Luke 9:30

KJV

And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, there talked {G4814} with him {G846} two {G1417} men {G435}, which {G3748} were {G2258} Moses {G3475} and {G2532} Elias {G2243}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Suddenly there were two men talking with him — Moshe and Eliyahu!

Berean Standard Bible

Suddenly two men, Moses and Elijah, began talking with Jesus.

American Standard Version

And behold, there talked with him two men, who were Moses and Elijah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:30 records a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, known as the Transfiguration, where two towering figures from Old Testament history, Moses and Elijah, suddenly appear and converse with Jesus. This dramatic divine encounter serves as a powerful affirmation of Jesus' identity and mission, bridging the Old Covenant with the New, and signaling His unique role as the fulfillment of all God's redemptive promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the Transfiguration account, immediately following Jesus' ascent of a mountain with Peter, James, and John to pray, and the description of His dazzling transfigured appearance in [Luke 9:29](/luke/9-29 "Luke 9:29 - Jesus' Transfigured Appearance"). The event itself is strategically placed after Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ ([Luke 9:20](/luke/9-20 "Luke 9:20 - Peter's Confession")) and Jesus' first explicit prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection ([Luke 9:22](/luke/9-22 "Luke 9:22 - Jesus Foretells His Death")). The appearance of Moses and Elijah, and their subsequent conversation with Jesus about His "decease" ([Luke 9:31](/luke/9-31 "Luke 9:31 - The Conversation about Jesus' Exodus")), frames this glorious manifestation within the context of Jesus' impending sacrificial work in Jerusalem, highlighting that His glory is inseparable from His suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of a high mountain for a divine encounter resonates deeply with Old Testament narratives, particularly Moses receiving the Law on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai")) and Elijah's encounters with God on Mount Horeb ([1_kings/19](/1-kings/19 "1 Kings 19 - Elijah's Encounter with God")). For a Jewish audience, Moses represented the Law (Torah) and Elijah the Prophets, the two foundational pillars of Israelite revelation. Their appearance together would immediately signify the culmination of God's entire redemptive history. The expectation of Elijah's return before the Messiah's coming was also a strong cultural belief, rooted in [Malachi 4:5](/malachi/4-5 "Malachi 4:5 - Prophecy of Elijah's Return"), making his presence particularly significant in validating Jesus' messianic claims.
* **Key Themes:** The Transfiguration, and specifically the appearance of Moses and Elijah, powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent in [Luke's Gospel](/luke/1 "The Gospel of Luke"): **Divine Validation and Authority** of Jesus as the Son of God, affirmed by the presence of the Law and the Prophets; **Messianic Identity**, as Jesus is revealed as the fulfillment of all Old Testament expectation; **Continuity and Fulfillment of God's Plan**, demonstrating that Jesus' work is not a departure from, but the culmination of, God's historical interaction with humanity; and **The Necessity of Suffering for Glory**, as the conversation with Moses and Elijah immediately turns to Jesus' "exodus" (death) in Jerusalem, linking His ultimate triumph to His sacrificial mission, a theme Jesus had just begun to teach His disciples in [Luke 9:22-27](/luke/9-22-27 "Luke 9:22-27 - Jesus' Teachings on Discipleship and Suffering").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** This interjection, often translated as "look!" or "see!", functions as an exclamation drawing immediate attention to something sudden, striking, or significant. In this context, it emphasizes the astonishing and unexpected nature of Moses and Elijah's appearance, signaling to the reader the divine intervention and profound importance of the moment.
* **talked (Greek, _syllaléō'_):** Derived from "together" (σύν) and "to speak" (λαλέω), this verb signifies a joint conversation or communion. It highlights that Moses and Elijah were actively engaged in dialogue with Jesus, not merely appearing as silent figures. Their "talking together" implies a shared purpose and understanding, particularly as [Luke 9:31](/luke/9-31 "Luke 9:31 - The Subject of Their Conversation") reveals they were discussing Jesus' "decease" (exodus).
* **Moses (Greek, _Mōseús'_):** The Hebrew lawgiver, central to the Old Covenant, who led Israel out of Egypt and delivered the Torah on Mount Sinai. His presence symbolizes the Law, representing God's foundational covenant and moral demands. His appearance alongside Elijah underscores the continuity of God's revelation and Jesus' role as the one who fulfills and transcends the Law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold,"**: This opening phrase immediately captures attention, signaling a sudden and remarkable event. The "behold" (Greek _idoú_) acts as an exclamation, inviting the reader to witness the extraordinary divine intervention that is about to unfold. It sets a tone of wonder and revelation.
* **"there talked with him two men,"**: This clause introduces the core action: a conversation. The verb "talked" (Greek _syllaléō_) indicates an active, reciprocal dialogue, not just a passive appearance. The "two men" are identified immediately, emphasizing their distinct presence and purpose in this divine encounter with Jesus.
* **"which were Moses and Elias:"**: This final clause identifies the two mysterious figures, revealing their profound significance. Moses, the quintessential lawgiver, and Elias (Elijah), the preeminent prophet, represent the entirety of the Old Testament revelation—the Law and the Prophets. Their presence with Jesus signifies that He is the culmination and fulfillment of all that the Old Testament anticipated and pointed towards.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's account of the Transfiguration in [Luke 9](/luke/9 "Luke 9 - The Transfiguration and Teachings") is rich with literary devices. The sudden appearance of Moses and Elijah, prefaced by "behold," employs **Dramatic Irony** and **Foreshadowing**. The disciples are initially unaware of the identity of these figures, but the reader is immediately informed, creating a sense of privileged insight. The entire scene is a **Theophany** (or more specifically, a **Christophany**), a visible manifestation of God's presence and glory, validating Jesus' divine nature and mission. The figures of Moses and Elijah serve as powerful **Symbolism**: Moses representing the **Law** and Elijah the **Prophets**. Their joint appearance signifies that Jesus is the fulfillment and culmination of the entire Old Testament revelation. The conversation they have with Jesus about His "decease" (Greek _exodos_) in [Luke 9:31](/luke/9-31 "Luke 9:31 - The Exodus of Christ") is a profound instance of **Intertextuality**, drawing a direct parallel between Jesus' impending death and resurrection and the foundational Old Testament event of the Exodus, led by Moses. This connection elevates Jesus' suffering to a redemptive, cosmic event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The appearance of Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration is a profound theological statement. It signifies that Jesus is the culmination of God's entire redemptive history, the one to whom the Law and the Prophets ultimately pointed. Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the prophetic tradition, stand as witnesses to Jesus' unique authority and divine Sonship. Their conversation with Jesus about His "decease" (Greek _exodos_) in Jerusalem underscores that the path to His glory was inextricably linked to His suffering and death, echoing the great redemptive act of the Old Testament Exodus and establishing Jesus as the greater deliverer. This event validates Jesus' messianic identity, confirming that He is indeed the long-awaited Messiah who fulfills all of God's promises.

