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.

And {G2532} Peter {G4074} answered {G611} and said {G3004} to Jesus {G2424}, Master {G4461}, it is {G2076} good {G2570} for us {G2248} to be {G1511} here {G5602}: and {G2532} let us make {G4160} three {G5140} tabernacles {G4633}; one {G3391} for thee {G4671}, and {G2532} one {G3391} for Moses {G3475}, and {G2532} one {G3391} for Elias {G2243}.

Kefa said to Yeshua, "It's good that we're here, Rabbi! Let's put up three shelters -- one for you, one for Moshe and one for Eliyahu."

Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

And Peter answereth and saith to Jesus, Rabbi, 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.

In Mark 9:5, Peter's impulsive statement immediately follows the awe-inspiring Transfiguration of Jesus on a high mountain. Jesus' appearance was dramatically altered, and He was joined by two monumental figures from Israel's history: Moses and Elijah. Overwhelmed by this divine encounter, Peter suggests building three tabernacles, or temporary shelters, for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.

Context: The Mount of Transfiguration

This verse is pivotal as it records Peter's reaction to one of the most profound events in the Gospels. Jesus had taken Peter, James, and John to a solitary mountain. There, Jesus' face shone like the sun, and His clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly, Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) appeared and conversed with Jesus about His impending 'decease' or 'exodus' that He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem (Luke 9:31). Peter, witnessing this incredible display of divine glory, blurts out his proposal.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Peter's Impulsiveness and Human Reaction: Peter's exclamation, "Master, it is good for us to be here," reflects a natural human desire to cling to moments of profound spiritual encounter and divine glory. His suggestion to build three tabernacles (tents or booths) was likely an attempt to honor these esteemed figures and perhaps to prolong the extraordinary experience. However, it also reveals his misunderstanding of the moment's true purpose. He equates Jesus with Moses and Elijah, failing to grasp Jesus' unique and supreme divine identity, which would be clarified by the Father's voice just moments later (Mark 9:7).
  • The Fulfillment of Law and Prophets: The presence of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus powerfully signifies that Jesus is the culmination and fulfillment of the Old Testament Law and prophetic writings. They testify to Him, not as His equals, but as witnesses to His ultimate authority and mission. This event validates Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah.
  • Desire to Remain in Glory: Peter's desire to stay on the mountain highlights a common human tendency to prefer spiritual highs over the challenging realities of life and ministry. The disciples, like Peter, would soon need to descend from the mountain to face the suffering and mission that lay ahead for Jesus and for them (Mark 8:31).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "tabernacles" is skēnē (σκηνή), which literally means 'tent' or 'booth.' This term resonates with the Old Testament Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), where Israelites lived in temporary dwellings to commemorate God's faithfulness during their wilderness wanderings. Peter's idea may have been an echo of this festival, attempting to create a sacred, temporary dwelling place for this divine visitation.

Practical Application

Mark 9:5 offers a valuable lesson for believers today. While we cherish moments of profound spiritual insight, worship, or divine encounter ("mountaintop experiences"), these are often given to strengthen us for the journey and challenges ahead, not to be permanent dwelling places. God's plan often calls us to descend from these spiritual highs to live out our faith in the everyday world, facing its realities and fulfilling our mission. It reminds us that while we may desire to prolong moments of glory, our ultimate focus must remain on Christ's mission and our call to follow Him, even through suffering and service.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Philippians 1:23

    For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

  • Psalms 84:10

    For a day in thy courts [is] better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

  • Psalms 62:2

    He only [is] my rock and my salvation; [he is] my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

  • Psalms 62:3

    How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall [shall ye be, and as] a tottering fence.

  • John 14:8

    Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

  • John 14:9

    Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], Shew us the Father?

  • Exodus 33:17

    And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

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