New Testament
Mark 9:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Peter blurted out, "Rabbi, this is amazing! Let us build 3 shelters — one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
Compare translations
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.
What Mark 9:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Peter expresses his awe at witnessing the transfiguration of Jesus alongside Moses and Elijah. His suggestion to build three shelters indicates his desire to prolong this extraordinary moment. Peter sees the significance of being in the presence of these great figures of faith and wants to honor them by creating a space for each. This reaction reflects a common human tendency to cling to spiritual experiences and seek to preserve them. However, Peter's proposal also shows a misunderstanding of the situation, as the focus should be on Jesus rather than on building structures. This moment highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus' unique role and authority, as He surpasses even the greatest prophets. Peter's impulsive nature is evident here, as he speaks without fully grasping the implications of what he is witnessing. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder of the need to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else, rather than trying to contain or control divine experiences.
How to apply Mark 9:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and appreciate moments of divine revelation in our lives. Instead of trying to hold onto these experiences or create structures around them, we should focus on deepening our relationship with Jesus and understanding His role in our lives. Embrace the spiritual moments but keep Jesus at the center.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark 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.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2–10)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. 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.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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 PlansAsk AI about Mark 9:5
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 Mark 9:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Peter suggest in Mark 9:5?
In Mark 9:5, Peter suggests building three shelters or tabernacles, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. This proposal reflects his awe at witnessing the transfiguration of Jesus and his desire to honor these significant figures of faith by creating a space for each of them.
Why did Peter want to build shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah?
Peter's desire to build shelters stems from his amazement at the transfiguration event, where Jesus is revealed in divine glory alongside Moses and Elijah. He wants to prolong this extraordinary experience and honor these great prophets, showing a human tendency to cling to spiritual moments.
What does this verse reveal about Peter's understanding of Jesus?
Peter's suggestion in Mark 9:5 indicates a misunderstanding of the situation. While he recognizes the significance of being in the presence of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, he mistakenly places them on the same level. This highlights the need to prioritize Jesus' unique role and authority, as He surpasses even the greatest prophets.
How can we apply the lesson from Mark 9:5 in our lives?
Mark 9:5 teaches us to appreciate divine moments without trying to contain or control them. Instead of attempting to build structures around our spiritual experiences, we should focus on deepening our relationship with Jesus and understanding His central role in our lives, keeping Him at the forefront of our faith.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.