Devine Scripture

Luke 9:29

What does Luke 9:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 9:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 9:29 means

As he prayed, Jesus’ appearance changed and his clothing became white and dazzling. The transfiguration manifests Jesus’ divine glory, temporarily revealing his true nature beyond ordinary human form. The radiance speaks of heavenly purity and authority, visible testimony that the Messiah’s identity is rooted in God himself. Prayer is the means of revelation; in communion with the Father, Jesus’ glory is shown. This theophany strengthens the disciples’ faith and foreshadows the ultimate vindication that will follow suffering and death.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And as he was praying, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became white and dazzling.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And as he was praying, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became white and dazzling.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And while he was in prayer, his face was changed and his clothing became white and shining.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and it came to pass, in his praying, the appearance of his face became altered, and his garment white--sparkling.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And whilst he prayed, the shape of his countenance was altered and his raiment became white and glittering.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And as he prayed the fashion of his countenance became different and his raiment white [and] effulgent.

Context

This verse follows the ascent to pray (v.28) and is the first sign of the transfiguration. The altered countenance and dazzling garments signal a supernatural disclosure that prepares Peter’s, James’ and John’s witness. The revelation balances prior warnings of suffering (vv.22–26) by showing Jesus’ glory. The narrative proceeds with the appearance of Moses and Elijah (v.30) and a conversation about Jesus’ approaching death (v.31).

v.28And 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.

v.29This passage

v.30And behold, there talked with him two men, who were Moses and Elijah;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 16:12

    And after these things he was manifested in another form unto two of them, as they walked, on their way into the country.

  • Isaiah 33:17

    Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold a land that reacheth afar.

  • 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;

  • Exodus 34:29

    And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of the testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses knew not that the skin of his face shone by reason of his speaking with him.

  • Acts 6:15

    And all that sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

  • Isaiah 53:2

    For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

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