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

MATTHEW 17:3KJV
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Matthew 17:3 (KJV)

What does Matthew 17:3 mean?

Matthew 17:3 describes how Moses and Elijah appeared and were seen talking with Jesus. This moment takes place during the Transfiguration, when Jesus is revealed in glory to three of his disciples.

In this scene, Jesus is on a mountain with Peter, James, and John. Suddenly, Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) appear and speak with Jesus. This event shows Jesus’ connection to the key figures of Israel’s history and highlights his unique role. The disciples witness something extraordinary, linking Jesus to the story and promises of the Hebrew Scriptures.

The Greek behind Matthew 17:3

  • ὤφθη (ōphthē, "appeared"): This Greek word often means "became visible" or "was seen." It emphasizes that Moses and Elijah were not imagined or symbolic, but were actually seen by the disciples.
  • συλλαλέω (syllaleō, "talking"): This word means "to talk together" or "to converse." It suggests a real, meaningful conversation was happening between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, not just a brief appearance.

Why Matthew 17:3 matters

  • Matthew 17:3 highlights Jesus’ fulfillment of both the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah), showing his central place in God’s plan as understood by his earliest followers.
  • The verse clarifies that the disciples witnessed a real event, not a vision or a parable, which underscores the importance and reality of Jesus’ identity.
  • This moment connects the Old Testament story directly to Jesus, helping readers see the continuity between the Hebrew Scriptures and the story of Jesus in the New Testament.

Where else these words appear

“talking” Greek G4814 · used in 6 verses

  • Mark 9:4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
  • Luke 4:36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.
  • Luke 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

“Elias” Greek G2243 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
  • Mark 8:28 And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.
  • Luke 4:26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.

“appeared” Greek G3700 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
  • Luke 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
  • Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

“Moses” Greek G3475 · used in 79 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
  • Acts 21:21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.