For they were all so terrifiedThe context of this passage is the Transfiguration of Jesus, where Peter, James, and John witness Jesus in His glorified state alongside Moses and Elijah. The disciples' terror is a natural human response to the divine revelation and the overwhelming presence of God's glory. This fear is consistent with other biblical accounts where individuals encounter the divine, such as Moses at the burning bush (
Exodus 3:6) and Isaiah's vision of the Lord (
Isaiah 6:5). The fear underscores the holiness and majesty of God, which often elicits a profound sense of awe and reverence.
that Peter did not know what else to say.
Peter's reaction is impulsive, reflecting his character throughout the Gospels. His suggestion to build three shelters (Mark 9:5) indicates a desire to prolong the experience, yet it also reveals a misunderstanding of the event's significance. This moment is not about establishing earthly tabernacles but about recognizing Jesus' divine nature and His fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, represented by Moses and Elijah. Peter's confusion and lack of understanding are echoed in other instances, such as when he rebukes Jesus for predicting His death (Mark 8:32-33). This phrase highlights the disciples' ongoing journey of faith and understanding, which will only be fully realized after the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PeterOne of Jesus' closest disciples, known for his impulsive nature and strong faith. In this passage, he is overwhelmed by the divine presence during the Transfiguration.
2.
James and JohnThe other two disciples present with Peter during the Transfiguration. They, too, are witnesses to this miraculous event.
3.
JesusThe central figure of the Transfiguration, revealing His divine glory to the disciples.
4.
The TransfigurationA significant event where Jesus is transformed and His divine nature is revealed to Peter, James, and John on a high mountain.
5.
Elijah and MosesAppearing alongside Jesus during the Transfiguration, representing the Law and the Prophets, affirming Jesus' fulfillment of both.
Teaching Points
The Fear of the LordThe disciples' terror highlights the awe-inspiring nature of God's presence. We are reminded to approach God with reverence and humility.
The Impulsiveness of PeterPeter's reaction teaches us about the human tendency to speak or act without fully understanding God's work. We should seek discernment and patience in our spiritual walk.
The Fulfillment of the Law and ProphetsThe presence of Moses and Elijah signifies Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament. This encourages us to see the continuity of God's plan through Scripture.
The Importance of WitnessThe disciples' experience at the Transfiguration underscores the importance of witnessing and testifying to God's work in our lives.
Transformation through ChristJust as Jesus was transfigured, believers are called to be transformed by renewing their minds and living in Christ's likeness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Mark 9:6?
2.Why did Peter suggest building shelters in Mark 9:6 despite being terrified?
3.How can fear affect our decision-making, as seen in Mark 9:6?
4.What other Bible stories show fear leading to impulsive actions?
5.How can we seek God's guidance when unsure, like Peter in Mark 9:6?
6.What steps can we take to trust God more in fearful situations?
7.Why were Peter, James, and John terrified during the Transfiguration in Mark 9:6?
8.How does Mark 9:6 illustrate human fear in the presence of divine revelation?
9.What does Peter's reaction in Mark 9:6 reveal about his understanding of Jesus' identity?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 9?
11.Why does Mark's Gospel, the earliest, lack a resurrection appearance in its original ending?
12.What does the Bible say about laying on hands?
13.How does the lukewarm analogy in Revelation 3:16 align with other biblical passages that describe God's patience and mercy?
14.Mark 9:2-8 - Could the Transfiguration be a later myth or legend, given the supernatural elements and lack of external corroboration?What Does Mark 9:6 Mean
For they were all• The “they” points back to Peter, James, and John on the mountain with Jesus (Mark 9:2–5).
• All three had just witnessed Jesus’ face shine “like the sun” and His clothes become “dazzling white” (cf.Matthew 17:2).
• Such shared experience underscores that this terror was unanimous, not merely Peter’s personal reaction—similar unanimity appears when Israel trembled at Sinai (Exodus 20:18–19).
so terrified• Terror is the natural human response when sinful people meet the unveiled glory of God. Isaiah cried, “Woe is me!” (Isaiah 6:5), and the shepherds were “terrified” at the angelic glory (Luke 2:9).
• The fear here is not merely awe but a deep instinct of self-preservation in the presence of holiness (Revelation 1:17).
• This reminds us that God’s glory is not casual; it rightly shakes us to our core.
that Peter• True to character, Peter becomes the spokesman (Mark 8:29; 14:29).
• His leadership impulse is genuine but often impulsive—he jumps out of boats (Matthew 14:28–30) and swings swords (John 18:10).
• Even in holy fear, Peter feels compelled to say something, revealing both courage and weakness.
did not know• The text highlights Peter’s lack of understanding. Earlier he grasped Jesus as Messiah yet rebuked Him for speaking of the cross (Mark 8:31–33).
• Spiritual experiences can outpace comprehension; the disciples later “did not understand” the resurrection until after it happened (John 12:16).
• Heaven’s revelation often exceeds what our minds can process in the moment (1 Corinthians 13:12).
what else to say• Peter’s proposal to build three shelters (Mark 9:5) was well-intended but misplaced; divine glory needs no human shelter.
• Scripture warns, “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God… let your words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:1–2).
• When God’s greatness overwhelms us, silence can be the most faithful response (Job 40:4–5).
summaryMark 9:6 shows that even devoted disciples are overwhelmed by God’s manifested glory. Their unanimous terror reveals the holiness of Christ; Peter’s confused speech exposes human limitation. The verse calls us to reverent awe, humble silence, and reliance on God’s revelation rather than our own impulsive ideas.
Verse 6. -
They became sore afraid. There is a slight change of reading here. Instead of
ῆσαν γὰρ ἔκφοβοι the best authorities give
ἔκφοβοι γὰρ ἐγένοντο. A sense of great awe and terror overpowered the bliss and brightness of the scene. All the revelations of the other world strike terror, even though abated as this manifestation was by the presence of their dear Lord and Savior.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.they were allἐγένοντο(egenonto)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.so terrifiedἔκφοβοι(ekphoboi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1630:Greatly terrified, horrified. From ek and phobos; frightened out of one's wits: sore afraid, exceedingly fear.thatγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.[Peter] did not knowᾔδει(ēdei)Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1492:To know, remember, appreciate.what elseτί(ti)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.to say.ἀποκριθῇ(apokrithē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 611:From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.
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NT Gospels: Mark 9:6 For he didn't know what to say (Mar Mk Mr) 
