Matthew 17:2

KJV

And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} was transfigured {G3339} before {G1715} them {G846}: and {G2532} his {G846} face {G4383} did shine {G2989} as {G5613} the sun {G2246}, and {G1161} his {G846} raiment {G2440} was {G1096} white {G3022} as {G5613} the light {G5457}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As they watched, he began to change form -- his face shone like the sun, and his clothing became as white as light.

Berean Standard Bible

There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

American Standard Version

and he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 17:2 presents the climactic moment of the Transfiguration, where Jesus' inherent divine glory, previously veiled during His earthly ministry, was momentarily revealed to Peter, James, and John. This profound event saw Jesus' face radiate with the brilliance of the sun and His garments become dazzlingly white, providing a tangible glimpse of His true identity as the Son of God and a foretaste of His future glorified state.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Transfiguration narrative in [Matthew 17:1-8](/matthew/17-1-8 "Matthew 17:1-8 - The Transfiguration Account") is strategically placed immediately after two pivotal declarations in [Matthew 16](/matthew/16 "Matthew 16 - Peter's Confession and Jesus' Prediction"). First, Peter's confession of Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God" in [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession"). Second, Jesus' subsequent prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection in [Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Predicts His Death"). The Transfiguration serves as a divine affirmation of Peter's confession and a powerful counterpoint to the somber prediction of suffering, assuring the disciples that the path to glory for both Jesus and His followers would indeed pass through suffering, but culminate in ultimate divine splendor. It also precedes the healing of the demon-possessed boy in [Matthew 17:14-20](/matthew/17-14-20 "Matthew 17:14-20 - Healing the Demon-Possessed Boy"), which highlights the disciples' lack of faith in contrast to Jesus' divine power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Mountains in the biblical tradition frequently serve as sites of divine encounter and revelation. From Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Law and encountered God's glory ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears on Mount Sinai")), to Mount Carmel, where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal ([1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel")), these elevated places symbolized closeness to God and profound spiritual experiences. While the exact location of the Transfiguration is debated (traditionally Mount Tabor or Mount Hermon), its setting on a "high mountain" ([Matthew 17:1](/matthew/17-1 "Matthew 17:1 - Jesus Takes Disciples Up a High Mountain")) underscores its significance as a sacred space where the veil between heaven and earth was momentarily thinned. The Jewish expectation of the Messiah often included a glorious, powerful figure, and the Transfiguration would have resonated with these hopes, even as it redefined the path to that glory through suffering.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the broader Transfiguration narrative, contributes to several major theological themes. It powerfully highlights the **divine glory and inherent deity of Jesus Christ**, revealing His true nature as God incarnate, not merely a prophet or teacher. It serves as a **confirmation of Jesus' messianic identity**, validating Peter's confession and providing undeniable proof to the inner circle of disciples. Furthermore, the Transfiguration functions as a **foretaste of future glory**, both for Jesus in His post-resurrection state and ultimate return, and for believers who will share in His glorified existence, as anticipated in passages like [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship in Heaven and Glorified Bodies"). The event also implicitly underscores the **continuity between the Old and New Covenants**, as Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) appear with Jesus, affirming Him as the fulfillment of both.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **transfigured (Greek, _metamorphóō_):** G3339 - This verb signifies a profound and complete change in outward form that reveals an inner, true nature. It is the root of the English word "metamorphosis." In Jesus' case, it was not a change *into* something new, but a temporary unveiling of His intrinsic divine glory, which had been veiled during His earthly ministry. It implies a transformation from within, making visible His essential being.
* **did shine (Greek, _lámpō_):** G2989 - This verb means "to beam" or "radiate brilliancy." It describes an active emission of light, not merely a reflection. This emphasizes that the light emanating from Jesus was inherent to Him, a manifestation of His own divine essence, rather than an external source.
* **light (Greek, _phōs_):** G5457 - This noun refers to luminousness in its widest application, encompassing natural, artificial, abstract, or concrete light. In this context, it denotes divine, uncreated light, symbolizing purity, holiness, and the very presence of God. The comparison of Jesus' raiment to "the light" underscores its supernatural brilliance, surpassing any earthly luminosity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And was transfigured before them":** This phrase introduces the central action of the verse. The passive voice ("was transfigured") suggests a divine act, indicating that this transformation was not something Jesus actively willed in the moment, but rather a revelation orchestrated by God. The "them" refers to Peter, James, and John, the inner circle of disciples chosen to witness this unique manifestation of Christ's glory. The term "transfigured" implies a change in outward appearance that reveals an inner reality, making visible Jesus' divine nature that was ordinarily concealed by His human form.
* **"and his face did shine as the sun":** This clause describes the first aspect of Jesus' physical transformation. His face, the most expressive part of the human body, became radiant with an intensity comparable to the sun. This imagery evokes Old Testament descriptions of divine glory, such as Moses' face shining after encountering God on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 34:29-35](/exodus/34-29-35 "Exodus 34:29-35 - Moses' Shining Face")), but here, the radiance is inherent to Jesus Himself, signifying His co-equality with God. It speaks to His intrinsic, uncreated light.
* **"and his raiment was white as the light":** This second descriptive clause details the transformation of Jesus' clothing. His garments became dazzlingly white, likened to "the light" itself. This is not merely a bright white, but a supernatural, luminous whiteness that transcends earthly purity. In biblical literature, brilliant white often symbolizes divine purity, holiness, and heavenly glory, frequently associated with angelic beings or divine appearances ([Daniel 7:9](/daniel/7-9 "Daniel 7:9 - The Ancient of Days") describes God's garments as white as snow). This aspect of the Transfiguration further emphasizes Jesus' divine nature and heavenly origin.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 17:2 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the profound significance of the Transfiguration. **Simile** is prominently used with the phrases "as the sun" and "as the light," directly comparing Jesus' shining face and dazzling raiment to these sources of intense brilliance. This creates vivid imagery that helps the reader grasp the extraordinary nature of the event. The use of **Hyperbole** in these comparisons ("as the sun," "as the light") emphasizes the supernatural and overwhelming intensity of Jesus' glory, suggesting a radiance beyond normal human experience or description. The entire scene functions as a **Theophany**, a visible manifestation of God's presence and glory. While not a direct appearance of God the Father, it is a revelation of the Son's inherent divinity, serving as a divine disclosure. Finally, **Symbolism** is rich in the imagery of light and white garments, which universally represent purity, holiness, truth, and divine presence throughout biblical narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Transfiguration, as described in Matthew 17:2, is a cornerstone event for Christian theology, profoundly impacting our understanding of Christ's identity and the nature of God's kingdom. It unequivocally affirms Jesus' full deity, demonstrating that He is not merely a human prophet or teacher, but the very Son of God, possessing inherent divine glory. This event serves as a powerful validation of Peter's earlier confession and provides the disciples with a glimpse of the ultimate glory that awaits Jesus after His resurrection and ascension, and indeed, the glory of His future return. It bridges the Old Testament prophecies of a glorious Messiah with the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the fulfillment, showing that His suffering and death are not the end, but the necessary path to ultimate exaltation. The light and purity displayed foreshadow the heavenly reality and the glorified state of believers who will share in Christ's likeness.

