Bible Strands
Matthew 17:4
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If You wish, I will 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 "Lord" immediately following the sudden appearance of Moses and Elijah conversing with Him. He speaks while standing on the mountain with the disciples during the transfiguration event.
The words — The Greek Ἀποκριθεὶς (Apokritheis) means "answering," marking Peter's response to the theophany. His address κύριε (kurie) translates literally to "Lord," functioning as a direct acknowledgment of Jesus' authority in the moment.
The thread — The proposal to build three shelters appears in parallel in Mark 9:5 and Luke 9:33, while the underlying theme of God's permanent dwelling with His people aligns with Revelation 22:3. These passages trace a consistent scriptural movement from temporary divine manifestations to eternal presence.
Why it lands — The text records Peter's unsolicited offer to erect shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Interpreters observe that this impulse to prolong a holy experience is immediately superseded by the cloud's voice in Matthew 17:5, which demands exclusive attention to Christ rather than human construction or comparison.
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
Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
Cross-references
- 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.”
- Luke 9:33 As Moses and Elijah were leaving, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)
- 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.
- 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.
- Psalms 63:1 A Psalm of David, when he was in the Wilderness of Judah. O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You. My body yearns for You in a dry and weary land without water.
- John 14:8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”
- Exodus 33:18 Then Moses said, “Please show me Your glory.”
- Psalms 4:6 Many ask, “Who can show us the good?” Shine the light of Your face upon us, O LORD.
- Psalms 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.
- Isaiah 33:17 Your eyes will see the King in His beauty and behold a land that stretches afar.