Luke 9:29

And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment [was] white [and] glistering.

And {G2532} as {G1722} he {G846} prayed {G4336}, the fashion {G1491} of his {G846} countenance {G4383} was {G1096} altered {G2087}, and {G2532} his {G846} raiment {G2441} was white {G3022} and glistering {G1823}.

As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed; and his clothing became gleaming white.

And as He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became radiantly white.

And as he was praying, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became white and dazzling.

Luke 9:29 vividly describes a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, often referred to as the Transfiguration. This verse focuses on the immediate physical transformation Jesus underwent while in prayer, revealing a profound aspect of His divine nature to His closest disciples.

Context

This event takes place shortly after Jesus had a significant conversation with His disciples, where Peter confessed Him as the Christ (Luke 9:20) and Jesus began to speak openly about His impending suffering, death, and resurrection (Luke 9:22). He also called His followers to take up their cross daily (Luke 9:23). Just prior to this verse, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain to pray (Luke 9:28). This setting, often identified with Mount Hermon or Mount Tabor, emphasizes a secluded, elevated place conducive to spiritual encounter.

Key Themes

  • Divine Glory Revealed: The verse highlights the unveiling of Jesus' inherent divine glory. His altered countenance and dazzling raiment were not merely an external change but a visible manifestation of His true identity as the Son of God, a glimpse of His heavenly nature. This contrasts sharply with His humble, human appearance.
  • The Power of Prayer: Luke's Gospel frequently emphasizes Jesus' habit of prayer before significant events. Here, the Transfiguration occurs "as he prayed," underscoring prayer as a conduit for divine revelation and a means of intimate communion with the Father. This echoes other instances where prayer precedes a powerful divine manifestation, such as at Jesus' baptism.
  • Confirmation of Identity: For Peter, James, and John, this experience served as a powerful confirmation of Jesus' messianic and divine identity, preparing them for the challenging events that lay ahead, particularly His crucifixion.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the fashion of his countenance was altered" points to a profound change in Jesus' appearance. The Greek word for "fashion" (eidos) can mean form or appearance, indicating a transformation that went beyond a mere glow. The word "glistering" (from the Greek exastraptōn) means "flashing forth like lightning" or "dazzling," emphasizing the intense, supernatural brightness of His garments, akin to the brilliance of divine light.

Related Scriptures

This event is also recorded in the other Synoptic Gospels, providing complementary details:

  • Matthew 17:2: "And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light."
  • Mark 9:3: "And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them."

The description of Jesus' radiant appearance foreshadows His glorious return and His ultimate state in heaven, as described in passages like Revelation 1:16, where His countenance is "as the sun shineth in his strength."

Practical Application

Luke 9:29 encourages believers to recognize the profound connection between prayer and experiencing God's presence. Just as Jesus' inner glory was manifested outwardly during prayer, our own communion with God through prayer can transform us and deepen our understanding of His divine nature. It reminds us that Jesus is not merely a historical figure but the glorious Son of God, worthy of our worship and trust, and that one day, we too will experience the fullness of His glory in the new creation (1 John 3:2).

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.

  • 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 9:3

    And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

  • Matthew 17:2

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

  • 2 Peter 1:16

    ¶ For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

  • 2 Peter 1:18

    And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

  • Exodus 34:29

    And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.

  • Exodus 34:35

    And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

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