Matthew 17:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 17:4, following the breathtaking Transfiguration of Jesus on a high mountain, Peter impulsively responds to the appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus. Overwhelmed by the divine glory, he suggests building three temporary shelters, or tabernacles, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. This spontaneous proposal reveals Peter's zeal and desire to prolong the glorious moment, yet also his initial misunderstanding of Jesus' unique divine status in relation to the Law and the Prophets.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of the Transfiguration, a pivotal event in Jesus' ministry. Immediately preceding it, [Matthew 17:1-3](/matthew/17-1-3 "Matthew 17:1-3 - The Transfiguration of Jesus") describes Jesus taking Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where His appearance is supernaturally transformed, and Moses and Elijah appear, conversing with Him. Peter's suggestion in [Matthew 17:4](/matthew/17-4 "Matthew 17:4 - Peter's Proposal at the Transfiguration") comes at the peak of this divine manifestation, just before the voice of God the Father speaks from a bright cloud in [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - God's Declaration of Jesus' Sonship"), confirming Jesus' unique Sonship and commanding the disciples to "Hear ye him." The event serves as a powerful revelation of Jesus' divine identity and foreshadows His impending suffering and glory, a theme Jesus had recently begun to teach His disciples about in [Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "tabernacles" (Greek: _skēnē_) would have resonated deeply with Jewish listeners, evoking the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). This annual festival commemorated Israel's forty years of wandering in the wilderness, during which they lived in temporary booths, and celebrated God's faithful provision and presence among them. Sukkot also carried strong eschatological connotations, looking forward to the messianic age when God would finally dwell permanently with His people. Peter's proposal to build three such shelters might have been an attempt to commemorate this unique divine encounter, perhaps even to establish a permanent dwelling for these revered figures, or to usher in a perceived messianic era of glory. The presence of Moses and Elijah is highly significant: Moses represents the Law, and Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, represents the Prophets. Their appearance with Jesus underscores that Jesus is the culmination and fulfillment of all that the Law and the Prophets foretold, particularly concerning His "exodus" (departure) which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem, as noted in [Luke 9:31](/luke/9-31 "Luke 9:31 - Moses and Elijah Discuss Jesus' Departure").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within the broader narrative. It highlights the **divine revelation of Jesus' identity** as the Son of God, superior to both Law and Prophets. It underscores the **fulfillment of the Old Testament** in Christ, as Moses and Elijah bear witness to Him. Peter's impulsive reaction introduces the theme of **human misunderstanding versus divine purpose**; while well-intentioned, his desire to prolong the glorious moment misses the deeper, redemptive purpose of the Transfiguration, which was to confirm Jesus' identity before His journey to the cross. Finally, it touches on the **temporary nature of spiritual "mountaintop" experiences** versus the ongoing call to discipleship and mission in the "valley" of everyday life, a lesson the disciples would need to learn as they descended the mountain.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **answered (Greek, _apokrínomai'_):** From G611, meaning "to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond; by Hebraism (compare עָנָה) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)." This term emphasizes Peter's immediate, perhaps even automatic, verbal reaction to the overwhelming sight, highlighting his characteristic impulsiveness. He doesn't wait to be addressed but speaks out of the moment's intensity.
* **good (Greek, _kalós'_):** From G2570, meaning "properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from ἀγαθός, which is properly intrinsic)." Peter perceives the experience as outwardly beautiful, excellent, and desirable, prompting his desire to preserve it. His assessment is based on the visible glory and the profound impact it has on him.
* **tabernacles (Greek, _skēnḗ'_):** From G4633, meaning "a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively)." This word specifically refers to temporary, portable shelters, unlike permanent structures. Peter's suggestion to build _skēnai_ directly evokes the temporary dwellings of the Israelites in the wilderness and the Feast of Sukkot, suggesting a desire to establish a sacred, albeit temporary, dwelling place for the divine presence he was witnessing.
* **if thou wilt (Greek, _ei thélō'_):** `ei` (G1487) is a primary particle of conditionality, "if, whether, that." `thélō` (G2309) means "to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse...); to wish, i.e. be inclined to." This phrase indicates Peter's respectful submission to Jesus' authority ("if thou wilt"), yet it also conveys his strong personal desire and initiative in making the suggestion. It's a conditional proposal, seeking Jesus' approval for his spontaneous idea.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord,"**: This phrase highlights Peter's immediate and characteristic impulse to speak in moments of high drama or revelation. His address "Lord" (G2962, _kýrios_) acknowledges Jesus' authority and divinity, even if his subsequent suggestion demonstrates a partial misunderstanding of it. His response is spontaneous, driven by the awe of the moment.
* **"it is good for us to be here:"**: Peter expresses the profound positive impact of the Transfiguration. He finds the experience overwhelmingly beneficial, beautiful, and desirable, a moment of unparalleled spiritual privilege. This statement reflects a common human desire to cling to moments of intense spiritual revelation and glory.
* **"if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles;"**: Peter's specific proposal, framed as a conditional request to Jesus ("if thou wilt"). The idea of building "tabernacles" (temporary shelters) suggests a desire to commemorate the event, to house the divine visitors, and perhaps to prolong the glorious encounter indefinitely. This action reflects a human attempt to contain or institutionalize a divine, transient revelation.
* **"one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias."**: This final clause reveals Peter's significant theological misstep. By proposing equal shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, he implicitly places Jesus on the same level as the Law and the Prophets. This indicates his incomplete understanding of Jesus' unique, supreme divine identity, which the Father's voice from heaven in the very next verse will immediately correct.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "high mountain" symbolizing a place of divine encounter and revelation, akin to Mount Sinai where Moses received the Law. The "tabernacles" themselves are rich in **symbolism**, evoking the temporary dwelling of God among His people in the wilderness and the Feast of Sukkot, which celebrated God's provision and looked forward to the messianic age. Peter's desire to build these structures can be seen as a human attempt to establish a permanent dwelling for a transient divine manifestation. There is also a strong **contrast** between the overwhelming divine glory witnessed by the disciples and Peter's very human, impulsive, and somewhat misguided response. This contrast highlights the gap between human understanding and divine purpose. Furthermore, the appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus serves as **foreshadowing**, hinting at Jesus' fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, and specifically His "exodus" (departure) that they discuss, which points to His impending death and resurrection in Jerusalem.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Peter's impulsive suggestion to build three tabernacles encapsulates a profound theological tension: the human desire to capture and contain divine glory versus God's sovereign, progressive revelation and redemptive plan. While Peter's intentions were likely pure—to honor the figures and prolong a moment of unparalleled spiritual beauty—his proposal fundamentally misunderstood the purpose of the Transfiguration. It was not meant to be a permanent dwelling place for an equal triumvirate, but a pivotal revelation of Jesus' unique identity as the beloved Son of God, whose authority transcends and fulfills the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). The event was a confirmation of Jesus' divine mission, including His path of suffering and death, not an invitation to remain in a static state of glory. This moment underscores the theological truth that true spiritual growth often involves descending from "mountaintop" experiences to engage with the realities of discipleship, service, and even suffering in the "valley" below, always under the supreme authority of Christ.

