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.