King James Version

What Does Matthew 17:4 Mean?

Matthew 17:4 in the King James Version says “Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three taber... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 17:4 · KJV


Context

2

And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

3

And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

4

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.

5

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

6

And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter's proposal to build three tabernacles reveals misunderstanding of the moment's significance. He treats Jesus as equal with Moses and Elijah rather than recognizing His supremacy. The suggestion to preserve this experience through building structures shows human tendency to institutionalize divine encounters rather than submit to God's purposes. Peter's 'it is good for us to be here' prioritizes comfort over mission—they must descend the mountain to accomplish Jesus' redemptive work.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'tabernacles' (Greek 'skenai') Peter proposed recall the Feast of Tabernacles, commemorating wilderness wandering and anticipating messianic kingdom. Peter may have thought the kingdom was arriving immediately. His suggestion to honor all three equally missed Jesus' unique role. The Father's voice (v. 5) corrects this misunderstanding, commanding attention to Jesus alone.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you sometimes try to preserve spiritual experiences rather than apply them?
  2. When does honoring spiritual heroes become distraction from Christ alone?
  3. What 'mountaintop experiences' must you leave to serve in the valley?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
ἀποκριθεὶς1 of 27

answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

δὲ2 of 27

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 27
G3588

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

Πέτρος4 of 27

Peter

G4074

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

εἶπεν5 of 27

and said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τῷ6 of 27
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦ7 of 27

unto Jesus

G2424

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

Κύριε8 of 27

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

καλόν9 of 27

good

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

ἐστιν10 of 27

it is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἡμᾶς11 of 27

for us

G2248

us

ὧδε12 of 27

here

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

εἶναι·13 of 27

to be

G1511

to exist

εἰ14 of 27

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

θέλεις15 of 27

thou wilt

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ποιήσωμεν16 of 27

let us make

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ὧδε17 of 27

here

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

τρεῖς18 of 27

three

G5140

"three"

σκηνάς,19 of 27

tabernacles

G4633

a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively)

σοὶ20 of 27

for thee

G4671

to thee

μίαν21 of 27
G1520

one

καὶ22 of 27

and

G2532

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

Μωσῇ23 of 27

for Moses

G3475

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

μίαν24 of 27
G1520

one

καὶ25 of 27

and

G2532

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

μίαν26 of 27
G1520

one

Ἠλίᾳ27 of 27

for Elias

G2243

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 17:4 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 Matthew 17:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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