And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

MATTHEW 17:9KJV
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Matthew 17:9 (KJV)

What does Matthew 17:9 mean?

Matthew 17:9 records Jesus instructing His disciples not to tell anyone about the vision they had seen on the mountain until after He had risen from the dead. Jesus wanted them to keep this experience private for a time, only sharing it after His resurrection.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to Peter, James, and John as they come down from the mountain where the Transfiguration just took place. The "vision" refers to what they saw—Jesus in radiant glory, with Moses and Elijah appearing alongside Him. Jesus’ command shows He had a specific timing in mind for revealing certain truths about Himself, connecting the vision to His resurrection.

The Greek behind Matthew 17:9

  • ὅραμα (horama, G3705): This word is translated as "vision" and often refers to a supernatural sight or revelation. Here, it emphasizes that what the disciples witnessed was not just an ordinary event but a significant, divine experience.
  • ἀναστῇ (anastē, G450): Translated as "be risen," this verb means to rise up, especially from the dead. Jesus is clearly predicting His resurrection, linking the timing of sharing the vision to this future event.
  • ἐνετείλατο (eneteilato, G1781): This word means "charged" or "commanded." It shows Jesus was giving a firm instruction, not just a suggestion, about keeping the vision secret for now.

Why Matthew 17:9 matters

  • Matthew 17:9 clarifies that Jesus did not want the disciples to share everything immediately, highlighting His control over how and when His identity would be revealed.
  • This verse connects the Transfiguration directly to the resurrection, showing that the full meaning of what the disciples saw would only make sense after Jesus had risen.
  • It helps readers understand that some spiritual experiences are meant to be kept private until the right time, according to God’s plan.

Where else these words appear

“vision” Greek G3705 · used in 12 verses

  • Acts 7:31 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,
  • Acts 10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
  • Acts 12:9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

“charged” Greek G1781 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Mark 11:6 And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.
  • John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

“mountain” Greek G3735 · used in 65 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;
  • Mark 11:1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
  • John 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

“down” Greek G2597 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  • Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
  • Acts 10:21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?