Bible Strands
Mark 9:5
Peter 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.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Peter addresses Jesus as "Rabbi" immediately after Elijah and Moses appear and converse with Him. He proposes building three shelters while the group remains on the mountain in a state of fear.
The words — The Greek ἀποκριθεὶς (apokritheis) translates to "answering," marking Peter's response to the sudden appearance of the two figures. ῥαββὶ (rhabbi) literally means "my great one" or "teacher," acknowledging Jesus' recognized authority.
The thread — The request to build shelters parallels the tabernacle instructions in Exodus and the temple narratives, while the desire for tangible presence mirrors Philip's plea in John 14:8. The fear driving Peter's proposal contrasts with the steadfast refuge declared in Psalms 62:2.
Why it lands — The text records Peter's attempt to institutionalize a fleeting theophany through physical structures. It requires the reader to examine whether their response to divine presence seeks to control the moment or to submit to it.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And Peter answered and said to 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.
Cross-references
- John 14:21 Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.”
- John 14:8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”
- Psalms 62:2 He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress; I will never be shaken.
- Psalms 84:10 For better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
- Matthew 23:7 the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.
- Philippians 1:23 I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.
- Revelation 22:3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be within the city, and His servants will worship Him.
- Exodus 33:17 So the LORD said to Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name.”
- 1 John 3:2 Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.