And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

MATTHEW 17:1KJV
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Matthew 17:1 (KJV)

What does Matthew 17:1 mean?

Matthew 17:1 describes Jesus taking three of his disciples—Peter, James, and John—away from the others and leading them up a high mountain by themselves, setting the stage for a significant event that follows. This verse marks the beginning of a private moment between Jesus and these three disciples, away from the crowds and the rest of the group.

In this scene, Jesus is the one acting, and he chooses Peter, James, and John to accompany him. The setting is intentionally private and elevated, both literally (a high mountain) and in terms of importance. This moment introduces what Christians often call the Transfiguration, a key turning point where something extraordinary is about to happen in the presence of these three witnesses.

The Greek behind Matthew 17:1

  • The word translated "apart" comes from two Greek words: καθ’ (kath’, from κατά, meaning "according to" or "by") and ἰδίαν (idian, meaning "one’s own" or "private"). Together, they emphasize that Jesus took these three disciples away for a private, personal experience, not just physical separation but a special setting for something unique.
  • The Greek word for "high" is ὑψηλὸν (hypsēlon), which means "lofty" or "elevated." This highlights that the mountain was not just any hill but a place set apart, often associated in the Bible with encounters with God.

Why Matthew 17:1 matters

  • This verse clarifies that what follows is not a public event but a private revelation to a select few, which helps explain why only Peter, James, and John later speak about it.
  • The emphasis on "after six days" connects this event to what happened earlier, suggesting a deliberate timing and a link to Jesus’ earlier teachings about his identity and mission.
  • By highlighting the mountain setting, Matthew 17:1 connects this moment to other significant biblical events that happen on mountains, signaling to the reader that something momentous is about to take place.

Where else these words appear

“bringeth” Greek G399 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 9:2 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.
  • 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

  • Mark 9:2 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.
  • 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.

“James” Greek G2385 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Mark 10:35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.
  • Luke 9:54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?