Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 17:2

"and he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light." — Matthew 17:2 (ASV)

Moses’ face shone because it reflected something of God’s glory (Exodus 34:29– 30). But Jesus himself was “transfigured” (GK 3565), a word that suggests a change of inmost nature that may be outwardly visible (as here) or quite invisible (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18). That Jesus was transfigured “before them” implies that it was largely for their sakes. As they would come to realize, they were being privileged to glimpse something of his preincarnate glory (17:5) and anticipate his coming exaltation (2 Peter 1:16–18; Revelation 1:16). Their confession of Jesus as Messiah and his insistence that he would be a suffering Messiah (16:13–21; 17:9) were confirmed. Therefore they had reason to hope that they would yet see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom (16:28).