A word indicating the change which took place in the appearance of Jesus in the vision on the holy mount. The Lord, speaking to His disciples prior to the transfiguration, said that some should see “the Son of Man coming in his kingdom;” “the kingdom of God come with power;” and Matthew records that Christ “was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light.” Peter says he was an eyewitness of His majesty. It was therefore a short glimpse of the Lord Jesus invested with glory, as He is now on high, and as He will be in His kingdom. The law and the prophets were represented by Moses and Elias; but when Peter proposed to make three tabernacles, he was silenced by a voice from heaven, saying “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye Him” (Matt. 17:1-8; Mark 9:2; Luke 9:28; 2 Pet. 1:16). The same Greek word is applied to the Christian as being “transformed” in Romans 12:2, and as being “changed” in 2 Corinthians 3:18, metamorphosed.
Early writers fixed on Mount Tabor as the Mount of Transfiguration; but it is more probable that it was on some part of Mount Hermon, which would have been more private. The Lord was also in that locality.