Devine Scripture

Matthew 17:3

What does Matthew 17:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 17:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 17:3 means

In this astonishing moment, Moses and Elijah suddenly appear and engage in conversation with Jesus. These two figures represent the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah), the entirety of the Old Testament revelation. Their presence with Jesus signifies that He is the fulfillment of all Old Testament expectation and prophecy, confirming His messianic identity and divine mission in a powerful visual demonstration.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Moses and Elijah came before their eyes, talking with him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and lo, appear to them did Moses and Elijah, talking together with him.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and lo, Moses and Elias appeared to them talking with him.

Context

This verse expands on the miraculous scene of Jesus' transfiguration by introducing the appearance of Moses and Elijah. It immediately follows the description of Jesus' radiant transformation, adding another layer of divine affirmation to the event. Their presence contextualizes Jesus within the broader narrative of salvation history, pointing to His unique role as its culmination.

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

v.3This passage

v.4And Peter answered, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, I will make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 11:13

    For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:7

    But if the ministration of death, written, and engraven on stones, came with glory, so that the children of Israel could not look stedfastly upon the face of Moses for the glory of his face; which glory was passing away:

  • Matthew 17:10

    And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elijah must first come?

  • Deuteronomy 34:10

    And there hath not arisen a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom Jehovah knew face to face,

  • Malachi 4:5

    Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Jehovah come.

  • John 5:45

    Think not that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, on whom ye have set your hope.

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