King James Version

What Does Mark 9:4 Mean?

Mark 9:4 in the King James Version says “And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 9:4 · KJV

Context

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.

5

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.

6

For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses and Elijah appeared, 'talking with Jesus' (συλλαλοῦντες τῷ Ἰησοῦ). Their presence is theologically rich: Moses represents the Law, Elijah the Prophets—the entire Old Testament points to Christ. Both experienced unique encounters with God (Moses on Sinai, Elijah at Horeb). Both had unusual departures from earth (Moses' burial by God, Elijah's translation). Both were expected to return in Jewish eschatology (Deuteronomy 18:15; Malachi 4:5-6). Their conversation with Jesus (Luke 9:31 specifies they discussed His coming 'exodus' in Jerusalem) shows that redemptive history flows toward Christ's death and resurrection. The Law and Prophets don't stand independently but find fulfillment in Jesus. Their subordinate position (talking with Jesus, then disappearing, leaving 'Jesus only,' v. 8) demonstrates Christ's supremacy. Reformed theology emphasizes that all Scripture testifies to Christ (Luke 24:27; John 5:39).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish expectation held that Moses would return as the 'prophet like unto me' (Deuteronomy 18:15) and Elijah would precede the Messiah (Malachi 4:5-6). Rabbinic traditions speculated about Moses' fate—he disappeared on Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34), and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11). Their appearance confirmed Jesus as the culmination of Law and Prophets. The discussion about Jesus' 'exodus' (Luke 9:31) deliberately uses exodus terminology for His death, connecting His sacrifice to Israel's deliverance from Egypt. This demonstrated that the cross wasn't defeat but the ultimate redemptive act, surpassing even the exodus. Peter, James, and John's witness to this event strengthened apostolic testimony that Christianity fulfilled, not contradicted, Old Testament revelation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses and Elijah's appearance demonstrate that all of Scripture (Law and Prophets) points to and finds fulfillment in Christ?
  2. What does their discussion of Jesus' coming 'exodus' (death) reveal about how the Old Testament redemptive acts prefigured Christ's ultimate deliverance?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
καὶ1 of 11

“And”

G2532

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

ὤφθη2 of 11

“there 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

αὐτοῖς3 of 11

“unto 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

Ἠλίας4 of 11

“Elias”

G2243

helias (i.e., elijah), an israelite

σὺν5 of 11

“with”

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

Μωσεῖ,6 of 11

“Moses”

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

καὶ7 of 11

“And”

G2532

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

ἦσαν8 of 11

“they were”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

συλλαλοῦντες9 of 11

“talking”

G4814

to talk together, i.e., converse

τῷ10 of 11
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦ11 of 11

“with Jesus”

G2424

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

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 9:4 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 9:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 9:30-31Acts 3:21-24Matthew 17:3-4Deuteronomy 34:5-6John 5:45-47Luke 9:19

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