What does Matthew 17:8 mean?

Explanation

This verse refers to an event that is commonly known as the Transfiguration of Jesus.

In the presence of Peter, James, and John, Jesus is transfigured and appears in radiant glory.

The Transfiguration is described as a pivotal moment where Jesus talks with Moses and Elijah, revered figures in Jewish history, who represent the Law and the Prophets, respectively.

This scene demonstrates the continuity between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant.

The disciples initially see Jesus, Moses, and Elijah together, but after a cloud overshadows them and a voice from the cloud proclaims Jesus as God's beloved Son, they look around to find that Moses and Elijah have vanished, and only Jesus is left with them.

This signifies the preeminence of Jesus and the transition from the law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Historical Context

The Transfiguration of Jesus is an event reported in the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).

It takes place after Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah and before Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem.

During this time, the Christian Church had not been established, and Jesus was preparing his closest disciples for his eventual death and resurrection.

The historical setting is within the Jewish culture that expected a Messiah and had profound reverence for the Law and the Prophets represented by Moses and Elijah.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints approach this verse with varied emphases:

• Traditional Christian theology sees this event as confirming Jesus' divine status and his fulfillment of the law and the prophets.
• Catholic interpretations may focus on the Transfiguration as a prelude to the resurrection, offering a glimpse of the future glorified status of Jesus.
• Protestant commentary might emphasize the unique role of Jesus in God's plan of salvation and the diminishing role of the old covenant symbolized by Moses and Elijah.
• Eastern Orthodox theology sees in the Transfiguration a foretaste of deification, the process by which believers may partake in the divine nature through Christ.

Practical Applications

Matthew 17:8 can inspire individuals to keep their focus on Jesus amidst the distractions of life.

It reminds believers to listen to Jesus' teaching as the ultimate authority over tradition or previous revelation.

It can also encourage the faithful to anticipate the transformative power of Christ in their own lives and the future hope of glory.

Cross-References

• Matthew 17:1-7: The context of the Transfiguration event.
• Mark 9:2-8: Mark's account of the Transfiguration.
• Luke 9:28-36: Luke's account of the Transfiguration.
• 2 Peter 1:17-18: Peter's retrospective account of the Transfiguration.
• Exodus 24:15-16: Moses on Mount Sinai covered by the cloud, paralleling the overshadowing of Jesus and his disciples.

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek of this passage include:

• ἐπάραντες (epárántes): "having lifted up," which carries a sense of looking upwards or raising one's sights.
• οὐδένα (oudéna): "no man," implying that only Jesus was visible.
• εἰ μὴ (ei mḕ): "except" or "save," highlighting exclusivity.

These words underscore the focus solely being on Jesus after the momentous vision involving Moses and Elijah.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Transfiguration bears similarities to other religious traditions that depict transformative visions of spiritual leaders.

For example, in Hinduism, there are accounts of deities showing their divine form to devotees, and in Buddhism, there are stories of Buddha's transfigurations.

However, the emphasis in the Transfiguration of Jesus is on the uniqueness of Christ and the new covenant.

Scientific Perspectives

The Transfiguration is largely understood as a supernatural event and thus is not typically examined under scientific scrutiny.

However, the description of bright light and a cloud may prompt scientific speculation about natural phenomena that could produce such effects, though these would not account for the theological significance of the event.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians interpret Matthew 17:8 in light of the broader narrative of Jesus’ ministry:

• John Calvin saw in the Transfiguration a strengthening of the disciples' faith before the upcoming trial of Jesus' crucifixion.
• R.T.

France comments on the exclusive focus on Jesus as the sole figure left to the disciples, emphasizing the transition from the law and the prophets to Christ.

• N.T.

Wright suggests that the incident underscores Jesus' identity and role within God's plan, providing a foretaste of the coming kingdom in which Jesus is central.

• Theologians from the church fathers to contemporary scholars have found rich symbolism in the departure of Moses and Elijah, leaving Jesus as the point of focus.