* [Exodus 34:29-35](/exodus/34-29-35 "Exodus 34:29-35 - Moses' Shining Face")
* [Daniel 7:9-10](/daniel/7-9-10 "Daniel 7:9-10 - The Ancient of Days and His Attire")
* [Revelation 1:16](/revelation/1-16 "Revelation 1:16 - Jesus' Face Shining Like the Sun")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Transfiguration of Jesus, particularly the radiant display of His glory in Matthew 17:2, offers profound insights and calls for deep reflection in the life of a believer. It serves as an undeniable assurance of Jesus' divine nature and supreme authority. In a world that often questions His identity or reduces Him to a mere historical figure, this passage reminds us that He is indeed God incarnate, worthy of our absolute trust, worship, and obedience. This glimpse of His inherent glory should inspire awe and reverence, deepening our adoration for the One who condescended to take on human flesh. Furthermore, the Transfiguration provides a powerful beacon of hope, reminding us that the suffering and trials of this life are temporary. Just as Jesus' glory was revealed after His predictions of suffering, so too will believers experience a future transformation and share in His eternal glory. This hope empowers us to endure, knowing that our ultimate destiny is to be conformed to the image of His glorified body.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the revelation of Jesus' divine glory in the Transfiguration deepen your understanding of His identity and worthiness of worship?**
* **What comfort and hope does this event offer you regarding the future transformation and glorification of believers?**
* **In what ways does this passage encourage you to live a life that reflects the light and purity of Christ in a dark world?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jesus' face shining as the sun and his clothes being white as the light?**

Answer: The vivid imagery of Jesus' face shining "as the sun" and His clothes being "white as the light" signifies His inherent divine glory, purity, and holiness. This was not an external light source, but an emanation from within Him, revealing His true nature as God. It connects to Old Testament theophanies where God's presence was often associated with dazzling light and fire (e.g., [Exodus 24:17](/exodus/24-17 "Exodus 24:17 - The Glory of the Lord on Mount Sinai")). The brilliance of His face echoes the glory of God that shone on Moses' face after his encounter with the Lord on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 34:29-35](/exodus/34-29-35 "Exodus 34:29-35 - Moses' Shining Face")), but Jesus' glory is intrinsic, not reflected. The pure white raiment symbolizes His unblemished holiness and heavenly origin, often associated with divine beings or heavenly scenes in biblical literature ([Daniel 7:9](/daniel/7-9 "Daniel 7:9 - The Ancient of Days") and [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - Multitude in White Robes")). Together, these descriptions confirm Jesus' unique status as the Son of God and the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Transfiguration, particularly the radiant display of Jesus' inherent glory in Matthew 17:2, serves as a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, illuminating the very essence of who Jesus is and what He accomplishes. It is a pre-resurrection glimpse into the glorified state of the Son of God, affirming the truth of [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), where John declares that "we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father." This momentary unveiling of divine splendor was not merely a show of power, but a crucial affirmation of Jesus' identity before His journey to the cross. The light that shone from Him foreshadows the ultimate victory over darkness achieved through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, a victory that would bring the light of salvation to the world. Furthermore, this event points to the eschatological hope for believers, as we are promised to be transformed into His image from glory to glory ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image")) and to have our lowly bodies transformed to be like His glorious body ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Glorified Bodies")). Ultimately, the Transfiguration reveals Jesus as the eternal Light, the radiance of God's glory ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")), who will one day be the sole light of the New Jerusalem, where there will be no need for sun or moon, for the glory of God will illuminate it, and the Lamb will be its lamp ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - No Need for Sun in New Jerusalem")).

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

Psalms 104:2

Who coverest [thyself] with light as [with] a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:

Matthew 28:3

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

Luke 9:29

And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment [was] white [and] glistering.

Revelation 1:13

And in the midst of the seven candlesticks [one] like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

Revelation 1:17

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Revelation 10:1

¶ And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow [was] upon his head, and his face [was] as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

Revelation 20:11

¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.