Matthew 17:3

KJV

And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, there appeared {G3700} unto them {G846} Moses {G3475} and {G2532} Elias {G2243} talking {G4814} with {G3326} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they looked and saw Moshe and Eliyahu speaking with him.

Berean Standard Bible

Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus.

American Standard Version

And behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 17:3 describes the astonishing moment during the Transfiguration when Moses and Elijah suddenly appeared alongside Jesus on a high mountain, engaging in conversation with Him before the eyes of Peter, James, and John. This pivotal event serves as a profound divine endorsement of Jesus' identity as the Messiah, demonstrating His continuity with and fulfillment of the Old Testament Law and Prophets, while offering a glimpse into His inherent divine glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the Transfiguration narrative, which immediately follows Jesus' first explicit prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection in [Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection"). Following this difficult truth, Jesus takes His inner circle—Peter, James, and John—up a "high mountain apart" ([Matthew 17:1](/matthew/17-1 "Matthew 17:1 - The Transfiguration Begins")) where His appearance is dramatically transformed. The sudden manifestation of Moses and Elijah in [Matthew 17:3](/matthew/17-3 "Matthew 17:3 - Moses and Elijah Appear") serves as a powerful divine affirmation, setting the stage for the Father's authoritative declaration in [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Father's Voice from the Cloud"). The entire event is a profound visual and auditory confirmation of Jesus' unique identity and mission, intended to bolster the disciples' faith in the face of His impending suffering.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The appearance of Moses and Elijah carried immense significance for a Jewish audience. Moses was the foundational lawgiver, the one through whom God delivered the Torah at Mount Sinai, representing the Law. Elijah was the preeminent prophet, known for his zealous ministry, his ascension to heaven without dying ([2_kings/2-11](/2-kings/2-11 "2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah Taken Up to Heaven")), and the expectation of his return before the Messiah's coming ([Malachi 4:5](/malachi/4-5 "Malachi 4:5 - Prophecy of Elijah's Return")). The setting on a "high mountain" also evokes biblical precedents for divine encounters, such as Moses receiving the Law on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears on Mount Sinai")) or Elijah's encounter with God on Mount Horeb ([1_kings/19](/1-kings/19 "1 Kings 19 - Elijah Flees to Horeb")). Thus, the scene powerfully communicates that Jesus stands in continuity with, and as the culmination of, the entire Old Testament revelation, being greater than both the Law and the Prophets.

* **Key Themes:** The Transfiguration, and specifically the appearance of Moses and Elijah in this verse, contributes to several major theological themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Confirmation of Jesus' Identity** as the promised Messiah and Son of God, validating His unique authority and mission. Secondly, it highlights the **Continuity and Fulfillment of God's Redemptive Plan**, demonstrating that Jesus did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to bring them to their intended purpose ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law and the Prophets")). Thirdly, it offers a **Glimpse of Jesus' Future Glory**, foreshadowing His resurrection, ascension, and ultimate return in power, providing a foretaste of the kingdom of God coming with power, as Jesus had alluded to in [Mark 9:1](/mark/9-1 "Mark 9:1 - The Coming of the Kingdom with Power"). Finally, the conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, particularly as detailed in [Luke 9:31](/luke/9-31 "Luke 9:31 - Moses and Elijah Discuss Jesus' Departure"), emphasizes the **Centrality of Jesus' Atoning Work**, focusing on His "decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem," thereby linking His glory to His suffering and redemptive purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** This is an exclamation used to draw immediate attention to something sudden, surprising, or highly significant. It functions as an interjection, signaling to the reader or listener that an extraordinary event is about to unfold or has just occurred, emphasizing the awe-inspiring and unexpected nature of the appearance of Moses and Elijah.
* **appeared (Greek, _optánomai'_):** This verb signifies a vision or a manifestation, often implying a divine or supernatural appearance that is seen with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable. Unlike merely "seeing" (βλέπω or εἴδω), _optánomai_ suggests a distinct, intentional, and often awe-inducing manifestation, underscoring the miraculous and divinely orchestrated nature of Moses and Elijah's presence.
* **talking (Greek, _syllaléō'_):** Derived from "together" (σύν) and "to speak" (λαλέω), this word denotes a purposeful conversation or communion. It indicates that Moses and Elijah were not merely present but actively engaged in discourse with Jesus, implying a shared understanding and a significant topic of discussion, which Luke's account ([Luke 9:31](/luke/9-31 "Luke 9:31 - Moses and Elijah Discuss Jesus' Departure")) reveals to be Jesus' "decease" (exodus) in Jerusalem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold,"**: This opening phrase, translating the Greek _kai idoú_, immediately arrests the reader's attention. The "And" connects this event directly to the preceding narrative of Jesus' transfiguration, while "behold" (_idoú_) serves as an interjection, signaling the sudden, unexpected, and divinely orchestrated nature of what is about to be revealed. It prepares the disciples, and the reader, for an astonishing and significant manifestation.
* **"there appeared unto them Moses and Elias"**: This clause describes the central miraculous event of the verse: the visible manifestation of two of the most revered figures in Jewish history to Jesus' disciples. Moses, the Lawgiver, and Elijah, the greatest of the Prophets, materialize, signifying a divine endorsement of Jesus. Their appearance is not a mere vision but a tangible reality, witnessed by Peter, James, and John, emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Covenant to the New, with Jesus as the culminating figure.
* **"talking with him."**: This final phrase clarifies that Moses and Elijah were not merely present but engaged in active, purposeful conversation with Jesus. The Greek _syllalountes_ implies a communal discussion, underscoring the importance of their discourse. As revealed in Luke's parallel account ([Luke 9:31](/luke/9-31 "Luke 9:31 - Moses and Elijah Discuss Jesus' Departure")), their topic was Jesus' "decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem," highlighting the redemptive significance of His impending suffering and death, even in this moment of glory.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 17:3 is rich with **Symbolism**, primarily through the figures of Moses and Elijah. Moses represents the **Law**, the foundational covenant given through him at Sinai, while Elijah embodies the **Prophets**, representing the prophetic tradition and the expectation of the Messiah's coming. Their joint appearance with Jesus symbolically declares that Jesus is the fulfillment and culmination of both the Law and the Prophets, validating His messianic claims. The event itself functions as a **Theophany** or **Epiphany**, a sudden and dramatic manifestation of divine presence or glory, revealing Jesus' true identity as the Son of God. Furthermore, the entire Transfiguration narrative, including this verse, serves as **Foreshadowing**, offering the disciples a pre-emptive glimpse of Jesus' post-resurrection glory and His ultimate return in power, strengthening their faith for the trials and suffering that lay ahead.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus in Matthew 17:3 profoundly underscores the unity and progressive nature of God's redemptive plan throughout history. It demonstrates that Jesus does not stand apart from the Old Testament but is the very purpose and fulfillment of its prophecies, laws, and covenants. The Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) bear witness to Jesus, affirming His unique status as the Messiah. This moment validates the entire biblical narrative as a coherent story pointing to Christ, revealing that God's work in the Old Covenant was always preparatory for the New Covenant established through Jesus. It confirms that Jesus is the one to whom all Scripture bears witness, the one who brings God's revelation to its ultimate and perfect expression.

