King James Version

What Does Mark 9:2 Mean?

Mark 9:2 in the King James Version says “And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by ... — study this verse from Mark chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

Mark 9:2 · KJV


Context

1

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

2

And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

3

And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

4

And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Transfiguration occurred 'after six days' (μετὰ ἡμέρας ἕξ)—precise timing connecting it to Jesus' promise in 9:1. Jesus took only Peter, James, and John, His inner circle who also witnessed Jairus' daughter raised (Mark 5:37) and Gethsemane agony (Mark 14:33). The 'high mountain' (ὄρος ὑψηλὸν) is traditionally identified as Mount Tabor or Mount Hermon. Mountains in Scripture signify divine revelation (Sinai, Horeb). Jesus 'was transfigured' (μετεμορφώθη, metemorphōthē)—the verb indicates transformation of outward appearance revealing inner reality. This is the same root as 'metamorphosis'—Jesus' divine glory, normally veiled in flesh, became visible. The transfiguration wasn't Jesus becoming something He wasn't, but revealing who He eternally is—God incarnate. This theophany strengthened disciples for the scandal of the cross and provided apostolic eyewitness testimony to Christ's majesty (2 Peter 1:16-18).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'six days' interval may parallel Moses' experience on Mount Sinai, where God's glory appeared after six days (Exodus 24:16), suggesting Jesus is the new Moses giving new covenant revelation. Mount Hermon (9,200 feet) near Caesarea Philippi was likely the site, though tradition favors Mount Tabor. The transfiguration occurred during Jesus' journey toward Jerusalem and crucifixion—a heavenly confirmation before earthly suffering. Moses and Elijah's appearance (v. 4) represented the Law and the Prophets, both pointing to Christ. Luke records they discussed Jesus' 'exodus' (death) in Jerusalem (Luke 9:31), revealing that redemptive suffering was God's eternal plan, not an unfortunate deviation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the transfiguration demonstrate that Jesus' divine glory was always present but normally veiled during His earthly ministry?
  2. What does God's timing in revealing Christ's glory (before the crucifixion) teach about His provision of spiritual strength before seasons of testing?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μεθ''2 of 28

after

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἡμέρας3 of 28

days

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἓξ4 of 28

six

G1803

six

παραλαμβάνει5 of 28

taketh

G3880

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

6 of 28
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς7 of 28

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

τὸν8 of 28
G3588

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

Πέτρον9 of 28

with him Peter

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

καὶ10 of 28

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸν11 of 28
G3588

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

Ἰάκωβον12 of 28

James

G2385

jacobus, the name of three israelites

καὶ13 of 28

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸν14 of 28
G3588

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

Ἰωάννην15 of 28

John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

καὶ16 of 28

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀναφέρει17 of 28

leadeth

G399

to take up (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῶν18 of 28

them

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

εἰς19 of 28

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὄρος20 of 28

mountain

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

ὑψηλὸν21 of 28

an high

G5308

lofty (in place or character)

κατ'22 of 28

apart

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἰδίαν23 of 28
G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

μόνους24 of 28

by themselves

G3441

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere

καὶ25 of 28

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μετεμορφώθη26 of 28

he was transfigured

G3339

to transform (literally or figuratively, "metamorphose")

ἔμπροσθεν27 of 28

before

G1715

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

αὐτῶν28 of 28

them

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 9:2 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 Mark 9:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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