17:1 17:1

Matthew 17:2

17:3 17:3

Bible Versions

And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
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}.
As they watched, he began to change form -- his face shone like the sun, and his clothing became as white as light.
There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.
and he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light.

Commentary on Matthew 17:2 (KJV)

Matthew 17:2 describes the pivotal event known as the Transfiguration, where Jesus' divine glory was momentarily revealed to three of His disciples. This verse specifically focuses on the physical manifestation of that glory.

Context

The Transfiguration occurs shortly after Peter's profound confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, and Jesus' subsequent prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection. Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a "high mountain" (traditionally believed to be Mount Tabor or Mount Hermon), providing them with a unique glimpse into His true identity. This event served as a divine affirmation of Jesus' Messiahship and a foretaste of His future glory and the coming of His kingdom.

Key Themes

  • Divine Glory Revealed: The verse vividly portrays Jesus' inherent divine nature. His face shining "as the sun" and His clothes becoming "white as the light" are symbolic of pure, unblemished holiness and the radiant glory of God. This was not merely an angelic appearance but a revelation of His very essence.
  • Confirmation of Jesus' Identity: The Transfiguration served as a powerful confirmation to the disciples that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, the promised Messiah, and not merely a prophet or a wise teacher. It underscored the truth of Peter's earlier confession.
  • Forecasting Future Glory: This event is often understood as a preview of Jesus' post-resurrection glorified body and His ultimate return in glory to establish His full kingdom. It offers hope for believers who will one day share in a similar transformation, as discussed in Philippians 3:21 concerning our own glorified bodies.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "transfigured" comes from the Greek verb metamorphoo (μεταμορφόω), from which we derive the English word "metamorphosis." This term signifies a profound and complete change in outward form that reveals an inner, true nature. 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.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 17:2 offers profound reassurance and a basis for worship:

  • Assurance of Christ's Divinity: The Transfiguration reminds us that Jesus is truly God, worthy of all praise, trust, and obedience. His glory is not something bestowed upon Him, but inherent to His being.
  • Hope in Future Glory: This glimpse of Christ's glory serves as a powerful promise for those who believe in Him. Just as Jesus' body was transformed, believers look forward to a future transformation and glorified existence with Him.
  • Focus on Jesus' Authority: The subsequent voice from heaven in this narrative (Matthew 17:5) commands, "Hear ye him," emphasizing the supreme authority of Jesus' words and teachings as the Son of God.
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.

  • 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.
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