* [Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Luke 24:27 - Jesus Explains Scriptures to Disciples on Emmaus Road")
* [John 5:39](/john/5-39 "John 5:39 - Jesus on Searching the Scriptures")
* [Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 17:3 invites us to marvel at the divine orchestration of salvation history and to deepen our trust in Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God. The presence of Moses and Elijah, representing the entire Old Testament witness, serves as a powerful reminder that all of Scripture points to Christ. For us today, this means approaching the Bible not as a collection of disparate stories or laws, but as a unified narrative centered on Jesus. It encourages us to see how God's faithfulness unfolded over millennia, culminating in His Son. This glimpse of Jesus' glory, even amidst the discussion of His impending suffering, offers immense comfort and hope, assuring us that His path to the cross was not a defeat but a divinely appointed means to ultimate victory and glory. It calls us to listen attentively to Jesus, recognizing His supreme authority above all other voices, ancient or modern.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus strengthen your understanding of Jesus' unique identity and authority?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to see the Old and New Testaments as a unified story pointing to Jesus Christ?**
* **What does the conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah about His "decease" (Luke 9:31) reveal about the purpose of Jesus' suffering and glory?**
* **How might this glimpse of Jesus' glory on the mountain encourage you in times of difficulty or uncertainty in your own faith journey?**

### FAQ

**Why did Moses and Elijah appear specifically, and not other Old Testament figures?**

Answer: Moses and Elijah were chosen for their profound symbolic significance and their unique roles in Israelite history. Moses represents the Law, as he was the one through whom God delivered the Torah at Mount Sinai. Elijah represents the Prophets, being the greatest and most zealous of the prophets, and uniquely, one who ascended to heaven without dying ([2_kings/2-11](/2-kings/2-11 "2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah Taken Up to Heaven")). Their appearance together with Jesus powerfully signifies that Jesus is the fulfillment and culmination of both the Law and the Prophetic declarations of the Old Testament. They bear witness to Jesus' messianic identity and the continuity of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that He is the one to whom all of Scripture points. Furthermore, Jewish tradition anticipated Elijah's return before the Messiah ([Malachi 4:5](/malachi/4-5 "Malachi 4:5 - Prophecy of Elijah's Return")), making his presence particularly significant.

**What is the significance of the "high mountain" setting for this event?**

Answer: The "high mountain" setting is highly symbolic and culturally significant within biblical narratives. Mountains in Scripture are often places of divine encounter, revelation, and covenant. Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears on Mount Sinai")), and Elijah encountered God on Mount Horeb ([1_kings/19](/1-kings/19 "1 Kings 19 - Elijah Flees to Horeb")). By taking Jesus to a high mountain for the Transfiguration, Matthew emphasizes that this event is a profound divine revelation, a new covenantal moment, and a place where God's glory is uniquely manifested. It elevates the significance of Jesus' identity and mission, positioning Him as greater than, yet in continuity with, the foundational figures of Israel's past.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 17:3, with the appearance of Moses and Elijah, powerfully showcases Jesus as the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the Prophets, stand as the Old Testament's greatest witnesses, now testifying to the One who is the very embodiment and culmination of all that they foreshadowed. Jesus is not merely another prophet or lawgiver; He is the perfect Law-keeper and the ultimate Prophet to whom all others point. His glory, momentarily unveiled on the mountain, is the very glory of the Son of God, a glory that would be veiled in His suffering but fully revealed in His resurrection and ascension ([Philippians 2:6-11](/philippians/2-6-11 "Philippians 2:6-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). The conversation concerning His "decease" in Jerusalem ([Luke 9:31](/luke/9-31 "Luke 9:31 - Moses and Elijah Discuss Jesus' Departure")) highlights that even in this moment of divine affirmation, the cross remains central to His mission, the means by which He would fulfill the Law's demands and the Prophets' promises for the redemption of humanity. Thus, Jesus stands as the glorious bridge between the Old and New Covenants, the perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and the King who will return in power and great glory ([Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Sign of the Son of Man")).

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

Malachi 4:5

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

Mark 9:4

And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.

Luke 24:44

And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me.

2 Kings 2:11

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, [there appeared] a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

2 Kings 2:14

And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where [is] the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

Luke 9:30

And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

Luke 9:31

Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.