Where is the Mount of Transfiguration in the Bible?

This article explores the traditional and alternative locations of the Mount of Transfiguration, the biblical significance of mountains, and its enduring impact on the Christian faith.

The Transfiguration is a significant event in the New Testament, where Jesus reveals his divine nature to his closest disciples: Peter, James, and John. This extraordinary occurrence unfolds on a high mountain, traditionally identified as Mount Tabor. It is recorded in Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9, highlighting its importance in Jesus’ life and ministry.

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Table of Contents

The Transfiguration of Christ in The Bible
Mount Tabor: The Traditional Mount of Transfiguration
Mount Hermon: Another Possible Location
The Significance of the Mount of Transfiguration in the Bible
The Impact of the Transfiguration on Christianity

The Transfiguration of Christ in The Bible

The Transfiguration of Jesus is a pivotal event described in Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9. Six days after the events at Caesarea Philippi, where Peter recognized Jesus as the Messiah, Lord Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. The exact location of the mountain is not mentioned in the Gospels, but Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon are considered possible locations.

On the mountain, Jesus’ face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with Jesus. Seeing this, Peter suggested building three tabernacles: one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.

While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5, KJV). The disciples fell to the ground in fear.

Jesus came and touched the disciples, telling them not to be afraid. When they looked up, they saw no one but Jesus. As they descended the mountain, Jesus instructed them not to tell anyone about the vision until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

The disciples, puzzled by the reference to rising from the dead, asked Jesus why the scribes said that Elijah must come first. Jesus explained that Elijah had already come in the person of John the Baptist and that he too would suffer at the hands of others.

MOUNT TABOR - the Transfiguration of Jesus — ^{Photo by Shalev Cohen on Unsplash}

Mount Tabor: The Traditional Mount of Transfiguration

Mount Tabor, located in the region of Galilee, stands alone in the area. Known as the traditional location of the transfiguration, it holds great significance in the New Testament narrative. Its beauty and majesty are often described as a fitting backdrop for Jesus’ divine transformation.

Traditional beliefs and historical significance

Tradition identifies Mount Tabor as the mount of the transfiguration, where Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him. The belief that this is the holy land, where Jesus was transfigured, is rooted in several factors:

It’s a prominent location and distinctive shape make it a fitting setting for a significant biblical event.
The region’s historical and geographical context connects it to various biblical events, including those involving Jesus and his disciples.
There is a long-standing association with Christian monasticism and pilgrimage. This dates back to the early centuries of Christianity and has further solidified its status as the traditional site of the Transfiguration.
Lastly, the presence of the Church of the Transfiguration and other religious structures on the mountain today serve as enduring testimonies to this belief.

mount of transfiguration - Photographs by Willem van de Poll in Mount Tabor, Israel (1948) — ^{Photographs by Willem van de Poll in Mount Tabor, Israel (1948)}

Mount Tabor Today

Nowadays, Mount Tabor is a prominent pilgrimage destination with immense religious and historical significance. Its summit is under the ownership of Greek Orthodox and Latin monks.

On the southern side, one can find the Greek Orthodox Monastery, the Church of the Transfiguration, established in 1862, and Mechisedek’s Chapel.

On the northern side, visitors can discover the Franciscan Monastery, a guesthouse, and a beautiful Basilica built upon the remains of an ancient Byzantine church.

mount of transfiguration - The Franciscan Church of Transfiguration, Mt Tabor, Israel — ^{The Franciscan Church of Transfiguration, Mt Tabor, Israel}

Mount Hermon: Another Possible Location

Mount Hermon, a high mountain near the border of Lebanon and Syria, presents an alternative possibility for the Transfiguration site. Its proximity to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter recognized Jesus as the Messiah, and its impressive height may align better with the biblical account. Mount Hermon’s connection to Elijah and Moses, who had significant encounters with God on high mountains, further supports this theory.

Proponents of Mount Hermon as the transfiguration site argue that its elevation and location better align with the biblical account. Its higher altitude provides a dramatic setting for this event.

The Significance of the Mount of Transfiguration in the Bible

Mountains hold deep symbolic significance in the Bible, often representing places of divine revelation and encounter. They serve as settings for pivotal biblical events, such as Moses receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai and Elijah encountering God on Mount Horeb. In the case of the Transfiguration, the mountain serves as the setting for Jesus’ divine manifestation, emphasizing his authority and the importance of the event in his ministry.

mount of transfiguration - Church of Transfiguration, Mount Tabor — ^{Church of Transfiguration, Mount Tabor}

The Sacred Symbolism of Mountains

Mountains were often considered sacred places where people could connect with the divine. This belief was rooted in various factors:

Physical separation: They are physically separated from the surrounding landscape, rising above the ordinary world. This physical elevation symbolizes spiritual elevation, representing a closer proximity to the divine realm.

Divine encounters: In many religious traditions, mountains have been the sites of divine encounters, where the boundary between the earthly and heavenly realms becomes thin. In the Bible, several significant events involving divine encounters take place on mountains, such as Moses receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai and Elijah’s encounter with God on Mount Horeb.

Creation and cosmology: In many ancient cultures, mountains were associated with the creation of the world and the abode of gods. They were seen as the axis mundi or the center of the world, connecting the earth to the heavens. This connection to the cosmos and the divine made mountains spiritually significant and sacred.

Purity and isolation: Higher altitudes are often remote and difficult to access, making them ideal locations for spiritual retreats, meditation, and reflection. Their isolation and pristine environment contribute to the sense of purity and sanctity, making them fitting places for profound spiritual experiences and revelations.

The Impact of the Transfiguration on Christianity

The Transfiguration marks a turning point in Jesus’ ministry, revealing his divine nature and foreshadowing his future glory. This revelation strengthens the faith of the disciples present and prepares them for the trials they will face following Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. The voice from heaven further confirms Jesus’ divine authority and the significance of his mission.

In conclusion, the Mount of Transfiguration is a crucial backdrop for the revelation of Jesus’ divine nature. While Mount Tabor is the traditional site, Mount Hermon presents a compelling alternative.

Regardless of the exact location, the symbolism of mountains in the Bible and the significance of the Transfiguration in Jesus’ ministry contribute to a deeper understanding of this transformative event.