Luke 9:32Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

During Christ's time of prayer, Peter was burdened by sleep because of his frailty, reflecting the vulnerability of human nature. However, upon awakening, Peter beheld the splendor of Christ along with two figures.

Peter witnessed this divine grace, as did those accompanying him, despite their struggle against sleep. Our physical senses often find it challenging to endure the unfathomable brilliance of the divine. If human sight cannot withstand the sun's rays, how could our frail, mortal forms withstand such glory? Thus, in the resurrection, our bodies will shine with greater brightness and magnificence, liberated from the weaknesses of sin. They may have been heavy with slumber to fully appreciate the beauty of the resurrection upon awakening. When they finally roused, they beheld His glory, for it is only when fully awake that one can truly perceive the magnificence of Christ. Peter rejoiced—he, who had not fallen prey to the seductions of this world, was enchanted by the splendor of the resurrection.

It is also stated that by glory, one should interpret this as radiance.

The glory of our Lord Jesus Christ is attested by another apostle: “When Peter and those with him awoke,” he states, “they saw the glory of Christ” (Luke 9:32). What does this glory entail? Let another evangelist clarify: “His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as light” (Matt. 17:2). The Lord revealed His divine nature, being “clothed in light as in garments,” as noted by the Psalmist (Ps. 103:2). After witnessing this splendor on the holy mountain—a light that, curiously, also resonates audibly, since they beheld a brilliant cloud that spoke words—he affirmed, "We have the prophetic word more fully confirmed." What is this prophetic certitude you embraced after perceiving the light, O seers of God? Is it not that God is “clothed in light as in garments”?

The narrative that the Hebrews have previously conveyed relates to the condition of Jesus Christ. They now shift their focus to the experiences of the apostles. The Evangelists Matthew and Mark specifically recount Peter's request for three shelters to be constructed. Conversely, Luke notes, "But Peter and those who were with Him were weighed down with sleep, but when they awoke (ἦσαν βεβαρημένοι ὕπνῳ - διαγρηγορήσαντες δὲ), they saw His glory and the other men standing with Him." The interpretation of these words differs among the Evangelists. The term διαγρηγορέω is not found elsewhere in the LXX or the New Testament. It is commonly understood as to awaken or to arise.

The disciples who had been sleeping stirred and were astounded by the remarkable vision of Jesus: amidst the night’s darkness, Christ radiated with divine brilliance. Two figures accompanied Him and engaged in conversation. The apostles surmised that these were Moses and Elijah. As noted by Luke the Evangelist, Moses and Elijah appeared in glory, representing a form unlike that typically seen by people on earth. (For the exodus, see Luke 9:28).

While the apostles stood in awe, blinded and bewildered, they silently observed the wondrous sight and listened to the enigmatic dialogue between Christ and the celestial beings. The world around them could only glimpse a fleeting moment of this magnificent event. Moses and Elijah had fulfilled their purpose and were prepared to return to the presence of the God who had sent them. As the glorious vision began to wane and the illustrious visitors prepared to part from the Savior, who entered the cloud that enveloped them, Peter found himself overwhelmed—both afraid and exhilarated by the scene.

The phrase “weighted down with slumber” is also a detail noted solely by Eu. Luke. It may initially appear odd that the disciples found themselves in such a state. However, it is essential to recognize that they were not drowsy during the transfiguration itself but rather prior to that event. It is likely that the Lord ascended the mountain with them in the evening, engaging in prayer throughout the night, leading to the transfiguration occurring by morning. Exhausted from the day's exertions, the disciples struggled to resist the Lord's extended prayer time, similar to what later transpired in the garden of Gethsemane, causing them to succumb to sleep. While they remained in slumber, the Lord's visage began to transform, and Moses and Elijah appeared in splendor. Perhaps the disciples awoke to behold the remarkable radiance illuminating the Lord and those who were with Him.