Luke 9:28
What does Luke 9:28 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 9:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 9:28 means
About eight days after Jesus’ sayings, he took Peter, John, and James up the mountain to pray. The timing indicates a short but significant interval after his teachings and promises. Taking three inner disciples highlights their privileged role in witnessing pivotal events. Jesus’ choice to pray sets the stage for divine revelation; prayer is the context in which God’s glory appears. The mountain setting recalls other revelation scenes in Israel’s story, foreshadowing a theophany that confirms Jesus’ identity and mission in a new, supernatural way.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, that he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up into the mountain to pray.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, that he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up into the mountain to pray.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And about eight days after he had said these things, he took Peter and John and James with him and went up into the mountain for prayer.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And it came to pass, after these words, as it were eight days, that having taken Peter, and John, and James, he went up to the mountain to pray,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And it came to pass, about eight days after these words, that he took Peter and James and John and went up into a mountain to pray.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And it came to pass after these words, about eight days, that taking Peter and John and James he went up into a mountain to pray.
Context
This verse begins the transfiguration episode promised in v.27. Luke places this event roughly a week later to mark its significance and to show continuity from Jesus’ teachings on suffering and kingdom. By selecting three apostles and withdrawing to pray, Jesus both models dependence on the Father and prepares an intimate revelation that will reinforce the truth of his messianic role—contrasting the way of the cross with the glory that awaits.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 8:51
And when he came to the house, he suffered not any man to enter in with him, save Peter, and John, and James, and the father of the maiden and her mother.
- Psalms 109:4
For my love they are my adversaries: But Igive myself untoprayer.
- Matthew 26:37
And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and sore troubled.
- Mark 9:2
And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them;
- Luke 9:18
And it came to pass, as he was praying apart, the disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Who do the multitudes say that I am?
- Mark 1:35
And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose up and went out, and departed into a desert place, and there prayed.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 9
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 9.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Compassion
The Bible reveals God’s deep compassion for humanity and calls believers to extend similar mercy and understanding to others, reflecting His love.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.