Matthew 17:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} after {G3326} six {G1803} days {G2250} Jesus {G2424} taketh {G3880} Peter {G4074}{G2532}, James {G2385}, and {G2532} John {G2491} his {G846} brother {G80}, and {G2532} bringeth {G399} them {G846} up {G399} into {G1519} an high {G5308} mountain {G3735} apart {G2596}{G2398},

Complete Jewish Bible

Six days later, Yeshua took Kefa, Ya`akov and his brother Yochanan and led them up a high mountain privately.

Berean Standard Bible

After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.

American Standard Version

And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 17:1 introduces the pivotal event of Jesus' Transfiguration, meticulously setting the scene by detailing the specific timing ("after six days"), identifying the select witnesses (Peter, James, and John), and pinpointing the significant location ("an high mountain apart"). This verse serves as a crucial transition from Jesus' teaching on suffering and kingdom to a profound revelation of His divine glory, preparing the reader for an extraordinary display of His true identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' significant discourse in [Matthew 16](/matthew/16 "Matthew 16 - Peter's Confession and Jesus' Prophecy of Suffering"). In [Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection"), Jesus first explicitly foretells His suffering, death, and resurrection, which deeply troubles His disciples, particularly Peter. Following this, Jesus issues a call to radical discipleship, emphasizing self-denial and cross-bearing for those who would follow Him ([Matthew 16:24-26](/matthew/16-24-26 "Matthew 16:24-26 - The Cost of Discipleship")). The verse that directly precedes the Transfiguration, [Matthew 16:28](/matthew/16-28 "Matthew 16:28 - Coming of the Son of Man in His Kingdom"), is particularly crucial: "Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom." The Transfiguration is widely understood by scholars as the immediate, powerful fulfillment or a profound preview of this promise, offering the disciples a glimpse into Jesus' divine glory and the nature of His coming kingdom, thus providing encouragement amidst the difficult truths of suffering and sacrifice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish culture, deeply rooted in the Old Testament, held mountains as significant places of divine encounter and revelation. Mount Sinai (also called Horeb) was where Moses received the Law ([Exodus 19-20](/exodus/19-20 "Exodus 19-20 - Moses on Mount Sinai")), and where Elijah encountered God after his flight ([1 Kings 19](/1-kings/19 "1 Kings 19 - Elijah on Mount Horeb")). The deliberate ascent of a "high mountain" by Jesus and His disciples would have immediately signaled to a Jewish audience that a momentous, sacred event was about to unfold—a direct encounter with the divine presence. The act of going "apart" also reflects a common practice for spiritual retreat and prayer, emphasizing the private and intimate nature of this revelation, away from the bustling crowds and the demands of public ministry.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 17:1 contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation and Christology**, as it sets the stage for an unveiling of Jesus' true, divine nature, moving beyond His human appearance to reveal His inherent glory as the Son of God. Secondly, the selection of Peter, James, and John underscores the theme of **Inner Circle Discipleship and Privileged Witness**. These three disciples are consistently chosen by Jesus to witness His most profound moments, such as the raising of Jairus' daughter ([Mark 5:37](/mark/5-37 "Mark 5:37 - Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter")) and His agony in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:37](/matthew/26-37 "Matthew 26:37 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). Their presence signifies a deeper level of intimacy and revelation reserved for those who draw closest to Christ. Lastly, the act of ascending "into an high mountain apart" reinforces the theme of **Preparation for a Sacred Encounter**, emphasizing the need for solitude, intentionality, and spiritual elevation when approaching God, echoing the sacred mountain encounters of the Old Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Six (Greek, _héx'_):** This numeral (G1803) precisely marks the temporal relationship to the preceding events, specifically Jesus' prophecy in [Matthew 16:28](/matthew/16-28 "Matthew 16:28 - Coming of the Son of Man in His Kingdom"). The specification of "six days" (G1803 + G2250, _hēméra_) is significant, drawing parallels to Moses' ascent of Mount Sinai, where the glory of the Lord rested on the mountain for "six days" before God called Moses on the seventh ([Exodus 24:16](/exodus/24-16 "Exodus 24:16 - The Glory of the Lord on Mount Sinai")). This numerical detail subtly connects Jesus to Moses and the Old Covenant, hinting at a new, greater revelation.
* **Mountain (Greek, _óros'_):** The word (G3735) denotes a natural elevation, a "hill" or "mount." In biblical contexts, mountains are frequently chosen as sites for significant divine encounters, revelations, and covenants. By bringing the disciples up a "high mountain" (G5308, _hypsēlós_, "lofty," combined with G3735, _óros_), Jesus establishes a setting that immediately signals a sacred, elevated, and divinely appointed moment, reminiscent of Sinai and other holy places where God manifested His presence.
* **Apart (Greek, _kat' idian'_):** This phrase combines the preposition `katá` (G2596), meaning "down" or "according to," with `ídios` (G2398), meaning "one's own" or "private/separate." Together, `kat' idian` conveys the sense of being "privately" or "separately" from others. This emphasizes the exclusive and intimate nature of the experience, indicating that this profound revelation was intended only for this inner circle of disciples, set apart from the general populace and even the other disciples.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after six days":** This precise temporal marker directly links the Transfiguration to the preceding discourse in [Matthew 16](/matthew/16 "Matthew 16 - Peter's Confession and Jesus' Prophecy of Suffering"), particularly Jesus' statement about some disciples seeing the Son of Man coming in His kingdom ([Matthew 16:28](/matthew/16-28 "Matthew 16:28 - Coming of the Son of Man in His Kingdom")). The "six days" also echoes the Old Testament account of Moses on Mount Sinai, where God's glory covered the mountain for six days before He called Moses on the seventh ([Exodus 24:16](/exodus/24-16 "Exodus 24:16 - The Glory of the Lord on Mount Sinai")), subtly foreshadowing Jesus' role as the greater Lawgiver and revealer of God.
* **"Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother":** This highlights Jesus' deliberate selection of His inner circle—Peter, James, and John. These three disciples are consistently chosen to witness Jesus' most intimate and significant moments, such as the raising of Jairus' daughter ([Mark 5:37](/mark/5-37 "Mark 5:37 - Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter")) and His agony in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:37](/matthew/26-37 "Matthew 26:37 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). Their presence here underscores the profound importance of the event about to unfold, as well as their privileged position as witnesses to divine revelation.
* **"and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart":** This describes the physical setting and the deliberate act of separation. The ascent to a "high mountain" signifies a place of spiritual elevation and divine encounter, a common motif in biblical narratives (e.g., Mount Sinai, Mount Horeb). The phrase "apart" (Greek: _kat' idian_) emphasizes the private, exclusive, and secluded nature of this experience, indicating that this revelation was not for the masses but for a select few, preparing them for a unique and transformative encounter with God's glory.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 17:1 employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident in the direct temporal link to [Matthew 16:28](/matthew/16-28 "Matthew 16:28 - Coming of the Son of Man in His Kingdom"), where Jesus promises that some standing there would see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom. The Transfiguration immediately fulfills or previews this promise, setting up the expectation of a divine manifestation. **Symbolism** is powerfully at play with the "high mountain," which in biblical literature frequently symbolizes a place of divine revelation, covenant, and encounter with God's presence, invoking echoes of Moses and Elijah. The act of going "apart" (Greek: _kat' idian_) further symbolizes the sacred and exclusive nature of the event, emphasizing the intimacy of the revelation. The **selection** of Peter, James, and John highlights their unique role as privileged witnesses, a recurring motif that underscores their deeper discipleship and the weight of the testimony they are about to receive.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 17:1 serves as the gateway to the Transfiguration, an event of immense theological significance that profoundly reveals the divine identity of Jesus. It connects the suffering Messiah with the glorious Son of God, demonstrating that His kingdom is not merely earthly but heavenly, rooted in His inherent divinity. The selection of the three disciples underscores the principle of privileged witness for those who draw closest to Christ, implying that deeper spiritual truths and encounters are often reserved for those who commit to a more intimate walk with Him. Furthermore, the setting on a "high mountain apart" connects Jesus' ministry to the Old Testament tradition of divine encounters on mountains, portraying Him as the culmination of God's redemptive history and the ultimate revealer of God's glory, surpassing even Moses and Elijah.

