What was the Transfiguration?
On a mountain Peter, James, and John saw Jesus suddenly transformed — face shining like the sun, clothes dazzling white — speaking with Moses and Elijah. A voice from heaven declared, "This is my beloved Son… listen to him." It was a glimpse of his coming glory.
The Transfiguration occurs in all three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 17, Mark 9, Luke 9). It came just after Peter’s confession and Jesus’ first prediction of his death.
Moses (Law) and Elijah (Prophets) appearing with Jesus shows that all of the OT points to him.
For the disciples, it was preparation — they would soon see him humiliated on the cross. The mountain anchored them: this is the same Son.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.