Matthew 17:4

Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

Then {G1161} answered {G611} Peter {G4074}, and said {G2036} unto Jesus {G2424}, Lord {G2962}, it is {G2076} good {G2570} for us {G2248} to be {G1511} here {G5602}: if {G1487} thou wilt {G2309}, let us make {G4160} here {G5602} three {G5140} tabernacles {G4633}; one {G3391} for thee {G4671}, and {G2532} one {G3391} for Moses {G3475}, and {G2532} one {G3391} for Elias {G2243}.

Kefa said to Yeshua, "It's good that we're here, Lord. I'll put up three shelters if you want -- one for you, one for Moshe and one for Eliyahu."

Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If You wish, I will put up three shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

And Peter answered, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, I will make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.

Context

Matthew 17:4 occurs during the pivotal event known as the Transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus had taken Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where He was suddenly transformed, His face shining like the sun and His clothes becoming as white as light. At this moment, Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, appeared and conversed with Jesus. Peter's spontaneous suggestion to build three tabernacles (tents or temporary shelters) comes immediately after this breathtaking display of divine glory, before the voice of God the Father speaks from a bright cloud.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Peter's Impulsiveness: This verse highlights Peter's characteristic zeal and sometimes misguided enthusiasm. His desire to commemorate the moment is strong, but he speaks without full understanding of the divine purpose, as noted in parallel accounts (Mark 9:6, Luke 9:33). This echoes other moments of Peter's bold, yet sometimes mistaken, declarations.
  • Misunderstanding the Moment: While Peter's intention might have been good – to prolong the glorious experience and honor the three figures – his proposal missed the true purpose of the Transfiguration. It was not meant to be a permanent dwelling place but a revelation of Jesus' divine identity and a confirmation of His mission, including His impending suffering and death.
  • The Significance of Moses and Elijah: Their presence signifies that Jesus is the fulfillment of both the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). Their conversation with Jesus (see Luke 9:31) concerned His "decease" (exodus) which He was to accomplish at Jerusalem, emphasizing His path to the cross rather than a static, glorious mountaintop experience.
  • The Allure of Spiritual Highs: Peter's reaction reflects a common human desire to cling to moments of profound spiritual experience and glory, perhaps seeking to avoid the challenging realities of life and ministry that lay ahead.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "tabernacles" is skēnas (σκηνάς), which refers to temporary shelters or tents. This term is significant because it evokes the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), where Israelites lived in temporary booths to commemorate God's provision and presence during their wilderness wanderings. Peter's suggestion might have been rooted in this cultural understanding, envisioning a celebratory, permanent dwelling for these revered figures, similar to the divine presence in the tabernacle of old.

Practical Application

Peter's words serve as a reminder that while spiritual mountaintop experiences are precious and confirming, they are often temporary. The ultimate purpose of such revelations is not to remain in a state of isolated glory, but to equip believers for the mission and challenges of daily life and ministry. We are called to descend from the "mountain" of revelation back into the "valley" of service, carrying the transformed perspective and divine confirmation into the world. It teaches us to appreciate divine encounters but also to understand their purpose in preparing us for ongoing obedience and service to Christ, who is to be heard above all others ("Hear ye him.").

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.

  • Mark 9:5

    And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

  • Mark 9:6

    For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.

  • Luke 9:33

    And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

  • Revelation 22:3

    And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

  • Revelation 22:5

    And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

  • Psalms 63:1

    ¶ A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou [art] my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

  • Psalms 63:5

    My soul shall be satisfied as [with] marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise [thee] with joyful lips:

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back