Mark 9:5
What does Mark 9:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 9:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 9:5 means
Peter, overwhelmed and likely confused by the glorious scene, suggests building three shelters or 'tabernacles'—one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. His impulse was to preserve the moment and perhaps equalize all three figures. This suggestion reveals his desire to stay in this glorious moment, but also his misunderstanding of Jesus' unique status and the temporary nature of this divine revelation. He didn't grasp the greater purpose of Christ's mission.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Peter answered and 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tents; one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Peter answering saith to Jesus, `Rabbi, it is good to us to be here; and we may make three booths, for thee one, and for Moses one, and for Elijah one:'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For he knew not what he said: for they were struck with fear.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Peter answering says to Jesus, Rabbi, it is good that we should be here; and let us make three tabernacles, for thee one, and for Moses one, and for Elias one.
Context
This verse depicts Peter's immediate, albeit misguided, reaction to the appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus. It follows directly from their appearance and conversation, setting up Peter's fear and the divine voice that subsequently corrects his understanding. His suggestion demonstrates the disciples' struggle to fully comprehend Jesus' identity and mission.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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.
- 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;
- John 14:21
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him.
- Psalms 62:2
He only is my rock and my salvation: He ismy high tower; I shall not be greatly moved.
- Psalms 84:10
For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
- Matthew 23:7
and the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called of men, Rabbi.
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