Mark 9:6 – “He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.”
Extended Explanation
Mark 9:6 reveals Peter’s emotional state during the Transfiguration. Overwhelmed by fear and awe, he blurted out the suggestion to build three shelters without fully understanding what was happening. Peter was terrified, which explains his awkward and impulsive response. Instead of remaining silent and observing, he tried to take control of the situation with his suggestion.
Fear often leads people to say or do things without thinking them through, and Peter’s reaction is a prime example of that. His fear was not just the result of seeing Jesus transfigured but also due to the sudden appearance of two revered figures—Moses and Elijah. The divine nature of the event was too overwhelming for Peter, and in his human weakness, he responded with confusion.
Historical Context
In the Bible, encounters with God or manifestations of His glory often led to fear and trembling. For example, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai, the people were afraid to approach him because his face reflected God’s glory (Exodus 34:29-30). When Isaiah had a vision of God’s throne, he cried out, “Woe to me! I am ruined!” (Isaiah 6:5). Similarly, when the shepherds encountered the angels announcing Jesus’ birth, they were terrified (Luke 2:9).
In Jewish tradition, encountering God’s presence was considered an overwhelming, even dangerous experience, because of His holiness. Peter, James, and John would have understood this context, which explains why they reacted with fear.
Theological Implications
This verse illustrates the human inability to fully comprehend God’s glory. Peter’s fear highlights the natural reaction of sinful humanity when confronted with the holiness of God. Throughout the Bible, people often respond with fear when encountering God because His glory exposes their smallness, sinfulness, and lack of understanding.
Yet this moment also reveals God’s grace. Although Peter and the other disciples were terrified, God didn’t rebuke them or punish them for their fear. Instead, God used this experience to teach them more about who Jesus truly is. The lesson here is that even when we don’t understand or feel overwhelmed, God is patient with us.
Literary Analysis
Mark’s writing style often portrays the disciples as confused or unsure, which is meant to highlight their journey toward understanding Jesus. This verse captures Peter’s human vulnerability and reflects the Gospel’s overall theme that understanding Jesus as the Messiah requires a process of revelation. The phrase “they were so frightened” is key. It emphasizes that this wasn’t just a peaceful spiritual experience—it was a dramatic, awe-inspiring moment that left the disciples shaken.
The fact that Peter “did not know what to say” reveals the inadequacy of human words when encountering divine glory. No words could capture the significance of what was happening, yet Peter felt compelled to speak anyway, revealing his struggle to comprehend the event.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 34:29-30 – The people are afraid when Moses’ face shines with God’s glory.
- Isaiah 6:1-5 – Isaiah is overwhelmed and terrified when he sees God’s holiness.
- Luke 2:9 – The shepherds are terrified when they see the glory of the Lord.
- Matthew 17:6 – In a parallel account of the Transfiguration, the disciples fall to the ground in fear.
- Revelation 1:17 – John, when seeing the glorified Jesus, falls at His feet as though dead.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Mark 9:6 is a reminder that encountering God’s presence is a humbling experience. While we may not witness a transfiguration, there are moments in life when we sense God’s presence, whether through answered prayers, conviction, or worship. These moments often leave us in awe, and like Peter, we may feel unsure of how to respond.
This verse also teaches us that it’s okay to be overwhelmed. Faith doesn’t require having all the answers. Peter didn’t fully understand what he was seeing, and we don’t always understand what God is doing in our lives. But even when we’re confused or afraid, we can trust that God is working for our good.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His patience with Peter and the other disciples. Even when they didn’t understand what was happening, God didn’t abandon them or dismiss their fear. Instead, He used this moment to reveal more of Jesus’ identity and glory. God’s love meets us where we are, even in our confusion and fear, and gently guides us toward understanding.
The fact that the disciples experienced fear but weren’t condemned demonstrates God’s desire to draw His people closer, not push them away. He understands our weaknesses and meets us with grace, giving us time to grow in faith.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus’ role as both fully divine and fully human. The disciples’ fear wasn’t just about seeing Moses and Elijah or Jesus’ appearance changing—it was about witnessing a glimpse of Jesus’ true divine nature. This moment was a preview of the glory that Jesus would fully display through His resurrection and eventual return.
Despite their fear, the disciples would later reflect on this event and understand its significance. Peter himself wrote about it in 2 Peter 1:16-18, saying that the Transfiguration was a confirmation of Jesus’ divine glory. This experience helped shape their understanding of Jesus’ mission and prepared them for the challenges they would face as His followers.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think fear is a common reaction when people encounter God’s glory?
- How do you respond when you feel overwhelmed by God’s presence or His work in your life?
- Have you ever experienced a moment when you didn’t know what to say or do in response to God’s guidance? How did you handle it?
- What can you learn from God’s patience with Peter and the other disciples during this event?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust God even when you don’t fully understand what He is doing?
Mark 9:6 reminds us that it’s okay to be overwhelmed by God’s greatness. We don’t need to have all the answers or perfect responses. God is patient and loving, guiding us as we grow in faith and understanding of who Jesus is. Let this verse encourage you to trust in God’s plan, even when it feels beyond your comprehension.