Mark 9:4

What does Mark 9:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 9:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 9:4 means

As part of Jesus' transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appeared and conversed with Him. Moses represents the Law, having received it on Mount Sinai, and Elijah represents the Prophets, being a significant prophetic figure. Their presence symbolizes the culmination of the Old Testament Law and Prophets in Jesus, signifying that He is the fulfillment of all that preceded Him. Their discussion with Jesus, though not detailed here, likely centered on His impending departure and sacrifice.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And there appeared unto them Elijah with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And there appeared unto them Elijah with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And there came before them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Peter answering, said to Jesus: Rabbi, 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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And there appeared to them Elias with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.

Context

This verse continues the description of the Transfiguration, immediately after the account of Jesus' dazzling garments. The appearance of Moses and Elijah adds profound theological significance to the event, setting the stage for Peter's bewildered reaction and the subsequent voice from heaven, further emphasizing Jesus' supreme authority.

v.3and his garments became glistering, exceeding white, so as no fuller on earth can whiten them.

v.4This passage

v.5And Peter answereth and saith to Jesus, Rabbi, 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.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Kings 2:11

    And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, which parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

  • Matthew 11:13

    For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

  • Luke 9:30

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

  • Matthew 17:3

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

  • John 5:39

    Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me;

  • Revelation 19:10

    And I fell down before his feet to worship him. And he saith unto me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant with thee and with thy brethren that hold the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

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