Matthew 17 1

Matthew 17:1 kjv

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

Matthew 17:1 nkjv

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves;

Matthew 17:1 niv

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.

Matthew 17:1 esv

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.

Matthew 17:1 nlt

Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone.

Matthew 17 verses

Matthew 17 1 Meaning

Matthew 17:1 introduces the Transfiguration by stating that after six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John, His brother, and led them up onto a high mountain by themselves. This verse sets the stage for a momentous divine revelation, marking a pivotal transition in Jesus' ministry from the cost of discipleship to a powerful manifestation of His divine glory. It highlights the special selection of these three disciples to witness an exclusive event.

Matthew 17 1 Context

Matthew 17:1 directly follows Jesus' first clear prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection (Mt 16:21-23), Peter's misguided rebuke and Jesus' sharp response, and Jesus' teaching on the necessity of self-denial and cross-bearing for His disciples (Mt 16:24-27). Most significantly, it follows Jesus' statement in Matthew 16:28 that "some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom." The Transfiguration, initiated in Matthew 17:1, is often understood as the immediate and climactic fulfillment, or a powerful foretaste, of this very promise. Historically and culturally, mountains were considered sacred places where divine encounters occurred, where covenants were made, and where prophets received revelations, echoing Old Testament traditions like Moses on Sinai or Elijah on Horeb.

Matthew 17 1 Word analysis

• And after six days: The Greek phrase "Kai meta hexēmeras" (καὶ μεθ’ ἡμέρας ἕξ) indicates a precise interval following the events of Matthew 16. This specific timeframe echoes the Old Testament precedent of waiting six days before a divine manifestation, as seen with Moses on Mount Sinai before the glory of the Lord appeared (Ex 24:16). This prepares the audience for a significant spiritual revelation. Mark uses the same timeframe, while Luke notes "about eight days" (Lk 9:28), likely including the day of teaching and the day of the Transfiguration itself, while Matthew and Mark focus strictly on the days between the events. Both accounts underline a deliberate passage of time leading to this divine event.
• Jesus taketh: The Greek verb "Paralambanei" (παραλαμβάνει), present tense, implies a decisive, intentional act of selection. It means to take along, to receive, or to assume control. This highlights Jesus' active role in choosing and drawing these particular disciples aside.
• Peter, James, and John his brother: These three disciples formed an inner circle among the twelve, privileged witnesses to key events in Jesus' ministry not shown to the others. Peter's leadership is always noted, James (son of Zebedee) and John (also son of Zebedee) were known as the "sons of thunder" (Mk 3:17), often noted for their fervent personalities. Their selection here indicates the profound importance of what they are about to witness, acting as key eyewitnesses and foundational figures in the early church. Their presence at this glorious event contrasts sharply with their later presence during Jesus' agony in Gethsemane, underscoring their unique role as witnesses to both His glory and His suffering.
• and bringeth them up: The Greek "anapherei" (ἀναφέρει) means to carry up, to lead up, or to offer up. It reinforces the physical act of ascending. This ascent itself can be seen symbolically as a movement towards a higher spiritual plane or closer to God.
• into a high mountain: The Greek "eis oros hupsēlon" (εἰς ὄρος ὑψηλὸν) emphasizes both elevation and symbolic significance. In biblical narratives, mountains frequently serve as places of divine encounter, revelation, and worship (e.g., Mount Sinai, Mount Carmel). The precise identity of this mountain is not given by the text, but scholars often suggest Mount Hermon, given its proximity to Caesarea Philippi (Mt 16:13), rather than the traditional but less likely Mount Tabor which was then populated. The mountain setting prepares for an intimate and isolated divine experience.
• apart: The Greek "kat' idian" (κατ' ἰδίαν) explicitly states the private nature of the event. It signifies that Jesus took only these three disciples "by themselves" or "privately." This emphasizes the exclusive nature of the revelation that is about to unfold, reserved for a chosen few. It underscores the profound intimacy of this moment, set apart from the general populace and even the other disciples, suggesting a revelation too overwhelming for all.

Matthew 17 1 Bonus section

The number "six days" in Matthew and Mark might highlight the concept of the creation week, perhaps implying a new creation or revelation occurring, paralleling the sixth day of the creation week before the Sabbath rest (which can be interpreted symbolically as the spiritual "rest" in Christ's completed work). Luke's "about eight days" could subtly reference the eighth day of the week, symbolizing new beginnings or new covenant realities (circumcision on the eighth day, resurrection on the first day of the new week). While the exact mountain location is debated, the deliberate choice of a "high mountain" rather than a valley floor emphasizes an elevated, perhaps arduous, journey required to experience such profound divine manifestation, reflecting spiritual ascent. The very act of physically separating themselves and going "apart" underscores the necessity of drawing near to God in a dedicated and focused manner to receive deep spiritual truths.

Matthew 17 1 Commentary

Matthew 17:1 functions as the critical scene-setter for the Transfiguration. It delineates the chosen time ("after six days"), linking it to Old Testament divine preparations, and the selected participants (Peter, James, John), emphasizing their unique role as prime witnesses to Jesus' full identity. The act of bringing them "up into a high mountain apart" is steeped in biblical symbolism, designating the location as a sacred space for revelation, distinct from the everyday world. This verse introduces the peak of Christ's earthly ministry before His final descent into suffering and death, fulfilling, or at least foreshadowing, the promise made in Matthew 16:28 that some would see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom. It pre-presents a powerful glimpse of Jesus' divine glory, confirming His divine Sonship and foreshadowing His eventual glorification and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. The private nature of the event implies its deep spiritual significance, not intended for public spectacle but for the profound confirmation of the inner circle.