Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 17:6

"And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid." — Matthew 17:6 (ASV)

The effect of the Transfiguration on the disciples reminds us of Daniel (Daniel 10:7–9). The visible glory of Deity brings terror, but Jesus calms his disciples’ fears (cf. 14:26–27). Matthew alone tells us that at the divine splendor the disciples “fell facedown to the ground,” a prelude to their seeing no one “except Jesus.” These words are pregnant with meaning: compared with God’s revelation through Christ, all other revelations pale.