* [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses")
* [Malachi 4:5](/malachi/4-5 "Malachi 4:5 - The Return of Elijah")
* [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Voice from the Cloud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Transfiguration, with the appearance of Moses and Elijah, serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' supreme authority and divine nature. For the disciples, it was an overwhelming revelation that solidified their understanding of who Jesus truly was, despite His predictions of suffering. For us today, it reinforces the truth that Jesus stands above all human leaders, laws, or prophecies; He is the ultimate revelation of God. This scene invites us to shift our focus from the shadows of the Old Covenant to the radiant light of Christ. Just as the voice from the cloud later commanded, "Hear ye him" ([Luke 9:35](/luke/9-35 "Luke 9:35 - Listen to Him!")), we are called to prioritize listening to and obeying Jesus above all else. His glory is not merely a distant theological concept but a present reality that empowers us to face our own paths of suffering and transformation, knowing that ultimate glory awaits those who follow Him. It encourages us to trust in His redemptive work, which encompasses both His suffering and His ultimate triumph, and to find our identity and purpose in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the appearance of Moses and Elijah validate Jesus' identity and mission for you personally?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to prioritize "the Law" or "the Prophets" (or other good things) over listening exclusively to Jesus?**
* **How does the connection between Jesus' glory and His "exodus" (suffering and death) challenge or comfort your understanding of discipleship?**

### FAQ
**Why did Moses and Elijah appear specifically, and not other Old Testament figures?**

Answer: Moses and Elijah were chosen for their profound symbolic significance within Jewish tradition. Moses represents the Law (Torah), having received it on Mount Sinai and led the Exodus. Elijah represents the Prophets, being a zealous defender of God's covenant and uniquely taken to heaven without experiencing death ([2_kings/2-11](/2-kings/2-11 "2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah's Ascension")). Their combined presence signifies that Jesus is the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets, the entire Old Testament revelation. They bear witness to Jesus' messianic identity and the continuity of God's redemptive plan, which culminates in Him. Their conversation with Jesus about His "decease" ([Luke 9:31](/luke/9-31 "Luke 9:31 - The Exodus of Christ")) further links Jesus' work to the foundational events of Israel's history, particularly the Exodus led by Moses.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:30, depicting Moses and Elijah conversing with Jesus, stands as a profound Christ-centered declaration. Jesus is revealed as the ultimate fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, the very person to whom all of Israel's history and revelation pointed. Moses, the giver of the Law, and Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, are seen in humble dialogue with the one who embodies and transcends their ministries. This scene powerfully foreshadows Jesus' ultimate "exodus" in Jerusalem, His death and resurrection, which is the true and greater deliverance for humanity, far surpassing the physical exodus from Egypt led by Moses. Just as the Law could not ultimately save ([Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - The Law's Weakness")), and the prophets continually pointed to a future hope ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Final Word in Christ")), Jesus is the living Word, the perfect sacrifice, and the High Priest who mediates a new and better covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")). The Transfiguration, therefore, is not merely a glimpse of Jesus' glory, but a divine endorsement that He is the Messiah, the Son of God, the one to whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 3:7

But if the ministration of death, written [and] engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which [glory] was to be done away:

2 Corinthians 3:11

For if that which is done away [was] glorious, much more that which remaineth [is] glorious.

Hebrews 3:3

For this [man] was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.

Hebrews 3:6

But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

Luke 24:44

And 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.

Romans 3:21

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;