The Meaning of Luke 9:33 Explained

Luke 9:33

KJV: And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

YLT: And it came to pass, in their parting from him, Peter said unto Jesus, 'Master, it is good to us to be here; and we may make three booths, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah,' not knowing what he saith:

Darby: And it came to pass as they departed from him, Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

ASV: And it came to pass, as they were parting from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah: not knowing what he said.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  it came to pass,  as  they  departed  from  him,  Peter  said  unto  Jesus,  Master,  it is  good  for us  to be  here:  and  let us make  three  tabernacles;  one for  thee,  and  one for  Moses,  and  one for  Elias:  not  knowing  what  he said. 

What does Luke 9:33 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Peter appears to have wanted to prolong this great experience, but his suggestion was inappropriate. By offering to build three shelters Peter put Jesus on the same level as Moses and Elijah. Moreover by suggesting their construction he was perhaps unconsciously though nonetheless effectively promoting a delay of Jesus" departure to Jerusalem. He naturally viewed Jerusalem as a place to avoid in view of the possibility of danger there. Peter may have thought that the kingdom had arrived and there was no reason for Jesus and His disciples to go to Jerusalem. The booths he suggested building were probably those that the Jews erected at the yearly feast of Tabernacles to commemorate the wilderness wanderings and to anticipate the messianic kingdom ( Leviticus 23:42-43; Nehemiah 8:14-17; Zechariah 14:16-21).
"Peter suggested that they build three booths probably because of the prophecy in Zechariah 14:16 that the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) would be celebrated when Christ reigns on the earth. Apparently Peter thought that with Moses, Elijah, the three disciples, and Christ all present, this must be the beginning of the earthly kingdom." [1]

Context Summary

Luke 9:28-36 - A Glimpse Of Glory
From some aspects this was the highest point in our Savior's earthly career. He was the second Adam and had not sinned. There was no reason, therefore, that He should die. He might in a moment have been changed; that which was mortal might have been swallowed up of life. The door through which Moses and Elijah had come stood open, and by it our Lord might have returned. But He could never, under those circumstances, have been the Savior of mankind. He knew this, so He turned His back on the joy set before Him and set His face toward Calvary.
Moses came as representing the Law; and Elijah, the Prophets. Each of these great departments of divine revelation had anticipated His coming, Luke 24:27; Luke 24:44. As stars fade in the sunrise, so their mission was now merged in Him. They spoke of His decease, literally, His exodus, and it was from this that Peter caught the term which he applied to his own death, 2 Peter 1:15. The Apostles never forgot this manifestation of the glory of the Lord, 1 John 1:1-4; 2 Peter 1:17. When you hear that Christ is the Beloved of God, remember Ephesians 1:6. [source]

Chapter Summary: Luke 9

1  Jesus sends his apostles to work miracles, and to preach
7  Herod desires to see Jesus
10  The apostles return
12  Jesus feeds five thousand;
18  inquires what opinion the world had of him; foretells his passion;
23  proposes to all the pattern of his patience
28  The transfiguration
37  He heals the lunatic;
43  again forewarns his disciples of his passion;
46  commends humility;
51  bids them to show mildness toward all, without desire of revenge
57  Many would follow him, but upon conditions

