Definition of the Transfiguration

Jesus, whose glory was veiled in flesh, became unveiled to those 3 disciples and they beheld his glory. The Greek word Metamorphao means to transform or transfigure. Both Matthew and Mark use the same word metamorphao in Matt 17:2 and Mark 9:2). Luke did not mention the word transfiguration but he said that the appearance of his face changed (Luke 9:29). Matthew said that his face shined as the sun (Matt 17:2), and Mark said that his clothing became as light, exceeding white as snow (Mark 9:3). What had actually happened was that Jesus, whose glory was veiled in flesh, became unveiled to the 3 disciples and they beheld his glory, the same glory that will be seen when he returns to set up his kingdom which will never pass away.