Matthew 17:4
What does Matthew 17:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 17:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 17:4 means
Peter, overwhelmed by the astounding vision, impulsively suggests building three shelters, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. His proposal, though well-intentioned, fails to grasp the profound significance of the event, attempting to equate Jesus with the Old Testament figures rather than recognizing His unique supremacy. Peter’s desire to prolong the experience highlights the awe inspiring nature of the scene.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Peter made answer and said to Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if you will let me, I will make here three tents, one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Peter answering said to Jesus, `Sir, it is good to us to be here; if thou wilt, we may make here three booths--for thee one, and for Moses one, and one for Elijah.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Peter answering, said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Peter answering said to Jesus, Lord, it is good we should be here. If thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles: for thee one, and for Moses one, and one for Elias.
Context
This verse captures Peter's immediate, human reaction to the incredible sight of Jesus with Moses and Elijah. It occurs while all three are present, immediately following their appearance and conversation. Peter's suggestion sets the stage for God the Father's subsequent intervention, which will correct Peter's misunderstanding and clarify Jesus' supreme position.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 63:1
O God, thou art my God; earnestly will I seek thee: My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee, In a dry and weary land, where no water is.
- 1 John 3:2
Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is.
- John 14:8
Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
- Isaiah 33:17
Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold a land that reacheth afar.
- Exodus 33:18
And he said, Show me, I pray thee, thy glory.
- Revelation 22:3
And there shall be no curse any more: and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him;
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