Greek Commentary for Luke 9:33

As they were departing from him [εν τωι διαχωριζεσται αυτους απ αυτου]
Peculiar to Luke and another instance of Luke‘s common idiom of εν — en with the articular infinitive in a temporal clause. This common verb occurs here only in the N.T. The present middle voice means to separate oneself fully (direct middle). This departing of Moses and Elijah apparently accompanied Peter‘s remark as given in all three Gospels. See for details on Mark and Matthew. [source]
Master [Επιστατα]
It was near the time of the feast of the tabernacles. So Peter proposes that they celebrate it up here instead of going to Jerusalem for it as they did a bit later (John 7).Not knowing what he said Literally, not understanding what he was saying Luke puts it more bluntly than Mark (Peter‘s account), “For he wist not what to answer; for they became sore afraid” (Mark 9:6). Peter acted according to his impulsive nature and spoke up even though he did not know what to say or even what he was saying when he spoke. He was only half awake as Luke explains and he was sore afraid as Mark (Peter) explains. He had bewilderment enough beyond a doubt, but it was Peter who spoke, not James and John. [source]
Rabbi [Mark 9:5)]
(Mark 9:5), Lord It was near the time of the feast of the tabernacles. So Peter proposes that they celebrate it up here instead of going to Jerusalem for it as they did a bit later (John 7).Not knowing what he said Literally, not understanding what he was saying Luke puts it more bluntly than Mark (Peter‘s account), “For he wist not what to answer; for they became sore afraid” (Mark 9:6). Peter acted according to his impulsive nature and spoke up even though he did not know what to say or even what he was saying when he spoke. He was only half awake as Luke explains and he was sore afraid as Mark (Peter) explains. He had bewilderment enough beyond a doubt, but it was Peter who spoke, not James and John. [source]
Lord [Κυριε]
It was near the time of the feast of the tabernacles. So Peter proposes that they celebrate it up here instead of going to Jerusalem for it as they did a bit later (John 7).Not knowing what he said Literally, not understanding what he was saying Luke puts it more bluntly than Mark (Peter‘s account), “For he wist not what to answer; for they became sore afraid” (Mark 9:6). Peter acted according to his impulsive nature and spoke up even though he did not know what to say or even what he was saying when he spoke. He was only half awake as Luke explains and he was sore afraid as Mark (Peter) explains. He had bewilderment enough beyond a doubt, but it was Peter who spoke, not James and John. [source]
Let us make [ποιησωμεν]
It was near the time of the feast of the tabernacles. So Peter proposes that they celebrate it up here instead of going to Jerusalem for it as they did a bit later (John 7). [source]
Not knowing what he said [μη ειδως ο λεγει]
Literally, not understanding what he was saying Luke puts it more bluntly than Mark (Peter‘s account), “For he wist not what to answer; for they became sore afraid” (Mark 9:6). Peter acted according to his impulsive nature and spoke up even though he did not know what to say or even what he was saying when he spoke. He was only half awake as Luke explains and he was sore afraid as Mark (Peter) explains. He had bewilderment enough beyond a doubt, but it was Peter who spoke, not James and John. [source]
not understanding what he was saying [μη]
Luke puts it more bluntly than Mark (Peter‘s account), “For he wist not what to answer; for they became sore afraid” (Mark 9:6). Peter acted according to his impulsive nature and spoke up even though he did not know what to say or even what he was saying when he spoke. He was only half awake as Luke explains and he was sore afraid as Mark (Peter) explains. He had bewilderment enough beyond a doubt, but it was Peter who spoke, not James and John. [source]
As they were departing [ἐν τῷ διαχωρίζεσθαι ἀυτοὺς]
Lit., in their departing. The verb only here in New Testament. The whole sentence is peculiar to Luke's narrative. [source]
Master []
See on Luke 5:5. [source]
Let us make []
See on Matthew 17:4. [source]
Tabernacles []
See on Matthew 17:4. “Jesus might have smiled at the naive proposal of the eager apostle that they six should dwell forever in the little succo=thof wattled boughs on the slopes of Hermon” (Farrar).Not knowing what he saidNot implying any reproach to Peter, but merely as a mark of his bewilderment in his state of ecstasy. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 9:33

