Luke 9:31

KJV

Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3739} appeared {G3700} in {G1722} glory {G1391}, and spake {G3004} of his {G846} decease {G1841} which {G3739} he should {G3195} accomplish {G4137} at {G1722} Jerusalem {G2419}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They appeared in glorious splendor and spoke of his exodus, which he was soon to accomplish in Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

They appeared in glory and spoke about His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:31, set within the awe-inspiring narrative of Jesus's Transfiguration, unveils a profound conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Amidst a display of divine glory, these three pivotal figures discuss Jesus's impending "decease" – a significant term signifying His departure or exodus – which He was destined to accomplish in Jerusalem. This verse powerfully underscores the divine intentionality and redemptive purpose behind Christ's suffering and death, revealing it not as a tragic end but as the divinely orchestrated culmination of God's saving plan, fulfilling the Law and the Prophets.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 9:31 is nestled within the pivotal Transfiguration account, following Jesus's first clear prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection ([Luke 9:22](/luke/9-22 "Luke 9:22 - Jesus Foretells His Suffering")). Immediately prior, Jesus had challenged His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him ([Luke 9:23-27](/luke/9-23-27 "Luke 9:23-27 - The Cost of Discipleship")). The Transfiguration itself (Luke 9:28-36) serves as a divine affirmation of Jesus's identity and mission, offering a glimpse of His future glory to Peter, James, and John. The conversation about His "decease" (Luke 9:31) directly links this glorious revelation to the grim reality of His coming sacrifice, emphasizing that His suffering is not a deviation but the very path to His exaltation and the means of salvation. This prepares the reader for Jesus's resolute journey towards Jerusalem, which begins shortly after this event ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting on a high mountain (traditionally Mount Hermon or Tabor) evokes biblical precedents of divine revelation, such as Moses receiving the Law on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears on Mount Sinai")). The appearance of Moses and Elijah is highly significant: Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the Prophets, together embodying the entirety of Old Testament revelation. Their presence with Jesus signifies that He is the fulfillment of all that the Law and Prophets foretold. Jerusalem, the designated location for Jesus's "decease," was not merely a geographical place but the spiritual and political capital of Israel, deeply steeped in prophetic history as the place where sacrifices were offered, kings reigned, and prophets often met their end. Its mention here highlights the divinely appointed nature of Jesus's mission and its culmination in the very heart of Jewish life and worship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **divine confirmation** of Jesus's messianic identity and mission; His ministry is not an isolated event but the culmination of God's redemptive plan revealed through the Law and the Prophets. Secondly, it highlights the **necessity and intentionality of Christ's suffering and death**. The conversation about His "decease" demonstrates that the cross was not an accident or a failure, but a preordained event central to God's purpose. This is further emphasized by the term *exodos*, which subtly introduces the theme of a **new exodus**, a greater deliverance from the bondage of sin and death than Israel's liberation from Egypt, accomplished through Christ's sacrificial work. Finally, the mention of Jerusalem reinforces the **fulfillment of prophecy** and the **sovereignty of God** over all events, even the most painful ones, ensuring they align with His ultimate redemptive purposes, as seen throughout [the prophetic books](/isaiah "The Book of Isaiah") and [the Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Greek, _dóxa_):** From the base of *dokeō* (to seem, to think), *dóxa* here refers to a manifest splendor, dignity, or honor. In this context, it describes the radiant, divine light that enveloped Jesus and was shared by Moses and Elijah. It signifies a visible manifestation of God's presence and majesty, revealing Jesus's inherent divine nature even amidst His earthly ministry. This "glory" foreshadows His post-resurrection exaltation and heavenly reign.
* **Decease (Greek, _éxodos_):** Derived from *ek* (out of) and *hodos* (way, road), *éxodos* literally means "an exit" or "a going out." While it can denote a physical departure or death, its use here carries profound theological resonance, deliberately evoking the foundational Old Testament event of the [Exodus of Israel from Egypt](/exodus/12-31 "Exodus 12:31 - The Israelites Depart Egypt"). By employing this term, Luke connects Jesus's impending death and resurrection to a new, greater act of liberation and redemption—a definitive deliverance from the bondage of sin and death for all humanity, accomplished through His sacrificial work.
* **Accomplish (Greek, _plēróō_):** Meaning "to make replete," "to fill up," "to complete," or "to fulfill." This verb emphasizes the purposeful and necessary nature of Jesus's death. It was not a random event but something that had to be brought to completion, fulfilling divine prophecy and God's redemptive plan. It signifies that Jesus's death was a deliberate act, perfectly executed according to God's will, ensuring its efficacy and finality in securing salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who appeared in glory":** This phrase refers to Moses and Elijah, who were seen with Jesus during the Transfiguration. Their appearance "in glory" indicates a supernatural, heavenly manifestation, mirroring and participating in the divine radiance emanating from Jesus. This shared glory underscores their divine appointment and the heavenly affirmation of Jesus's identity and mission. It is a powerful visual testament to the divine significance of the moment.
* **"and spake of his decease":** The central focus of the conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah was Jesus's "decease" or *exodos*. This reveals that the purpose of their heavenly visitation was not merely a display of glory, but a discussion of the critical, divinely appointed event of Jesus's death. The choice of *exodos* highlights its redemptive, liberating nature, connecting it to the greatest act of deliverance in Israel's history and signaling a new, greater deliverance for all humanity.
* **"which he should accomplish at Jerusalem":** This clause emphasizes the intentionality, necessity, and specific location of Jesus's *exodos*. The phrase "should accomplish" (Greek: *mellō plēroō*) conveys a sense of divine purpose, inevitability, and fulfillment. Jerusalem, as the capital and religious center, was prophetically destined to be the stage for these ultimate redemptive events, including Christ's crucifixion, resurrection, and the subsequent outpouring of the Spirit. This highlights God's sovereign plan guiding Jesus's journey to His ultimate sacrifice.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 9:31 is rich with **Symbolism**. The mountain setting symbolizes a place of divine revelation and encounter, akin to Sinai. Moses and Elijah **symbolize** the Law and the Prophets, respectively, signifying that Jesus is the culmination and fulfillment of all Old Testament revelation. Jerusalem itself is a powerful **symbol** of prophetic destiny and the place of ultimate sacrifice and redemption. The term *exodos* functions as a profound **allusion** to the original Exodus, drawing a direct parallel between Israel's liberation from Egypt and humanity's spiritual liberation from sin through Christ's death. The entire scene serves as **foreshadowing**, pointing directly to the cross and resurrection, revealing that glory and suffering are intrinsically linked in God's redemptive plan. There is also an element of **divine irony**, as the moment of greatest glory on the mountain is immediately followed by a discussion of the most profound suffering and death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:31 profoundly illuminates the theological necessity and redemptive purpose of Christ's suffering and death. It asserts that Jesus's sacrifice was not a tragic accident but a divinely orchestrated "exodus"—a purposeful departure that would accomplish the ultimate liberation from sin and death. This conversation between Jesus, the Law, and the Prophets underscores that the cross was the fulfillment of God's ancient promises and the climax of salvation history, central to God's eternal plan for humanity. It reveals that even in moments of profound glory, God's sovereign plan often involves suffering and sacrifice for a greater, redemptive purpose, leading to ultimate victory and glory.

