Matthew 17:1-13 - The Transfiguration

¹ After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother up into a high mountain alone. ² While they watched, Jesus' appearance changed (transformed) (transfigured) in their presence. His face was as bright as the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. ³ Moses and Elijah appeared, and they were talking to him.

⁴ Peter told Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let us make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.

⁵ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them. A voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.

⁶ When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces. They were very afraid.

⁷ Jesus touched them and told them to get up and not be afraid. ⁸ They saw only Jesus when they opened their eyes. ⁹ When they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone what they saw, until the Son of man has risen from the dead.

¹⁰ His disciples asked him: Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?

¹¹ In answer he said: Elijah truly has to come and put all things right. ¹² I tell you that Elijah has come. They did not know him and treated him badly as they pleased. They will do the same with the Son of man. ¹³ Then the disciples saw that he was telling them about John the Baptist.

² Six days later Jesus took Peter, James and John up on a high mountain completely alone. He was transfigured in front of them. ³ His garments became brilliant white. Nothing on earth could make them this white. ⁴ Elijah and Moses appeared before them. They were talking with Jesus.

⁵ Peter said to Jesus: Teacher it is good for us to be here. Let us make three tabernacles, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. ⁶ Peter and the others were afraid and they did not know what to say.

⁷ A cloud hovered over them and a voice came out of the cloud: This is my Son the beloved listen to him!

⁸ Suddenly they saw no one near them except Jesus.

⁹ They came down the mountain. He warned them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Son of man had risen from the dead. ¹⁰ They kept questioning among themselves what the rising from the dead means.

¹¹ Then they asked him how is it that the scribes say that Elijah must first come?

¹² He said: Elijah does come first and restores all things. It is written that the Son of man should suffer and be treated with contempt? ¹³ But I say to you that Elijah has come. They have done to him what ever they wished just as it is written about him.

²⁸ About eight days after he said these things he took Peter, John and James, and went up into the mountain to pray. ²⁹ While he prayed his appearance changed and his clothes became white and brilliant. ³⁰ Moses and Elijah talked to him. ³¹ They appeared in glory and spoke about the death he was about to experience at Jerusalem.

³² Peter and his companions were very sleepy. When they awoke they saw his brilliance and the two men that stood with him. ³³ Before they left Peter said to Jesus: Master it is good for us to be here. Let us make three tabernacles. We could make one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah. He did not know what he was saying.

³⁴ While he said these things a cloud enveloped them and they were filled with fear. ³⁵ A voice came out of the cloud saying: This is my Son my chosen one. Listen to him!

³⁶ When the voice came Jesus was found alone. They kept quiet and told no man what they had seen.