📖 Biblical Definition
The Mount of Transfiguration is the unnamed mountain where Jesus was visibly transformed before Peter, James, and John. His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared with Him, representing the Law and the Prophets, both testifying to Christ. The Father's voice declared from the cloud: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him" (Matthew 17:5). This event revealed Christ's divine glory, confirmed His messianic identity, and previewed the glory of His future kingdom. Peter later testified to this as eyewitness proof: "We were eyewitnesses of his majesty" (2 Peter 1:16).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
TRANSFIGURATION: A change of form or appearance; particularly, the supernatural change in the appearance of our Savior on the mount.
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TRANSFIGURA'TION, n. [L. transfiguratio.] 1. A change of form or appearance; metamorphosis. 2. Particularly, the supernatural change in the personal appearance of our Savior on the mount, in the presence of Peter, James, and John.
📖 Key Scripture
• Matthew 17:1-8 — "He was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun."
• Mark 9:2-8 — "His clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them."
• 2 Peter 1:16-18 — "We were eyewitnesses of his majesty... when we were with him on the holy mountain."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
The Transfiguration is reduced to metaphor or dismissed as mythology.
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Liberal theology treats the Transfiguration as a visionary experience, a psychological event within the disciples' minds rather than an objective supernatural occurrence. Some reframe it as a "mystical experience" comparable to those found in Eastern religions. This strips the event of its core purpose: the Father publicly authenticating the Son as the fulfillment of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). The Transfiguration is not an invitation to seek mystical mountaintop experiences — it is God's command to listen to His Son above all other voices.
Usage
• "On the Mount of Transfiguration, the veil was pulled back for a moment and the disciples saw Christ as He truly is — radiant with divine glory."
• "The Transfiguration was not a mystical experience to be replicated but a divine revelation to be believed."