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 9:2KJV
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Mark 9:2 (KJV)

What does Mark 9:2 mean?

Mark 9:2 describes Jesus taking Peter, James, and John up a high mountain by themselves, where he is transformed in front of them. This moment sets the stage for a significant event where Jesus appears in a changed, glorious state before his closest disciples.

In this verse, Jesus is the one leading the three disciples away from the others, emphasizing a private and special experience. The setting is a high mountain, which often signals an important encounter with God in the Bible. The word "transfigured" means that Jesus’ appearance changed in a striking way, preparing the disciples for what they are about to witness.

The Greek behind Mark 9:2

  • The word "transfigured" (μετεμορφώθη, metemorphōthē) means to be changed in form or appearance. This is not just a small change, but a dramatic transformation, highlighting the extraordinary nature of what the disciples see.
  • The phrase "apart by themselves" uses two Greek words (κατ’ ἰδίαν, kat’ idian and μόνους, monous), stressing that only these three disciples are present, underlining the exclusivity and intimacy of the moment.
  • The word for "high" (ὑψηλὸν, hypsēlon) emphasizes that this is not just any hill, but a notably elevated place, which often symbolizes closeness to God or a place of revelation in biblical stories.

Why Mark 9:2 matters

  • Mark 9:2 marks the beginning of the Transfiguration, a key moment where Jesus’ divine nature is revealed to his closest followers, setting it apart from his usual, everyday appearance.
  • The verse highlights that not all disciples were present—only Peter, James, and John—showing that some experiences and revelations were given to a select few for a specific purpose.
  • By describing Jesus leading them up a high mountain, Mark connects this event to other significant mountaintop encounters with God in the Bible, helping readers see its importance in the larger story.

Where else these words appear

“transfigured” Greek G3339 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
  • Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

“leadeth” Greek G399 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
  • Hebrews 7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
  • James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

“high” Greek G5308 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
  • Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

“six” Greek G1803 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
  • John 2:6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
  • Acts 18:11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.