New Testament

Luke 9:32

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Peter and the others had been overcome with sleep, but when they fully woke up, they saw his glory and the 2 men standing with him.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

What Luke 9:32 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, we see a moment of divine revelation during the Transfiguration of Jesus. Peter and the others were initially sleepy, which symbolizes a lack of awareness or understanding of the spiritual significance of the moment. When they finally woke up, they were able to witness the glory of Jesus, shining brightly, along with two men, likely representing Moses and Elijah. This event highlights the importance of being spiritually alert and aware of God's presence. The glory of Jesus reveals His divine nature and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, represented by the two men. This moment serves as a reminder that spiritual awakening can lead to profound experiences of God's glory and truth, encouraging believers to seek deeper understanding and connection with the divine.

How to apply Luke 9:32 to your life

This verse encourages us to stay spiritually alert and aware of God's presence in our lives. Just as the disciples experienced a profound moment of revelation, we too can seek moments of clarity and understanding by being attentive to our spiritual lives and the teachings of Jesus.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of the transfiguration of Jesus

Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Transfiguration (Luke 9:28–36)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Jesus

An old color photograph of Bethlehem on a ridge above terraces of olive trees.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Bethlehem

David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Luke 9:32

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Luke 9:32

At a Glance — the Book of Luke

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 60-62
Genre
Gospel and history
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Luke 9:32 mean?

Luke 9:32 describes the moment when Peter and the other disciples wake up during the Transfiguration of Jesus. They see His glory and two men with Him, symbolizing a divine revelation of Jesus' true nature and His connection to the Law and the Prophets.

What is the significance of the glory seen in Luke 9:32?

The glory seen in Luke 9:32 represents the divine nature of Jesus, showcasing His majesty and authority. This moment emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets.

Who are the two men mentioned in Luke 9:32?

The two men standing with Jesus in Luke 9:32 are traditionally understood to be Moses and Elijah. They represent the Law and the Prophets, affirming Jesus' role in fulfilling both.

What does being 'heavy with sleep' symbolize in Luke 9:32?

Being 'heavy with sleep' in Luke 9:32 symbolizes a lack of spiritual awareness or understanding. It highlights the need for believers to be spiritually alert to recognize and experience God's presence.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.