Mark 9:3

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

And {G2532} his {G846} raiment {G2440} became {G1096} shining {G4744}, exceeding {G3029} white {G3022} as {G5613} snow {G5510}; so as {G3634} no {G3756} fuller {G1102} on {G1909} earth {G1093} can {G1410} white {G3021} them.

and his clothes became dazzlingly white, whiter than anyone in the world could possibly bleach them.

His clothes became radiantly white, brighter than any launderer on earth could bleach them.

and his garments became glistering, exceeding white, so as no fuller on earth can whiten them.

Commentary

Context of Mark 9:3

This verse is part of the pivotal event known as the Transfiguration, a profound revelation of Jesus' divine glory to three of His closest disciples: Peter, James, and John. It immediately follows Jesus' first clear prophecy of His suffering, death, and resurrection (Mark 8:31) and His teaching on discipleship, including the call to take up one's cross (Mark 8:34). The Transfiguration, which begins in Mark 9:2, serves as a powerful confirmation of Jesus' true identity before His impending passion, offering a glimpse of His heavenly majesty.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Glory and Deity of Christ: The extraordinary brightness of Jesus' garments, described as "shining, exceeding white as snow," is a physical manifestation of His inherent divine glory. This was not merely a human transformation but a revelation of His true nature as the Son of God, echoing Old Testament descriptions of God's radiant presence (Daniel 7:9).
  • Supernatural Purity: The description emphasizes a purity beyond human capability. The comparison to what "no fuller on earth can white them" highlights that this whiteness is not achieved by human means but by divine power, symbolizing absolute holiness and spiritual perfection.
  • Confirmation for Disciples: This awe-inspiring display was intended to strengthen the faith of Peter, James, and John, preparing them for the shock of Jesus' crucifixion and His subsequent resurrection. It provided undeniable proof of His identity as the Messiah, despite the suffering He foretold.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "shining" is stilbō (στιλβω), meaning 'to gleam' or 'flash,' conveying an intense, radiant brilliance. The phrase "exceeding white" translates lian leukos (λίαν λευκός), emphasizing an extreme degree of whiteness.

The term "fuller" (Greek: gnapheus - γναφεύς) refers to a craftsman whose job was to clean, bleach, and thicken cloth, typically using strong alkaline solutions and vigorous beating to achieve the whitest possible fabric. By stating that no fuller could achieve such whiteness, Mark underscores the supernatural and incomparable nature of Jesus' transfigured appearance. It was a purity that transcended any earthly standard or process.

Significance and Application

Mark 9:3 offers a profound insight into the true identity of Jesus Christ. It assures believers that Jesus is not merely a wise teacher or prophet but the divine Son of God, whose glory transcends all earthly understanding. This glimpse of His glory encourages us to:

  • Trust in His Divine Authority: The Transfiguration validates Jesus' claims and prophecies, including His suffering and resurrection, reinforcing our faith in His complete authority and power.
  • Anticipate Future Glory: This event serves as a foretaste of the glory that awaits believers in the new heaven and new earth, and the glorious return of Christ.
  • Pursue Holiness: The pure, shining raiment of Jesus can inspire us to strive for spiritual purity and holiness in our own lives, reflecting His character as we are transformed by His grace.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 7:9

    ¶ I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire.

  • Matthew 28:3

    His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

  • Revelation 7:9

    After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

  • Revelation 7:14

    And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

  • Isaiah 1:18

    Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

  • Malachi 3:2

    But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he [is] like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

  • Malachi 3:3

    And he shall sit [as] a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
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