Mark 9:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} after {G3326} six {G1803} days {G2250} Jesus {G2424} taketh {G3880} with him Peter {G4074}, and {G2532} James {G2385}, and {G2532} John {G2491}, and {G2532} leadeth {G399} them {G846} up {G399} into {G1519} an high {G5308} mountain {G3735} apart {G2596}{G2398} by themselves {G3441}: and {G2532} he was transfigured {G3339} before {G1715} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Six days later, Yeshua took Kefa, Ya`akov and Yochanan and led them up a high mountain privately. As they watched, he began to change form,

Berean Standard Bible

After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them.

American Standard Version

And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 9:2 records the pivotal event of Jesus' Transfiguration, where He led Peter, James, and John up a high mountain and was supernaturally transformed, revealing His inherent divine glory to His closest disciples. This moment served as a profound confirmation of His identity as the Son of God, a glimpse into His future post-resurrection glory, and a divine affirmation for the disciples grappling with the concept of a suffering Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a crucial turning point in Mark's Gospel, beginning with Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ at Caesarea Philippi ([Mark 8:27-30](/mark/8-27-30 "Mark 8:27-30 - Peter's Confession")). Directly after this, Jesus gives His first clear prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection ([Mark 8:31-33](/mark/8-31-33 "Mark 8:31-33 - Jesus Predicts His Death")), followed by His teaching on the cost of discipleship and taking up one's cross ([Mark 8:34-38](/mark/8-34-38 "Mark 8:34-38 - The Cost of Discipleship")). The Transfiguration, occurring "after six days," functions as a divine counterpoint and affirmation, providing a glimpse of Jesus' ultimate glory to strengthen the disciples' faith amidst the perplexing reality of a suffering Messiah. It is a moment of profound revelation designed to anchor their understanding of who Jesus truly is, even as He speaks of His impending passion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "after six days" likely refers to the interval following the events of [Mark 8](/mark/8 "Mark 8 - Peter's Confession and the Cost of Discipleship"). This specific timing could evoke parallels to Old Testament narratives, such as the six days Moses waited before the glory of the Lord appeared on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 24:15-16](/exodus/24-15-16 "Exodus 24:15-16 - Moses on Mount Sinai")). Mountains, in biblical tradition, are frequently depicted as places of divine encounter, revelation, and covenant, as seen with Moses on Sinai ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Appearance on Mount Sinai")) and Elijah on Horeb ([1 Kings 19](/1-kings/19 "1 Kings 19 - Elijah's Encounter with God")). While the exact mountain is not named in Mark, tradition often points to Mount Hermon or Mount Tabor. The selection of Peter, James, and John as the sole witnesses is significant, as they form Jesus' inner circle, present at other exclusive moments like the raising of Jairus's daughter ([Mark 5:37](/mark/5-37 "Mark 5:37 - Raising Jairus's Daughter")) and His agony in Gethsemane ([Mark 14:33](/mark/14-33 "Mark 14:33 - Jesus in Gethsemane")).
* **Key Themes:** The Transfiguration is rich with theological themes. Primarily, it is a **Divine Revelation of Jesus' Glory**, unveiling His inherent divine nature that was often veiled by His human form. This event serves as a powerful **Confirmation of Identity**, affirming Jesus' unique status as the Son of God and the Messiah, especially after His unsettling predictions of suffering. The presence of **Eyewitness Testimony** from Peter, James, and John underscores the authenticity and importance of this event, providing a foundational truth for their later ministry and for the early church. Furthermore, this glimpse of Jesus in His glorified state acts as a profound **Foreshadowing of Future Glory**, pointing to His post-resurrection triumph, His ascension, and His eventual return in power and majesty, offering hope and assurance to His followers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **transfigured (Greek, _metamorphóō'_):** From G3339, meaning "to transform (literally or figuratively, 'metamorphose')." This word signifies a profound change, not merely an external alteration but a revelation of an inner, true nature. Jesus' outward appearance was transformed to reflect His inherent divine reality and glory, indicating a change from within that manifested outwardly. It was not a disguise but a momentary unveiling of His true, intrinsic splendor.
* **high (Greek, _hypsēlós'_):** From G5308, meaning "lofty (in place or character)." This adjective emphasizes the elevation of the mountain, reinforcing its symbolic significance as a place set apart for divine encounter, echoing Old Testament mountain experiences where God revealed Himself. The height suggests proximity to the heavens and a separation from the ordinary world.
* **apart (Greek, _ídios'_), by themselves (Greek, _mónos'_):** G2398 (_ídios_) means "pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate." G3441 (_mónos_) means "remaining, i.e. sole or single; by implication, mere:--alone, only, by themselves." The combination of these terms emphasizes the exclusivity and privacy of this divine revelation. Jesus intentionally took only these three disciples to a secluded place, highlighting the intimacy of the moment and the unique privilege granted to this inner circle to witness such a profound manifestation of His glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after six days Jesus taketh [with him] Peter, and James, and John,"**: This clause establishes the specific timing of the event relative to the preceding narrative, particularly Jesus' first passion prediction and teaching on discipleship. The selection of Peter, James, and John highlights their status as Jesus' inner circle, chosen to witness this unique and profound revelation.
* **"and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves:"**: This describes the setting of the Transfiguration. The "high mountain" is a symbolic location, often associated with divine encounters and revelations in biblical tradition. The phrase "apart by themselves" underscores the private and exclusive nature of this experience, reserved for these three key disciples.
* **"and he was transfigured before them."**: This is the central action of the verse. Jesus' "transfiguration" (Greek _metamorphóō_) signifies a radical transformation of His appearance, revealing His inherent divine glory. This was not a superficial change but an unveiling of His true nature, witnessed directly by His disciples, confirming His divine identity.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, particularly with the "high mountain," which universally symbolizes a place of divine encounter, revelation, and spiritual elevation, reminiscent of Mount Sinai where God's glory descended. The act of Jesus being "transfigured" involves a visual **Theophany**, a visible manifestation of God's presence and glory, specifically in the person of Jesus. This dramatic unveiling serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing**, offering a glimpse into Jesus' post-resurrection glory and His ultimate return in power and majesty, providing a hopeful counterpoint to the earlier predictions of suffering and death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Transfiguration is a profound theological statement about the person of Jesus Christ. It unequivocally affirms His divine nature, revealing Him not merely as a prophet or a wise teacher, but as the Son of God, possessing inherent glory. This event serves as a divine endorsement of Jesus' messianic identity, particularly crucial after His challenging teachings on suffering and cross-bearing. It bridges the Old Testament prophecies of a glorious Messiah with the New Testament reality of a suffering Servant, demonstrating that His path to glory must pass through suffering. The presence of Moses and Elijah (mentioned in the parallel accounts) further links Jesus to the Law and the Prophets, portraying Him as the fulfillment of all Old Testament expectation.

