Matthew 17:4 Meaning and Explanation
“Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Peter, overwhelmed, offers to build three shelters to prolong the holy moment.
What Does Matthew 17:4 Mean?
Peter speaks out of wonder, longing to hold the moment in place. He proposes three booths, like the shelters Israel raised at the Feast of Tabernacles, one each for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah -- as if the three belonged side by side.
His instinct to honor the glory is right, yet he does not yet see that Jesus stands above the law and the prophets, not merely among them. We often want to freeze the mountaintop and stay. The voice that follows will gently correct him, lifting his eyes from three honored servants to the one beloved Son.
Matthew 17:4 in the Original Language
skene (σκηνή), 'tabernacle' -- a tent or booth, echoing the dwelling where God met Israel in the wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 17:4
What does Matthew 17:4 mean?
Peter, overwhelmed, offers to build three shelters to prolong the holy moment.