Luke 9:33

KJV

And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} it came to pass {G1096}, as {G1722} they {G846} departed {G1316} from {G575} him {G846}, Peter {G4074} said {G2036} unto {G4314} Jesus {G2424}, Master {G1988}, it is {G2076} good {G2570} for us {G2248} to be {G1511} here {G5602}: and {G2532} let us make {G4160} three {G5140} tabernacles {G4633}; one for {G3391} thee {G4671}, and {G2532} one for {G3391} Moses {G3475}, and {G2532} one for {G3391} Elias {G2243}: not {G3361} knowing {G1492} what {G3739} he said {G3004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As the men were leaving Yeshua, Kefa said to him, not knowing what he was saying, “It’s good that we’re here, Rabbi! Let’s put up three shelters — one for you, one for Moshe and one for Eliyahu.”

Berean Standard Bible

As Moses and Elijah were leaving, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, as they were parting from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah: not knowing what he said.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:33 captures Peter's impulsive and well-intentioned, yet ultimately misguided, reaction during the Transfiguration. Overwhelmed by the glorious appearance of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, Peter suggests building three tabernacles, attempting to memorialize the moment and place Jesus on par with the Law and the Prophets. This statement, made "not knowing what he said," highlights human misunderstanding in the face of divine revelation and foreshadows the Father's subsequent declaration of Jesus' unique supremacy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment following Jesus' profound teachings on discipleship and suffering. In [Luke 9:22](/luke/9-22 "Luke 9:22 - Jesus Foretells His Death"), Jesus explicitly foretold His suffering, death, and resurrection, a concept difficult for the disciples to grasp. Immediately preceding this verse, [Luke 9:28-32](/luke/9-28-32 "Luke 9:28-32 - The Transfiguration Account") describes the Transfiguration itself: Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain to pray, where His appearance is transformed, and Moses and Elijah appear, discussing Jesus' "departure" (exodus) which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter's statement occurs precisely as Moses and Elijah begin to depart, indicating his desire to prolong or capture this extraordinary spiritual experience. His words are an immediate, emotional response to an overwhelming divine encounter, setting the stage for the Father's authoritative declaration in [Luke 9:35](/luke/9-35 "Luke 9:35 - The Father's Voice from the Cloud").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting on a high mountain (traditionally identified as Mount Tabor or Mount Hermon) carries significant biblical weight, often serving as a place of divine encounter and revelation (e.g., Mount Sinai for Moses). Peter's suggestion to build "tabernacles" (Greek _skēnē_) would immediately evoke the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), an annual festival where Israelites lived in temporary booths to commemorate God's provision and presence during their wilderness wanderings (as described in [Leviticus 23:34-43](/leviticus/23-34-43 "Leviticus 23:34-43 - The Feast of Booths")). This feast was also associated with messianic hopes and the ingathering of God's people. Peter's proposal, therefore, was likely an attempt to commemorate this glorious event as a new, permanent dwelling for divine presence, mirroring the tabernacle in the wilderness or the temple, and perhaps anticipating the messianic age. The presence of Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets respectively, underscored Jesus' fulfillment of the entire Old Testament revelation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It highlights the **supremacy and unique identity of Jesus Christ**, distinguishing Him from even the greatest figures of the Old Testament. While Moses and Elijah affirm Jesus' mission, the subsequent divine voice clarifies that Jesus is the "beloved Son" to whom all must listen, not merely one among equals. The theme of **human misunderstanding and spiritual immaturity** is prominent, as Peter's well-meaning but ill-conceived proposal reveals his limited grasp of the divine plan, particularly Jesus' necessary suffering and death as described in [Luke 9:31](/luke/9-31 "Luke 9:31 - Jesus Discusses His Departure"). Furthermore, the event underscores the **temporary nature of divine revelation** and the call to move forward in faith, rather than clinging to extraordinary spiritual experiences. The Transfiguration was a glimpse of glory designed to prepare the disciples for the difficult path ahead, emphasizing that true glory would come through the cross.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **departed (Greek, _diachōrízomai'_):** This verb signifies "to remove (oneself) wholly, i.e., retire." In the context of Luke 9:33, it emphasizes that Moses and Elijah were not merely leaving but were actively separating themselves from Jesus and the disciples. Peter's urgent desire to build tabernacles is directly triggered by their imminent departure, indicating a wish to prevent this separation and prolong the profound moment of divine communion.
