Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Matthew 17:1

μεθʼ ἡμέρας ἕξ. Within a week of Peter’s confession. St Luke has ‘about an eight days after,’ according to the common Jewish reckoning, by which each part of a day is counted as a day. The note of time cannot be without a purpose. The link is intentional between the announcement of the Passion and the kingdom of utter sacrifice on the one hand, and the foretaste of glory on the other.

τὸν Πέτρον καὶ Ἰάκωβον καὶ Ἰωάννην. The three who were chosen to be with their Master on the two other occasions, (1) the raising of Jairus’ daughter, (2) the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.

εἰς ὄρος ὑψηλόν. A contrast suggests itself, between this mountain of the Kingdom of God, and the mountain of the kingdoms of the world, ch. Matthew 4:8.

An old tradition placed the scene of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. It is known, however, that the summit of Tabor was at this period occupied by a fortress, and there is no hint given of Jesus being in that neighbourhood. Many regard one of the spurs of Hermon, or even its summit (Conder, Tent Work, &c. 266), as the most likely spot. Cæsarea Philippi, the last named locality, lies under Hermon, and its glittering cone of snow may have suggested the expression in Mark, λευκὰ λίαν ὡς χιών, if, indeed, the words ὡς χιὼν are to be admitted into the text.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Matthew 17:1

Old Testament

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