New Testament
Matthew 17:4
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Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will build three shelters—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
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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.
What Matthew 17:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Peter expresses his excitement about being in the presence of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah during the Transfiguration. He suggests building three shelters, or tabernacles, to honor them. This reflects Peter's desire to prolong this divine moment and his recognition of the significance of Jesus alongside these great figures of faith. However, Peter's proposal also shows a misunderstanding of the situation, as he does not fully grasp the purpose of the Transfiguration. The event is meant to reveal Jesus' divine nature and prepare the disciples for his upcoming suffering and death. Peter's instinct to build shelters indicates a human tendency to cling to spiritual experiences rather than understanding their deeper meaning and purpose. This moment highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus' unique role and the need to listen to him rather than trying to contain or control divine encounters.
How to apply Matthew 17:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to appreciate and recognize moments of divine presence in our lives. Instead of trying to hold onto these experiences, we should seek to understand their purpose and listen to God's guidance. Embrace spiritual moments but remain open to their deeper meanings.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–9)
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Jesus
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.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 17:4 mean?
In Matthew 17:4, Peter expresses his joy at witnessing the Transfiguration of Jesus alongside Moses and Elijah. He suggests building shelters to honor them, reflecting his desire to prolong this divine experience, though he misunderstands the event's true significance.
What is the significance of Peter's suggestion in Matthew 17:4?
Peter's suggestion to build three shelters highlights his excitement and desire to honor Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. However, it also shows his lack of understanding of the Transfiguration's purpose, which is to reveal Jesus' divine nature and prepare the disciples for his coming suffering.
What does 'three tabernacles' refer to in Matthew 17:4?
The 'three tabernacles' Peter mentions in Matthew 17:4 refer to shelters or booths he wants to build for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. This reflects his intention to honor these significant figures during the miraculous event of the Transfiguration.
Why did Peter want to build shelters in Matthew 17:4?
Peter wanted to build shelters in Matthew 17:4 as a way to honor Jesus, Moses, and Elijah during the Transfiguration. His proposal stems from his excitement and desire to capture the moment, though it reveals his misunderstanding of the event's deeper meaning.
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