* **Master (Greek, _epistátēs'_):** This term, used by Luke, translates to "an appointee over, i.e., commander (teacher)." It is a respectful address, acknowledging Jesus' authority and leadership. While Peter recognizes Jesus' mastership, his subsequent actions demonstrate that he still struggles to fully comprehend the *nature* and *extent* of that mastership, especially in relation to the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah).
* **tabernacles (Greek, _skēnḗ'_):** This noun refers to "a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively)." Peter's suggestion to build _skēnai_ directly references the temporary dwellings used during the Feast of Tabernacles. His proposal suggests a desire to construct permanent, memorial structures for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, perhaps to capture or contain the divine glory witnessed, or to establish a new, static center for the messianic age, rather than embracing the dynamic, unfolding nature of God's plan which involved Jesus' journey to Jerusalem and the cross.
* **knowing (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb, used here in the participle form, means "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." The phrase "not knowing what he said" (οὐκ εἰδὼς ὃ λέγει) indicates Peter's lack of full comprehension or spiritual insight. He spoke from an emotional, awe-filled state rather than from a clear understanding of the theological implications or the divine purpose of the Transfiguration. His words were impulsive, revealing a human tendency to try and control or define a transcendent experience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, as they departed from him":** This phrase sets the immediate context for Peter's utterance. The departure of Moses and Elijah is the catalyst for Peter's impulsive suggestion. Their leaving signifies the conclusion of a revelatory moment, a transition that Peter instinctively tries to prevent or memorialize.
* **"Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here:":** Peter's address to Jesus as "Master" (Epistates) indicates respect for Jesus' authority. His declaration that "it is good for us to be here" expresses the overwhelming spiritual joy and wonder he experienced in the presence of such profound glory. It reflects a natural human desire to prolong moments of intense spiritual blessing and comfort.
* **"and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias:":** This is Peter's specific proposal. His desire to build three equal "tabernacles" (tents or booths) for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah reveals a fundamental misunderstanding. While well-intentioned, it inadvertently places Jesus on the same level as the Law and the Prophets, failing to recognize His unique, superior status as the Son of God. It also suggests a desire to establish a permanent, static memorial, contrasting with Jesus' mission which involved movement towards Jerusalem and the cross.
* **"not knowing what he said.":** This concluding clause, unique in its directness in Luke's account (though implied in Mark), is a crucial interpretive key. It explicitly states that Peter's words were not born of theological insight or divine inspiration, but rather from an overwhelmed, perhaps even fearful, state. It underscores the human frailty and limited understanding even of the closest disciples in the face of overwhelming divine glory, preparing the reader for the Father's subsequent authoritative declaration about Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's account of Peter's statement employs several literary devices. There is clear **Irony** in Peter's well-intentioned but misguided proposal. He desires to honor Jesus, Moses, and Elijah by creating three equal dwellings, yet in doing so, he inadvertently diminishes Jesus' unique supremacy, which the Transfiguration was meant to highlight. The phrase "not knowing what he said" serves as a form of **Narrative Commentary**, providing the reader with direct insight into Peter's state of mind and the theological inadequacy of his suggestion. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the "tabernacles" is rich; while evoking the Feast of Tabernacles and its themes of divine presence, Peter's desire for permanent structures contrasts sharply with the temporary nature of the Transfiguration and the dynamic, unfolding plan of God that required Jesus' journey to the cross. This moment also serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the disciples' continued struggle to grasp Jesus' true identity and mission, particularly His path of suffering before glory, a theme Luke emphasizes throughout this section of his Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Peter's impulsive suggestion to build three tabernacles reveals a common human tendency to attempt to contain, control, or memorialize profound spiritual experiences, often missing the deeper, unfolding purpose of God. Theologically, his desire to place Jesus on par with Moses and Elijah underscores the challenge of fully grasping Christ's unique identity. The Transfiguration was not merely a display of glory for its own sake, but a divine affirmation of Jesus' messianic identity and a preview of His ultimate glory, intended to strengthen the disciples for the difficult journey to the cross. Peter's misunderstanding highlights the need for divine clarification, which immediately follows in the form of the Father's voice, redirecting the disciples' focus solely to Jesus as the beloved Son who must be heard.