* [Mark 9:2](/mark/9-2 "Mark 9:2 - The Transfiguration in Mark")
* [Luke 9:28](/luke/9-28 "Luke 9:28 - The Transfiguration in Luke")
* [Exodus 24:15-18](/exodus/24-15-18 "Exodus 24:15-18 - Moses on Mount Sinai")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 17:1 offers profound insights into our own spiritual journey, reminding us that profound encounters with God often require intentional separation and a willingness to ascend. Just as Jesus led His disciples to a secluded, elevated place, we too are called to set aside distractions and seek moments of solitude and focused devotion. This verse encourages us to actively pursue a deeper relationship with Christ, understanding that drawing near to Him—even when it involves leaving the comfort of the familiar or ascending a metaphorical "high mountain" of spiritual discipline—can lead to transformative revelations of His character, glory, and purpose for our lives. It highlights the privilege of being a witness to God's work, not in an exclusive sense, but in the sense of those who commit to following Him closely and are therefore prepared to perceive and participate in His divine power and plan. Our willingness to be "apart" with Christ often precedes our greatest spiritual breakthroughs.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "high mountains" or places of intentional solitude do I need to seek in my own life to draw closer to God?**
* **Am I willing to be "apart" with Jesus, leaving behind the distractions of the world for deeper spiritual encounters?**
* **How does the selection of Peter, James, and John challenge or encourage my own pursuit of intimacy with Christ?**
* **What expectations do I have when I seek to encounter God, and how does the Transfiguration reshape those expectations?**