* [Matthew 17:1-8](/matthew/17-1-8 "Matthew 17:1-8 - The Transfiguration Account")
* [Luke 9:28-36](/luke/9-28-36 "Luke 9:28-36 - Luke's Account of the Transfiguration")
* [2 Peter 1:16-18](/2_peter/1-16-18 "2 Peter 1:16-18 - Peter's Eyewitness Testimony")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Transfiguration offers profound reassurance and a powerful call to faith for believers. In a world often marked by suffering, doubt, and the mundane, this event reminds us that our Lord is not merely human but possesses an inherent, glorious divinity. It strengthens our trust in His identity and His promises, assuring us that even through the darkest valleys, ultimate glory awaits those who follow Him. For the disciples, it was a moment of clarity that helped them endure the shock of the cross; for us, it is a beacon of hope, reminding us that our present struggles are temporary compared to the eternal glory that will be revealed. This passage invites us to fix our gaze beyond the immediate circumstances and behold the true nature of Christ, allowing His divine light to transform our perspectives and empower our walk of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Transfiguration of Jesus strengthen your faith in His divine identity and ultimate triumph?**
* **In what ways does this event help reconcile the concept of a suffering Messiah with a glorious one?**
* **What "high mountains" or moments of profound spiritual revelation has God granted you, and how have they sustained you through difficult times?**
* **How can reflecting on Jesus' transfigured glory inspire you to live a life that reflects His light to the world?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus take only Peter, James, and John with Him to the mountain?**

Answer: Jesus often had an inner circle of disciples whom He allowed to witness particularly significant events, such as the raising of Jairus's daughter ([Mark 5:37](/mark/5-37 "Mark 5:37 - Raising Jairus's Daughter")) and His agony in Gethsemane ([Mark 14:33](/mark/14-33 "Mark 14:33 - Jesus in Gethsemane")). This selective inclusion suggests a special preparation for these three, who would become pillars of the early church. It also highlights the sacred and intimate nature of the Transfiguration, a moment of profound divine revelation that was not meant for public display but for the spiritual strengthening of those who would bear witness to His life, death, and resurrection.

**What is the significance of the "six days" mentioned before the Transfiguration?**

Answer: The "six days" in [Mark 9:2](/mark/9-2 "Mark 9:2 - The Transfiguration") (and [Matthew 17:1](/matthew/17-1 "Matthew 17:1 - Matthew's Transfiguration Account")) is a specific temporal marker that may carry symbolic weight. It immediately follows Jesus' first clear prediction of His suffering and death ([Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Predicts His Death")) and His call to discipleship involving cross-bearing. The timing suggests that the Transfiguration was a direct divine affirmation and encouragement for the disciples, who were likely struggling with the concept of a suffering Messiah. It also evokes a parallel to [Exodus 24:16](/exodus/24-16 "Exodus 24:16 - God's Glory on Sinai"), where Moses waited six days before the glory of the Lord appeared on Mount Sinai, connecting Jesus' glory to the Old Covenant's most significant divine revelation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Transfiguration of Jesus in [Mark 9:2](/mark/9-2 "Mark 9:2 - The Transfiguration") is a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, offering a unique glimpse into the very essence of who Jesus is and what He accomplishes. It is a moment where Jesus' inherent divine glory, often veiled by His humanity, shines forth, confirming His identity as the Son of God ([Mark 9:7](/mark/9-7 "Mark 9:7 - God's Voice at the Transfiguration")). This event foreshadows His ultimate triumph over death and His post-resurrection glory, serving as a powerful assurance that the path of suffering He described ([Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Predicts His Death")) leads directly to ultimate exaltation. As the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), Jesus' transfigured appearance illuminates the truth that He is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, as evidenced by the presence of Moses and Elijah (in parallel accounts). For believers, this event provides a tangible hope: just as Jesus was transformed from glory to glory, so too will those who believe in Him be transformed into His likeness ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image")) and share in His future glory ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). It is a powerful reminder that the Jesus who suffered and died is the same Jesus who possesses all divine majesty, and He is the ultimate object of our faith and hope.

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

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.

Luke 9:36

And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept [it] close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

Matthew 17:1

¶ And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

Matthew 17:8

And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

Isaiah 33:17

Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.

Mark 5:37

And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

Mark 14:33

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