Jesus Reference to Elijah and Moses in Mark 9:1
Mark 9:1 and the Transfiguration
Mark 9:1 states, "And he said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come with power'" [1]. This verse precedes the transfiguration narrative, where Jesus is joined by Moses and Elijah. The appearance of these two figures is significant, as they represent the law and the prophets, respectively [3, 9].
The transfiguration itself is described in Mark 9:2-8, where Jesus is transformed before Peter, James, and John. Verse 4 notes, "And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus" [1]. Luke's parallel account clarifies that "there talked with him two men, who were Moses and Elijah" [2]. The conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah is not explicitly detailed, but Luke 9:31 indicates that they discussed Jesus' "exodus" or departure, which he was to accomplish in Jerusalem.
The presence of Moses and Elijah is often seen as symbolic. Moses represents the law, while Elijah represents the prophets [3, 4, 9]. Together, they signify the entirety of the Old Testament testimony to Christ. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, this appearance "represented the whole testimony of the Old Testament Scriptures, and the Old Testament saints, to Christ" [4]. The Tyndale House commentary on Mark 9:4 suggests that their appearance might indicate the fulfillment of the law and the prophets in Jesus, referencing Matthew 5:17 and Malachi 4:4-5 [3].
Peter's response to the transfiguration is to suggest building three shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, effectively placing them on the same footing [7]. However, the narrative emphasizes Jesus' superiority, as the cloud overshadows them, and a voice declares, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him" (Mark 9:7) [1]. The Tyndale House commentary on Mark 9:8 notes that "only Jesus remained, not Moses or Elijah. Jesus was clearly superior to Elijah and Moses" [5].
The conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah concerned Jesus' impending death and resurrection, described by Luke as his "exodus" (Luke 9:31). John Gill's commentary on Luke 9:28 suggests that this conversation was a confirmation to Jesus of the events that were to unfold in Jerusalem [8]. The appearance of Moses and Elijah serves to underscore the significance of Jesus' mission and its continuity with the Old Testament narrative.
The transfiguration and the appearance of Moses and Elijah have been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian tradition. One tradition views this event as a demonstration of Jesus' fulfillment of the law and the prophets [3, 9]. Another sees it as a moment of confirmation for Jesus and a preview of his glory [6, 8].
The significance of Moses and Elijah's appearance is further underscored by their roles in the Old Testament. Moses is associated with the giving of the law, while Elijah is known for his prophetic zeal [4, 8]. Their presence alongside Jesus on the mountain highlights the connection between Jesus and the broader narrative of Israel's history and scripture.
Sources
- Mark “Elijah and Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus. -- Mark 9:4”
- Luke “Behold, two men were talking with him, who were Moses and Elijah, -- Luke 9:30”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 9:4: 9:4 The appearance of Elijah and Moses might indicate the fulfillment of the law and the prophets in Jesus (see Matt 5:17; cp. Mal 4:4-5).”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 9:30: there talked with him two men . . . Moses and Elias . . . appeared in glory--"Who would have believed these were not angels had not their human names been subjoined?" [BENGEL]. (Compare Act 1:10; Mar 16:5). Moses represented "the law," Elijah "the prophets," and both together the whole testimony of the Old Testament Scriptures, and the Old Testament saints, to Christ; now not borne in a book, but by living men, not to a coming, but a come Messiah, visibly, for they "appeared," and audibly, for they "spake."”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 9:8: 9:8 Only Jesus remained, not Moses or Elijah. Jesus was clearly superior to Elijah and Moses.”
- Mark (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Mark 9:4: And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses,.... Or Moses and Elias, as all the Oriental versions read, as in Mat_. 17:3; see Gill on Mat 17:3, and they were talking with Jesus; concerning his decease, and what he was to do and suffer at Jerusalem, and of which he himself had lately talked with his disciples; so that this might have been a confirmation of these things to them; See Gill on Mat 17:3.”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 9:5: 9:5-6 The suggestion to build three shelters as memorials (see Lev 23:33-43; Num 29:12-34) places Moses, Elijah, and Jesus on the same footing. The suggestion ignores Peter’s own earlier confession (Mark 8:29) and the fact that only Jesus had been transfigured (9:2-3).”
- Luke (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Luke 9:28: And behold there talked with him two men,.... Of great note and fame: which were Moses and Elias; the one the giver of the law from God to the people "of Israel", as well as the redeemer of them from Egyptian bondage, and who led them through the wilderness, to the borders of Canaan's land; and the other a prophet famous for his zeal for God, and his worship, and who was translated, soul and body, to heaven: these appeared and talked with Christ on the mount; and what they talked of is mentioned in the following verse; See Gill on Mat 17:3.”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 17:3: 17:3 Moses symbolizes the law and Elijah the prophets. They appeared as witnesses to Christ, to demonstrate that Jesus, God’s Son, is the fulfillment of everything written in the Law and the Prophets (see 5:17-20; 11:2-6; 12:28).”