Mark 9:4

Mark 9:4, in plain English

Then Moses and Elijah appeared and were talking with Jesus. Two of the greatest figures in all of Scripture, right there on the mountain.

Why it's here

Moses represented God's Law and Elijah represented God's prophets. Their presence with Jesus showed that everything they pointed to was being fulfilled in Him.

Who's speaking

Mark describes this supernatural encounter simply and matter-of-factly.

Where it sits in the story

Two men who had been with God centuries ago showed up to talk with Jesus. The whole story of Scripture was coming together in one breathtaking moment on a mountaintop.

The scholarly reading

Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) appear together with Jesus, signifying that He is the fulfillment of the entire Old Testament revelation.

Language and setting

Both Moses and Elijah had Sinai/Horeb theophanies, and both had unusual departures from earth (Deuteronomy 34:5-6; 2 Kings 2:11), making them fitting witnesses to Jesus' glory.

Voice

Mark describes the appearance of the two Old Testament figures in conversation with Jesus.

Significance

The Law and the Prophets appear in person — Moses and Elijah, together with Jesus, in conversation. The entire Old Testament narrative converges on this mountain in this moment.

2After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them.

3His clothes became radiantly white, brighter than any launderer on earth could bleach them.

4And Elijah and Moses appeared before them, talking with Jesus.

5Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters —one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

6For they were all so terrified that Peter did not know what else to say.

Read all of Mark 9 — Dazzling glory on the mountaintop gives way to a demon-possessed boy at the bottom. The disciples can't handle either scene.