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

LUKE 9:29KJV
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Luke 9:29 (KJV)

What does Luke 9:29 mean?

Luke 9:29 describes how, while Jesus was praying, the appearance of his face changed and his clothing became dazzlingly white. This moment shows a dramatic transformation that others could see, marking something extraordinary happening as Jesus prayed.

In this scene, Luke is narrating what happened when Jesus took Peter, John, and James up a mountain to pray. As Jesus prayed, his face and clothes changed in a striking way, signaling to his disciples that something supernatural was taking place. This sets the stage for what is often called the Transfiguration, where Jesus is revealed in a new, glorious way.

The Greek behind Luke 9:29

  • "fashion" (εἶδος, eidos): This word is often understood as "appearance" or "form." Here, it points to a visible, outward change in Jesus' face, not just a subtle difference but a clear transformation.
  • "countenance" (πρόσωπον, prosōpon): This means "face." The focus is on Jesus' facial expression or appearance, which was visibly altered.
  • "altered" (ἕτερος, heteros): This word means "different" or "changed to another." The change in Jesus' appearance was not slight but of a different kind altogether.
  • "white" (λευκός, leukos): This is the usual word for "white," but in the context of clothing, it suggests a brightness or purity that stands out.
  • "glistering" (ἐξαστράπτω, exastraptō): This verb means "to flash like lightning" or "to gleam." It emphasizes that Jesus' clothing was not just white but shining in a way that was almost blinding or radiant.

Why Luke 9:29 matters

  • Luke 9:29 clears up that the change in Jesus' appearance was not just symbolic or inward but something the disciples could actually see, highlighting the reality of the event.
  • The verse draws attention to the connection between prayer and this transformation, showing that something significant happens as Jesus prays.
  • This moment prepares the disciples—and the reader—for the revelation of Jesus' unique identity and mission, which becomes clearer in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“fashion” Greek G1491 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 3:22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
  • John 5:37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

“raiment” Greek G2441 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 27:35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
  • Luke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
  • Acts 20:33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

“white” Greek G3022 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
  • Acts 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
  • Revelation 6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

“countenance” Greek G4383 · used in 73 verses

  • Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: