Matthew 17:3

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

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

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

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

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

Matthew 17:3 is a pivotal verse within the account of the Transfiguration, a miraculous event in the life of Jesus Christ. This verse records the appearance of two monumental figures from the Old Testament alongside Jesus.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection, as well as His teaching about the cost of discipleship (Matthew 16:21-28). Jesus had taken Peter, James, and John—His inner circle of disciples—up a "high mountain" (traditionally believed to be Mount Tabor or Mount Hermon). The appearance of Moses and Elijah is not a random occurrence but a significant divine endorsement of Jesus' identity and mission, setting the stage for the heavenly voice in Matthew 17:5.

Key Themes

  • Divine Confirmation of Jesus' Identity: The presence of Moses and Elijah served as a powerful validation of Jesus as the promised Messiah. Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the Prophets. Their appearance with Jesus signifies that He is the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophetic declarations of the Old Testament.
  • Continuity of God's Plan: This scene beautifully illustrates the seamless connection between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant established by Christ. It shows that Jesus did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17).
  • Anticipation of Glory: The Transfiguration offers a glimpse into Jesus' divine glory, foreshadowing His resurrection, ascension, and ultimate return in power. It was a foretaste of the kingdom of God coming with power, as Jesus had alluded to in Mark 9:1.
  • Witnesses to the Messiah: Moses and Elijah, two of the most revered figures in Jewish history, appear as witnesses to Jesus' unique status as the Son of God. Their conversation with Jesus (further detailed in Luke 9:31) focused on His "decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem," emphasizing the redemptive purpose of His upcoming crucifixion.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "And, behold" translates the Greek word idou (ἰδού), which is an exclamation used to draw attention to something sudden, surprising, or highly significant. It emphasizes the awe-inspiring nature of the appearance. The phrase "talking with him" (Greek: syllalountes) indicates a purposeful conversation, not merely a silent appearance, underscoring the importance of what was being discussed.

Significance and Application

Matthew 17:3 reinforces the biblical truth that Jesus is the pinnacle of God's revelation and the culmination of His redemptive plan throughout history. For believers today, this verse offers:

  • Strengthened Faith: It provides powerful evidence of Jesus' divine identity and authority, encouraging us to trust in Him as the unique Son of God.
  • Unity of Scripture: It highlights how the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, points to Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prepares the way, and the New Testament reveals His fulfillment.
  • Hope for the Future: The glory seen on the mountain gives us a glimpse of the glory that awaits Christ and His followers in the new creation, reminding us of the promise of no more tears in the new creation.
  • Call to Listen to Jesus: Ultimately, the Transfiguration account, including the appearance of Moses and Elijah, serves to underscore the Father's command in Matthew 17:5: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." While the Law and Prophets were important, Jesus is the ultimate Word of God to whom we must listen.
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.

  • 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.

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