Mount of Transfiguration

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One of the mysteries of the New Testament is the identification and location of the mountain where Jesus underwent his Transfiguration or metamorphosis. Three candidates have been suggested:

  • Mount Hermon. The most popular candidate and the best, for two reasons: It is the highest in the area (and the Transfiguration took place on "an exceedingly high mountain" (Matthew 17:1)), and it is located near Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13), where the previous events reportedly took place.

Mount Hermon = 9230' High. (33°24′N, 35°51′E; Hebrew: הר חרמון‎, Har Hermon) More Information on Mount Hermon[1]

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. (Matthew 17:1-9 KJV)

  • Mount Tabor. This is a traditional locale, but it is not that high, and it is in the middle of a densely populated area. The town of Nain is on top of it. The story suggests an unpopulated area.

Mount Tabor = 1,843' High. (Hebrew: הר תבור‎), For more information on Mount Tabor: [2]

  • Mount Sinai. This has been suggested by Benjamin Urrutia on the basis of the presence of Moses and Elijah (two prophets traditionally associated with Mount Sinai). This is, however, unlikely since Sinai is rather geographically remote.

Mount Sinai = 7497' High. (Arabic: طور سيناء , Hebrew: הר סיני), For more information on Mount Sinai: [3]