Luke 9:28

¶ And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096} about {G5616} an eight {G3638} days {G2250} after {G3326} these {G5128} sayings {G3056},{G2532} he took {G3880} Peter {G4074} and {G2532} John {G2491} and {G2532} James {G2385}, and went up {G305} into {G1519} a mountain {G3735} to pray {G4336}.

About a week after Yeshua said these things, he took Kefa, Yochanan and Ya‘akov with him and went up to the hill country to pray.

About eight days after Jesus had said these things, He took with Him Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray.

And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, that he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up into the mountain to pray.

Luke 9:28 marks the prelude to one of the most profound and mysterious events in Jesus' earthly ministry: the Transfiguration. This verse sets the scene, highlighting Jesus' intentional withdrawal for prayer with His closest disciples.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' crucial discourse where He first predicted His suffering and death (Luke 9:22) and then called His followers to take up their cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23-27). The timing, "about an eight days after these sayings," emphasizes the direct connection between these challenging teachings and the upcoming revelation of His glory. It suggests that the Transfiguration was a divine affirmation for Jesus and His disciples, offering a glimpse of His true identity and the glory that awaited Him beyond His suffering.

Key Themes

  • Preparation for Revelation: Jesus' consistent practice of prayer, especially before significant events, is highlighted. Going up into a mountain to pray underscores the need for solitude and communion with God as a prerequisite for divine revelation and spiritual insight.
  • The Inner Circle: Jesus chose only Peter, John, and James to accompany Him. These three disciples frequently formed an exclusive inner circle, witnessing pivotal moments such as the raising of Jairus's daughter and later, His agony in Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-46). Their inclusion here signifies the profound importance of what they were about to witness.
  • The Importance of Prayer: Luke's Gospel consistently emphasizes Jesus' prayer life. This verse serves as another powerful example of Jesus, even as the Son of God, relying on prayer for strength, guidance, and communion with the Father. It teaches believers the vital role of prayer in their own spiritual journey.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "about an eight days after these sayings" is Luke's specific way of dating the event. While Matthew and Mark state "after six days," Luke's "eight days" likely includes the day of the preceding discourse and the day of the Transfiguration itself, emphasizing a full week's passage plus the day of the event. This precision is characteristic of Luke's historical approach.

Practical Application

This verse provides timeless lessons for believers today:

  1. Prioritize Prayer: Just as Jesus withdrew to pray before a major revelation, we too should seek dedicated time for prayer, especially before making significant decisions or entering challenging circumstances. Jesus' habit of prayer serves as a model for our own spiritual discipline.
  2. Seek Solitude: The "mountain" signifies a place of separation from distractions, allowing for focused communion with God. Finding our own "mountain" – a quiet place – is crucial for spiritual growth.
  3. Preparation Precedes Revelation: Often, God reveals deeper truths or His glory after a period of spiritual preparation, which might include difficult teachings or personal challenges. This verse reminds us that divine encounters are often preceded by intentional seeking.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 6:12

    ¶ And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

  • Mark 9:2

    And after six days Jesus taketh [with him] Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

  • Mark 9:13

    But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

  • Matthew 26:37

    And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

  • Matthew 26:39

    And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou [wilt].

  • Psalms 109:4

    For my love they are my adversaries: but I [give myself unto] prayer.

  • Mark 14:33

    And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

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