," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Transfiguration," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 5.George Morrish, "Transfiguration," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 6.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Transfiguration," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).