### FAQ

**Why does Matthew specify "after six days"?**

Answer: The phrase "after six days" is a deliberate temporal link, connecting the Transfiguration directly to Jesus' preceding declaration in [Matthew 16:28](/matthew/16-28 "Matthew 16:28 - Coming of the Son of Man in His Kingdom") that some of His disciples would "not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom." The Transfiguration is presented as the immediate, powerful fulfillment or a profound preview of this promise, revealing a glimpse of Jesus' divine glory and the nature of His kingdom. Additionally, this specific timeframe echoes the Old Testament narrative of Moses on Mount Sinai, where the glory of the Lord rested on the mountain for "six days" before God called Moses on the seventh ([Exodus 24:16](/exodus/24-16 "Exodus 24:16 - The Glory of the Lord on Mount Sinai")), subtly drawing a parallel between Jesus and Moses as divine revelators.

**Why did Jesus take only Peter, James, and John?**

Answer: Jesus consistently chose Peter, James, and John as His inner circle, inviting them to witness His most intimate and profound experiences. This selection is seen in other significant moments, such as the raising of Jairus' daughter ([Mark 5:37](/mark/5-37 "Mark 5:37 - Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter")) and His agony in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:37](/matthew/26-37 "Matthew 26:37 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). Their presence at the Transfiguration underscores the immense importance of the event and their role as privileged witnesses. It suggests that while Jesus' ministry was for all, certain deeper revelations were reserved for those who had cultivated a closer relationship with Him, preparing them for the weighty responsibility of proclaiming His full identity.

**What is the significance of the "high mountain apart"?**

Answer: The "high mountain" is a potent biblical symbol, often representing a place of divine encounter, revelation, and covenant. Throughout the Old Testament, mountains like Sinai ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears on Mount Sinai")) and Horeb ([1 Kings 19](/1-kings/19 "1 Kings 19 - Elijah on Mount Horeb")) were sites where God manifested His presence and communicated His will. By leading His disciples up such a mountain, Jesus signals that a momentous, sacred event is about to unfold, connecting His ministry to the rich history of God's self-revelation. The phrase "apart" (Greek: _kat' idian_) emphasizes the private and exclusive nature of this experience, away from the crowds, creating a sacred space for an intimate and transformative encounter with God's glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 17:1, in setting the stage for the Transfiguration, powerfully foreshadows the Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the ultimate revelation of Jesus' divine glory. The "six days" and the "high mountain" evoke the imagery of Moses on Mount Sinai, where God's glory descended and the Law was given ([Exodus 24:15-18](/exodus/24-15-18 "Exodus 24:15-18 - The Glory of the Lord on Mount Sinai")). In the Transfiguration, Jesus is revealed as the greater Moses, not merely a lawgiver, but the very embodiment of God's presence and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The dazzling appearance of Jesus, accompanied by Moses and Elijah, confirms His identity as the Messiah who perfectly embodies both the Law and the prophetic word. This event is a tangible preview of Christ's future glory, the "coming in his kingdom" that Jesus promised in [Matthew 16:28](/matthew/16-28 "Matthew 16:28 - Coming of the Son of Man in His Kingdom"). It offers a glimpse into the radiant splendor of the resurrected and ascended Christ, who will one day return in power and great glory ([Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Coming of the Son of Man")). Thus, Matthew 17:1 introduces a moment where the veil between heaven and earth is momentarily lifted, revealing Jesus not just as a man, but as the Son of God, the King of Glory, whose ultimate triumph and reign are assured, providing hope and confirmation for His disciples then, and for believers today ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

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 26:37

And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

Mark 5:37

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

2 Peter 1:18

And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

Mark 9:2

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.

Mark 9:13

But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.