Luke 9

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;

And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.

For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.

And they did so, and made them all sit down.

Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.

He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;

Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto 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: not knowing what he said.

While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.

And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.

And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.

And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.

And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.

And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.

And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,

Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.

But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.

Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,

And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

What does Luke 9:29 mean?

Explanation

Luke 9:29 describes a moment of profound transformation for Jesus Christ during what is commonly known as the Transfiguration.

According to the Gospel of Luke, as Jesus is praying, his appearance changes and his clothes become dazzling white.

This alteration of his countenance indicates a significant moment of divine revelation, showcasing Jesus' divine nature to the disciples present with him.

The verse suggests a visual manifestation of Jesus' glory and holiness, indicating a deeper spiritual truth about his identity as the Son of God.

The transformation underscores the close connection between prayer and divine revelation, and it also serves as a visible sign to the disciples of the unique status of Jesus in salvation history.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Luke 9:29 takes place within the narrative of Jesus' ministry in the region of Galilee.

This moment, known as the Transfiguration, is a pivotal event in the Gospels and occurs shortly after Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ (Luke 9:20) and Jesus' first prediction of his own suffering and death (Luke 9:22).

The Transfiguration is an event reported in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and takes place on a mountain, which in biblical symbolism is often the site of significant divine encounters.

Jesus takes with him three of his closest disciples, Peter, John, and James, to witness this event, which affirms his divine sonship just prior to his final journey to Jerusalem.

Cultural and historical influences during the time of the Gospel's writing would have included Hellenistic, Jewish, and early Christian expectations about the appearance of divine beings and the role of prophets and messiahs.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the Transfiguration serves several purposes:

Christology: It affirms the dual nature of Christ as both fully human and fully divine.
Eschatology: It foreshadows the glorified state of Christ after his resurrection, as well as the end times when the faithful will also be glorified.
Soteriology: It provides a glimpse of the transformation that believers hope to experience through salvation in Christ.

Different Christian traditions might emphasize various aspects of the event.

For example, Eastern Orthodox theology often views the Transfiguration as a prelude to the deification of the saints, while Roman Catholic and Protestant interpretations might focus on the revelation of Jesus' divine nature and its implications for understanding the Trinity.

Practical Applications

The Transfiguration can be applied in daily life in several ways:

Encouragement in Prayer: As Jesus is transformed while praying, believers are encouraged to seek transformative experiences through prayer.
Faith in Trials: Jesus' glorification in the Transfiguration can serve as a reminder of God's ultimate plan for believers even in times of suffering.
Focus on the Divine: The Transfiguration draws attention to the importance of focusing on the divine nature of Jesus and the glory of God.

Cross-References

Matthew 17:2: "And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light."
Mark 9:2-3: "And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into a high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them."

2 Peter 1:16-18: "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty."

Language Study

The original Greek text uses the terms "ετερωθη" (altered) and "εξαστραπτων" (glistering or shining dazzlingly). "ετερωθη" derives from "ετεροω," meaning "to transform" and implies a substantial change in form or appearance.

The term "εξαστραπτων" derives from "εξαστράπτω," which means to flash or gleam like lightning, indicating a supernatural brilliance.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of a human being radiating light or undergoing a physical transformation is common in various religious and mythological traditions.

In Greek mythology, gods often appear in radiant form.

In Judaism, Moses' face shines after he speaks with God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:29-35).

In these contexts, the transformation is generally associated with encountering the divine or being in the presence of the divine.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the literal description of Jesus' clothes becoming dazzling white could be seen as symbolic rather than a physical transformation observable by natural laws.

The bright whiteness could represent purity or divinity in a way that is meant to transcend physical explanation.

Commentaries

Scholars and religious commentators have long reflected on the Transfiguration.

Many agree that the event serves as a critical revelation of Jesus' divine identity.

Some point out the significance of the timing of the Transfiguration, coming as it does after Jesus predicts his own suffering and death, thereby offering the disciples, and, by extension, all believers, hope and affirmation of his victory over death.

Another common focus in commentaries is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the connection to Moses and Elijah, who appear with Jesus during the Transfiguration, symbolizing the Law and the Prophets.

Luke 9

Luke 9

What does Luke 9:29 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 9:29 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?