King James Version

What Does Luke 9:31 Mean?

Luke 9:31 in the King James Version says “Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.”

Luke 9:31 · KJV

Context

29

And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

30

And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

31

Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

32

But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

33

And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto 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: not knowing what he said.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. Moses and Elijah appeared in glory (ophthentes en doxē, ὀφθέντες ἐν δόξῃ)—the same radiant divine presence manifested in Jesus. The verb ophthentes (appearing) is the same term used of resurrection appearances, suggesting these were not phantoms but real, glorified persons. Their topic of conversation is crucial: his decease (tēn exodon autou, τὴν ἔξοδον αὐτοῦ)—literally "exodus," the term for Israel's liberation from Egypt. Jesus' death is portrayed as a new Exodus, accomplishing greater redemption than Moses' deliverance.

The verb accomplish (plēroun, πληροῦν, "to fulfill" or "complete") indicates Jesus' death was not tragic accident but predetermined mission. The phrase at Jerusalem (ἐν Ἰερουσαλήμ) emphasizes geographic and theological necessity—the Lamb must be slain where sacrifices were offered. This conversation reveals heaven's perspective: the cross was not defeat but victory, not catastrophe but divine plan, not ending but exodus into new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Exodus was Israel's foundational salvation event—deliverance from Egyptian bondage through Passover lamb's blood and passage through the Red Sea. All subsequent redemption was interpreted through this lens. Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29) would accomplish the ultimate Exodus—deliverance from sin, death, and Satan through His blood and resurrection. That Moses and Elijah discussed this reveals that Old Testament saints understood Messiah must suffer (1 Peter 1:10-11). The cross was not Plan B but the eternal purpose, foreshadowed in the Law (sacrificial system) and Prophets (Suffering Servant passages like Isaiah 53).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does describing Jesus' death as His 'exodus' reframe the crucifixion from tragedy to triumphant liberation?
  2. What does it reveal about God's redemptive plan that Moses and Elijah understood and discussed Jesus' coming death?
  3. In what ways does Jesus' exodus accomplish greater deliverance than the Exodus from Egypt that Moses led?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἣν1 of 13

“Who”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ὀφθέντες2 of 13

“appeared”

G3700

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

ἐν3 of 13

“at”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

δόξῃ4 of 13

“glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

ἔλεγον5 of 13

“and spake”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

τὴν6 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔξοδον7 of 13

“decease”

G1841

an exit, i.e., (figuratively) death

αὐτοῦ8 of 13

“of his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἣν9 of 13

“Who”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἔμελλεν10 of 13

“he should”

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

πληροῦν11 of 13

“accomplish”

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

ἐν12 of 13

“at”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Ἰερουσαλήμ13 of 13

“Jerusalem”

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 9:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 9:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 3:211 Peter 1:11-121 Peter 5:102 Peter 1:15Colossians 3:4Revelation 7:14

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Luke 9 →

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