* [Mark 9:6](/mark/9-6 "Mark 9:6 - Peter's Fear and Confusion")
* [Luke 9:33](/luke/9-33 "Luke 9:33 - Peter's Lack of Understanding")
* [2 Peter 1:16-18](/2_peter/1-16-18 "2 Peter 1:16-18 - Eyewitnesses of His Majesty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's reaction on the Mount of Transfiguration offers a powerful mirror for our own spiritual journeys. We, too, often desire to cling to moments of profound spiritual experience, seeking to prolong the "mountaintop" highs of revelation, worship, or fellowship. While these moments are precious and can be deeply transformative, Peter's error reminds us that their ultimate purpose is not to be an end in themselves, but to equip us for the journey ahead. The Transfiguration was not a call for Peter to build a monument and stay, but a divine confirmation of Jesus' identity and mission, preparing the disciples for the challenging path to the cross and the subsequent mission of spreading the Gospel. We are called to appreciate divine encounters, to let them deepen our faith and understanding of Christ's supremacy, but then to descend into the "valley" of daily life, carrying that transformed perspective into our service, obedience, and witness. Our spiritual experiences should propel us forward in discipleship, not cause us to stagnate in a state of isolated glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we balance the natural human desire to cling to spiritual "highs" with the call to daily discipleship and service in the ordinary, sometimes challenging, realities of life?**
* **In what ways might we, like Peter, sometimes misunderstand God's immediate purpose for a revelation or experience, attempting to control or contain what is meant to be a dynamic, forward-moving work?**
* **How does the Transfiguration, and Peter's reaction to it, inform our understanding of Jesus' unique authority and His supremacy over all other spiritual figures or revelations?**
* **What "mountaintop" experiences has God given you, and how have they equipped you for the "valley" of everyday life and ministry?**

### FAQ
**Why did Peter want to build three tabernacles?**

Answer: Peter's desire to build three tabernacles stemmed from an impulsive, albeit well-intentioned, reaction to the overwhelming glory and significance of the Transfiguration. He was likely seeking to commemorate and prolong this unique, awe-inspiring moment, perhaps even envisioning a permanent dwelling for these revered figures. The idea of "tabernacles" (temporary shelters) might have been influenced by the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), which celebrated God's dwelling among His people and looked forward to the messianic age. However, his proposal revealed a misunderstanding of Jesus' unique status, as he placed Jesus on the same level as Moses and Elijah, an error immediately corrected by God the Father's voice in [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - God's Declaration of Jesus' Sonship").

**What was Peter's mistake in this verse?**

Answer: Peter's primary mistake was equating Jesus with Moses and Elijah by suggesting three equal tabernacles. While Moses represented the Law and Elijah the Prophets, Jesus is the divine Son of God, the fulfillment and culmination of both. The subsequent divine voice from the bright cloud in [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - God's Declaration of Jesus' Sonship") explicitly corrects this by declaring, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." This command elevates Jesus above all others, emphasizing His singular authority and unique divine identity, which Peter had not yet fully grasped.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Peter's well-intentioned but misguided proposal to build three tabernacles on the Mount of Transfiguration ultimately serves to highlight the unique supremacy of Christ. While Peter sought to place Jesus on par with Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets), the very next moment reveals the Father's declaration, "This is my beloved Son... hear ye him!" ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - God's Declaration of Jesus' Sonship")). This divine pronouncement clarifies that Jesus is not merely another great prophet or lawgiver, but the ultimate revelation of God, the one to whom all Law and Prophets point. Indeed, Jesus Himself is the true and greater "tabernacle," for in Him, God has truly "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The temporary shelters Peter envisioned are superseded by the eternal dwelling of God in Christ, who, through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, provides the ultimate and permanent presence of God with humanity. The "exodus" that Moses and Elijah discussed with Jesus ([Luke 9:31](/luke/9-31 "Luke 9:31 - Moses and Elijah Discuss Jesus' Departure")) was not a physical departure from the mountain, but His redemptive journey to Jerusalem to accomplish salvation, fulfilling all that the Old Testament foreshadowed. Thus, Peter's desire for a physical, commemorative structure is fulfilled in Christ's spiritual reality, where believers become living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), indwelt by the very presence of God through Christ.

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

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: