FocusListening to Jesus
Connection to the wholeThe transfiguration follows the teaching about the cross and leads into discussion of resurrection and the forerunner's suffering.
interpretation Mark 9:4
KJVAnd there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
Read it in context
The mountain revelation
Start reading at Mark 9:1 (Mark 9:1 to Mark 9:13).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The transfiguration follows the teaching about the cross and leads into discussion of resurrection and the forerunner's suffering.
- 9:1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
- 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.
- 9:3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
- 9:4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
- 9:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
- 9:6 For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.
- 9:7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
- 9:8 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.
- 9:9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.
- 9:10 And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.
- 9:11 And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?
- 9:12 And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.
- 9:13 But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 9:1–9:50): Peter, James, and John witness the transfiguration. A father and his son, the other disciples, scribes, and a crowd appear afterward; Jesus then instructs His disciples privately. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The mountain revelation. Read Mark 9:1 through Mark 9:13 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The transfiguration follows the teaching about the cross and leads into discussion of resurrection and the forerunner's suffering. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The mountain revelation (Mark 9:1 to Mark 9:13). Start reading at Mark 9:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 9:1, Mark 9:13, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
The transfiguration
Later eyewitness recollection included
Peter later recalls the voice heard on the holy mount. His testimony is linked with the Gospel narratives without adding an inferred sequence of details.
Related passages
- appeared Matt 11:13 Luke 9:19,30-31 Luke 24:27,44 John 5:39,45-47 Acts 3:21-24 1 Pet 1:10-12 Rev 19:10
- Elias 2 Kgs 2:11-12
- Elijah Deut 34:5-6
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 9
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The afflicted boy
Mark 9:14–29FocusFaith and dependence
Connection to the wholeThe boy's deliverance contrasts Jesus' authority with the disciples' inability and teaches dependence rather than self-sufficiency.
interpretation Suffering and greatness
Mark 9:30–37FocusReceiving the least
Connection to the wholeAnother passion prediction is followed by the disciples' dispute over greatness, which Jesus answers through service and receiving a child.
interpretation Warnings to disciples
Mark 9:38–50FocusCooperation, offense, and peace
Connection to the wholeJesus corrects possessiveness and gives severe warnings about causing stumbling, closing with a call for peace among His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation The expanding ministry
Mark 3:7–8:26FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.