* [Mark 9:6](/mark/9-6 "Mark 9:6 - Peter's Confusion at the Transfiguration")
* [2 Peter 1:16-18](/2_peter/1-16-18 "2 Peter 1:16-18 - Peter's Eyewitness Account of the Transfiguration")
* [John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Came Through Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:33 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that while moments of intense spiritual revelation and blessing are precious, our natural inclination to cling to them or try to make them permanent can distract us from God's ongoing, often challenging, plan. Like Peter, we might be tempted to equate extraordinary experiences or even revered spiritual figures with the singular supremacy of Christ. This passage powerfully calls us to re-center our focus on Jesus alone, recognizing Him as the ultimate authority and revelation from God, above all others. Our spiritual journey is not about building static memorials to past experiences, but about faithfully following Christ through both mountaintop highs and valley lows, trusting His unfolding purpose, even when it leads through suffering to ultimate glory. We are called to listen to Him, not just to admire Him or the company He keeps.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "tabernacles" or fixed spiritual experiences might I be tempted to cling to, rather than embracing God's ongoing, dynamic plan for my life?**
* **In what ways might I inadvertently place other spiritual leaders, teachings, or experiences on par with the unique supremacy of Jesus Christ?**
* **How does Peter's "not knowing what he said" resonate with my own moments of spiritual confusion or impulsive reactions in the face of God's work?**

### FAQ

**Why did Peter want to build three tabernacles?**

Answer: Peter's desire to build three tabernacles (tents or booths) likely stemmed from a combination of awe, reverence, and perhaps a misunderstanding of the event's purpose. He was overwhelmed by the glorious manifestation of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah and wanted to memorialize or prolong this extraordinary divine encounter. The idea of "tabernacles" would have resonated with the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), which commemorated God's dwelling among His people in the wilderness. Peter may have envisioned this as a permanent dwelling for the divine presence, a new sacred space, or even the beginning of the messianic kingdom. However, his proposal revealed a failure to grasp Jesus' unique status and the temporary, preparatory nature of the Transfiguration.

**What does "not knowing what he said" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "not knowing what he said" (οὐκ εἰδὼς ὃ λέγει) highlights Peter's state of being overwhelmed, confused, and speaking impulsively rather than with full understanding or theological insight. He was reacting to an awe-inspiring, perhaps even terrifying, divine manifestation. It's not that he was speaking nonsense, but that he lacked comprehension of the profound spiritual implications of his words and the true purpose of the Transfiguration. His suggestion to build three equal tabernacles showed he hadn't yet grasped Jesus' unique supremacy over Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets), a truth that the Father's voice immediately clarified in [Luke 9:35](/luke/9-35 "Luke 9:35 - The Father's Declaration").

**Why were Moses and Elijah present at the Transfiguration?**

Answer: The presence of Moses and Elijah was highly significant. Moses represented the Law, and Elijah represented the Prophets—together, they embodied the entirety of the Old Testament revelation. Their appearance with Jesus underscored that Jesus was the fulfillment of all that the Law and the Prophets foretold. They were discussing Jesus' "departure" (Greek: _exodos_), which refers to His impending suffering, death, and resurrection in Jerusalem ([Luke 9:31](/luke/9-31 "Luke 9:31 - Jesus Discusses His Departure")). Their presence thus affirmed Jesus' identity as the Messiah, validated His mission, and confirmed that His path of suffering was part of God's divine plan, not a deviation from it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:33, set within the Transfiguration, powerfully points to the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan. Peter's desire to build three tabernacles, placing Jesus on an equal footing with Moses and Elijah, inadvertently highlights Jesus' singular supremacy. The very purpose of Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets) was to point forward to Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of all divine revelation. As [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son") declares, "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son." The Transfiguration, with the Father's subsequent declaration "This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!" ([Luke 9:35](/luke/9-35 "Luke 9:35 - The Father's Voice")), unequivocally establishes Jesus as superior to all previous revelations. He is not merely a great prophet or lawgiver, but the very Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the one through whom grace and truth came ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Came Through Jesus Christ")), and the one in whom all the fullness of God dwells ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - All Fullness Dwells in Christ")). Peter's temporary vision of glory, though misunderstood, foreshadowed the ultimate glory of Christ, achieved not by building earthly tabernacles, but through His suffering, death, and resurrection, leading to His exaltation above every name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, the scene redirects all focus and worship to the one, supreme Christ.

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

Mark 9:5

And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

Mark 9:6

For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.

Psalms 27:4

One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

Psalms 73:28

But [it is] good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Psalms 4:6

¶ [There be] many that say, Who will shew us [any] good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

Psalms 4:7

Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time [that] their corn and their wine increased.

Psalms 63:2

To see thy power and thy glory, so [as] I have seen thee in the sanctuary.