Mark 9:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.

NIV: His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.

NASB: and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them.

CSB: and his clothes became dazzling--extremely white as no launderer on earth could whiten them.

NLT: and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them.

KJV: And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

NKJV: His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.

In Mark 9:1, Jesus promises that some of the disciples will see "the kingdom of God after it has come with power" before they die. This, according to many interpreters, is the display of the power of the kingdom of God Jesus promised. We aren't told specifically why Peter, James, and John are chosen. Peter, perhaps, because of the rough road he will continue to take as the Holy Spirit works His sanctifying power in him as he becomes a great leader in the church (Galatians 2:9). John, maybe, for his significant theological writings that have educated believers for the last two thousand years. As for James, he was the first of the Twelve to be martyred (Acts 12:2). The honor of seeing the transfiguration may have bolstered his faith as he metaphorically met the cross Jesus spoke of (Mark 8:34–38).

Matthew 17:2 says His clothes became as "white as light;" Luke 9:29 says "dazzling white," like a flash of lightning. The original text doesn't say "bleach" but "whiten." Although the English Standard Version says no "one," here, other versions give the more precise word of "launderer" or "fuller." A fuller is someone who uses nitrium to clean woolen cloth. In heaven, the twenty-four elders and the tribulation martyrs will also receive white robes (Revelation 4:4; 7:13–14).

Jesus' clothes are a metaphor for the righteousness that characterizes the presence of God. We will never be good enough, just as a launderer can never bleach Jesus' robes white enough. In order to be acceptable to God, we must accept Jesus' gift of forgiveness of our sins. This is why He came, and this is the message that the disciples have trouble understanding.

Mark 9:2–13 occurs six days after Jesus promised that some of the disciples would see God's kingdom with power (Mark 9:1). He takes Peter, James, and John to a mountain where He is transfigured with the glory of God. The presence of Elijah leads the disciples to think the Messiah's earthly reign is imminent, but Jesus reminds them that He will suffer first. The story of the transfiguration is also recorded in Matthew 17:1–13 and Luke 9:28–36.

Mark chapter 9 contains an account of Jesus' transfiguration, where three of the disciples witness Him in a glorified form. In this passage, Jesus also heals a demon-possessed boy. His teachings in this section include a prediction of His death and resurrection, and corrections to the disciples' errors on questions of pride and temptation.

Mark 9 continues Jesus' efforts to teach the disciples who He is, what He has come to do, and what their role is in His mission. The chapter begins with the transfiguration, where Peter, James, and John catch a glimpse of Jesus' glory, and ends back in Capernaum. Jesus spends most of that time teaching. Although the disciples do quarrel with the scribes, the misconceptions and errors Jesus addresses come from the disciples, themselves, not outsiders. In the next chapter, He will leave Galilee and travel toward Jerusalem and the cross.

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes both Jesus' servanthood and His role as the promised Messiah: the Son of God. This is done through a concise, action-packed style. Mark provides relatively few details, instead focusing on actions and simple statements. This relates to the Gospel's authorship, which is believed to be based on the memories of the apostle Peter. These include many of Jesus' miracles, in contrast to other Gospels which include many more of Jesus' teachings and parables. Mark also makes frequent mention of Jesus' ministry being misunderstood by others.