Mark 9:6

Mark 9:6, in plain English

Mark tells us Peter said this because he was so terrified he didn't know what else to say. Fear and awe had overwhelmed him completely.

Why it's here

When you encounter something truly beyond you, words fail. Peter's awkward response is actually the most human reaction imaginable.

Who's speaking

Mark explains why Peter said what he said.

Where it sits in the story

Cut Peter some slack — he was scared out of his mind. When you're face to face with divine glory, there's no smooth thing to say. He just blurted out the first idea that came to mind.

The scholarly reading

Mark's editorial comment that Peter 'did not know what to say' (ou gar edei ti apokrithe) because of terror (ekphoboi) excuses Peter while acknowledging the inadequacy of his response.

Language and setting

The fear motif in Mark's Gospel consistently accompanies divine revelation, echoing the Old Testament pattern where encountering God's presence produces terror.

Voice

Mark provides an explanatory aside about Peter's emotional state.

Significance

Mark offers a compassionate explanation for Peter's rambling: the disciples were terrified. Peter spoke not from theological conviction but from the desperate need to say something — anything — in the face of overwhelming glory.

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.

7Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him!”

8Suddenly, when they looked around, they saw no one with them except Jesus.

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.