Bible Strands
Matthew 17:3
Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — During the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appear to the disciples while conversing with Jesus. This event occurs immediately after Jesus' face shines like the sun and his garments turn white as light.
The words — The Greek ἰδοὺ (idou) serves as a sudden marker meaning "behold," while συλλαλοῦντες (sullalountes) literally denotes "conversing together." These terms record the abrupt visual manifestation and the ongoing dialogue between the two figures and Christ.
The thread — Elijah's appearance fulfills Malachi 4:5, which promises his return before the Day of the LORD. Moses' presence reflects Deuteronomy 34:10, which establishes his unique role as the prophet who knew God face to face.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that Jesus stands in direct continuity with the Law and the Prophets. A reader must acknowledge the completed revelation without imposing human structures onto the divine encounter.
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, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
Cross-references
- Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD.
- Luke 24:44 Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.”
- Deuteronomy 34:10 Since that time, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face—
- 1 Kings 18:36 At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command.
- Mark 9:4 And Elijah and Moses appeared before them, talking with Jesus.
- Deuteronomy 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.
- Deuteronomy 34:5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, as the LORD had said.
- 1 Kings 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!”
- 2 Kings 2:11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind.
- Matthew 17:10 The disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”