* [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Suffering Servant")
* [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Deliverance from Death")
* [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:31 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that even in moments of profound glory, God's sovereign plan often involves suffering and sacrifice for a greater, redemptive purpose. For us, this means understanding that our own journeys, though they may include hardship and challenges, are not outside of God's loving and purposeful design. Just as Jesus's "decease" led to His glorious resurrection and the salvation of humanity, our trials can be avenues through which God accomplishes His perfect will, refining our faith and drawing us closer to Him. This verse deepens our appreciation for Christ's intentional and willing journey to the cross, a triumphant culmination of prophecy and the very means of our salvation and eternal life. It calls us to trust God's overarching plan, even when it involves hardship, knowing that He works all things for good for those who love Him, leading to ultimate victory and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus's "decease" as a "new exodus" deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice?**
* **In what ways does this passage challenge or affirm your understanding of the relationship between suffering and glory in the Christian life?**
* **How might remembering that Jesus's suffering was "accomplished" according to God's plan help you trust God's sovereignty in your own difficult circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why did Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus during the Transfiguration?**

Answer: Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets, respectively, which together comprise the entire Old Testament revelation. Their appearance with Jesus during the Transfiguration serves as a powerful divine endorsement, signifying that Jesus is the fulfillment of all that the Law and the Prophets foretold. They bear witness to His identity as the Messiah and confirm that His mission, including His impending death, is the culmination of God's redemptive plan revealed throughout the Old Covenant. Their presence on the mountain also echoes significant moments of divine encounter in their own ministries, further validating the divine nature of the Transfiguration.

**What is the deeper significance of the word "decease" (Greek: _exodos_) in this verse?**

Answer: The Greek word *exodos* literally means "departure" or "going out," and while it refers to Jesus's death, its use here carries profound theological weight. It deliberately evokes the foundational Old Testament event of the [Exodus of Israel from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus"), a pivotal act of liberation and redemption. By employing this term, Luke subtly connects Jesus's impending death and resurrection to a "new exodus"—a definitive, greater act of deliverance from the bondage of sin and death for all humanity. This "new exodus" would be accomplished through His sacrificial work in Jerusalem, paving the way for spiritual freedom and the establishment of a new covenant, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:31 profoundly reveals the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan, presenting Jesus's "decease" not as a tragic end but as the divinely orchestrated "exodus" that fulfills all Old Testament anticipation. Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, stand in glory with Jesus, confirming that He is the very one to whom all Scripture points. His *exodos* at Jerusalem is the ultimate act of liberation, far surpassing Israel's deliverance from Egypt. Through His death, Jesus accomplishes a new and eternal freedom from the dominion of sin and death, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This "accomplishment" (Greek: *plēróō*) signifies that His sacrifice was perfectly executed according to God's will, fulfilling prophecies like that of the [suffering servant in Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). His death was the means by which God demonstrated His [great love for us](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love in Christ's Death"), securing our reconciliation and eternal life. Thus, the Transfiguration, with its glorious light and profound conversation, serves as a powerful prefigurement of Christ's ultimate victory over death and His glorious ascension, through which He [triumphed over the powers of darkness](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Sin and Death") and [offered Himself once for all](/hebrews/9-26-28 "Hebrews 9:26-28 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All").

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

Philippians 3:21

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

2 Peter 1:15

Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

1 Peter 1:11

Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

1 Peter 1:12

Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

2 Corinthians 3:18

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Luke 9:22

Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.