Matthew 17:4 And Peter answered [αποκριτεις δε ο Πετρος]
“Peter to the front again, but not greatly to his credit” (Bruce). It is not clear what Peter means by his saying: “It is good for us to be here” Luke (Luke 9:33) adds “not knowing what he said,” as they “were heavy with sleep.” So it is not well to take Peter too seriously on this occasion. At any rate he makes a definite proposal. [source]
Luke 12:41 Peter said [Ειπεν δε ο Πετρος]
This whole paragraph from verse 22-40 had been addressed directly to the disciples. Hence it is not surprising to find Peter putting in a question. This incident confirms also the impression that Luke is giving actual historical data in the environment of these discourses. He is certain that the Twelve are meant, but he desires to know if others are included, for he had spoken to the multitude in Luke 12:13-21. Recall Mark 13:37. This interruption is somewhat like that on the Mount of Transfiguration (Luke 9:33) and is characteristic of Peter. Was it the magnificent promise in Luke 12:37 that stirred Peter‘s impulsiveness? It is certainly more than a literary device of Luke. Peter‘s question draws out a parabolic reply by Jesus (Luke 12:42). [source]
Luke 5:5 Master [επιστατα]
Used only by Luke in the N.T. and always in addresses to Christ (Luke 8:24, Luke 8:45; Luke 9:33, Luke 9:49; Luke 17:13). Common in the older writers for superintendent or overseer (one standing over another). This word recognizes Christ‘s authority. [source]
Luke 9:49 Master [επιστατα]
Only in Luke in the N.T. as already four times (Luke 5:5; Luke 8:24, Luke 8:45; Luke 9:33).We forbade him (εκωλυομεν αυτον — ekōluomen auton). Conative imperfect as in Mark 9:38, We tried to hinder him.Because he followeth not with us Present tense preserved for vividness where Mark has imperfect μετ ημων — e4kolouthei Note also here “with us” (ημιν — meth' hēmōn) where Mark has associative instrumental hēmin It is a pitiful specimen of partisan narrowness and pride even in the Beloved Disciple, one of the Sons of Thunder. The man was doing the Master‘s work in the Master‘s name and with the Master‘s power, but did not run with the group of the Twelve. [source]

What do the individual words in Luke 9:33 mean?

And it came to pass in the departing of them from Him said - Peter to - Jesus Master good it is for us here to be also let us make tabernacles three one for You for Moses for Elijah not knowing what he is saying
καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ διαχωρίζεσθαι αὐτοὺς ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ εἶπεν Πέτρος πρὸς τὸν Ἰησοῦν Ἐπιστάτα καλόν ἐστιν ἡμᾶς ὧδε εἶναι καὶ ποιήσωμεν σκηνὰς τρεῖς μίαν σοὶ Μωϋσεῖ Ἠλίᾳ μὴ εἰδὼς λέγει

ἐγένετο  it  came  to  pass 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Middle, 3rd Person Singular
Root: γίνομαι  
Sense: to become, i.
διαχωρίζεσθαι  departing 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Root: διαχωρίζω  
Sense: to separate thoroughly or wholly.
αὐτοὺς  of  them 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
εἶπεν  said 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: λέγω  
Sense: to speak, say.
  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Πέτρος  Peter 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Πέτρος  
Sense: one of the twelve disciples of Jesus.
τὸν  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἰησοῦν  Jesus 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰησοῦς  
Sense: Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor.
Ἐπιστάτα  Master 
Parse: Noun, Vocative Masculine Singular
Root: ἐπιστάτης  
Sense: any sort of superintendent or overseer.
καλόν  good 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: καλός  
Sense: beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable.
ἐστιν  it  is 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
ἡμᾶς  for  us 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Accusative 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
ὧδε  here 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ὧδε  
Sense: here, to this place, etc.
εἶναι  to  be 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
καὶ  also 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: καί  
Sense: and, also, even, indeed, but.
ποιήσωμεν  let  us  make 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 1st Person Plural
Root: ποιέω  
Sense: to make.
σκηνὰς  tabernacles 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root: σκηνή  
Sense: tent, tabernacle, (made of green boughs, or skins or other materials).
τρεῖς  three 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root: τρεῖς 
Sense: three.
μίαν  one 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: εἷς  
Sense: one.
σοὶ  for  You 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 2nd Person Singular
Root: σύ  
Sense: you.
Μωϋσεῖ  for  Moses 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: Μωσεύς 
Sense: the legislator of the Jewish people and in a certain sense the founder of the Jewish religion.
Ἠλίᾳ  for  Elijah 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἠλίας  
Sense: a prophet born at Thisbe, the unflinching champion of the theocracy in the reigns of the idolatrous kings Ahab and Ahaziah.
εἰδὼς  knowing 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: οἶδα  
Sense: to see.
λέγει  he  is  saying 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: λέγω 
Sense: to say, to speak.