Luke 9:33
What does Luke 9:33 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 9:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 9:33 means
As they were parting, Peter impulsively suggests making three tabernacles, one for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, saying it would be good to stay there. His offer reflects a common Jewish response to sacred encounters—creating remembrance booths—but also shows misunderstanding; Peter wants to hold the moment and avoid the path to Jerusalem. Luke notes Peter didn’t know what he said, revealing his confusion and desire to preserve glory rather than embrace the cross. The remark displays human instinct to cement spiritual highs rather than obey ongoing mission.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And it came to pass, as they were parting 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 Elijah: not knowing what he said.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And it came to pass, as they were parting 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 Elijah: not knowing what he said.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when they were about to go away from him, Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah: having no knowledge of what he was saying.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And it came to pass, in their parting from him, Peter said unto Jesus, `Master, it is good to us to be here; and we may make three booths, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah,' not knowing what he saith:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And it came to pass that, as they were departing from him, Peter saith 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: not knowing what he said.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And it came to pass as they departed from him, Peter 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: not knowing what he said.
Context
This verse follows the disciples’ awakening to the transfiguration scene (v.32) and reveals Peter’s impulsive attempt to stabilize the revelation. Luke uses the misguided proposal to illustrate the disciples’ limited grasp: they see glory but fail to connect it to the necessary suffering discussed earlier (v.31). The cloud and God’s voice (vv.34–35) then redirect the moment toward proper worship and obedience rather than mere preservation.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 27:4
One thing have I asked of Jehovah, that will I seek after: That I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of Jehovah, And to inquire in his temple.
- Luke 5:5
And Simon answered and said, Master, we toiled all night, and took nothing: but at thy word I will let down the nets.
- 2 Corinthians 4:6
Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
- Psalms 63:2
So have I looked upon thee in the sanctuary, To see thy power and thy glory.
- Mark 10:38
But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I drink? or to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
- John 14:8
Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
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.