Devine Scripture

Matthew 17:1

What does Matthew 17:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 17:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 17:1 means

After six days, Jesus intentionally takes His closest disciples, Peter, James, and John, to a secluded, high mountain. This specific selection of disciples suggests an exclusive revelation, preparing them for a unique encounter. The imagery of an elevated, solitary place often signifies divine encounters in Scripture, setting the stage for a profound spiritual experience away from the distractions of the crowds.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And after six days Jesus takes with him Peter, and James, and John, his brother, and makes them go up with him into a high mountain by themselves.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, and James, and John his brother, and doth bring them up to a high mount by themselves,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And after six days Jesus taketh unto him Peter and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And after six days Jesus takes with [him] Peter, and James, and John his brother, and brings them up into a high mountain apart.

Context

This verse initiates the transfiguration account, immediately following Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ in chapter 16 and Jesus' first prediction of His suffering. It establishes the key witnesses for this miraculous event, setting it apart as a moment of special revelation. The setting on a high mountain prepares the reader for a dramatic, divinely orchestrated display of Jesus' true identity.

v.1This passage

v.2and he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Peter 1:18

    and this voice we ourselves heard borne out of heaven, when we were with him in the holy mount.

  • 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.

  • 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;

  • Mark 5:37

    And he suffered no man to follow with him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

  • Luke 9:28

    And 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.

  • Matthew 26:37

    And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and sore troubled.

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