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Transfiguration

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

The radiant transformation of Jesus before three disciples on a mountain.

Detailed Definition
The Transfiguration is the Gospel scene in which Jesus' appearance becomes radiant and Moses and Elijah appear beside him, while a divine voice speaks from a cloud. Poets use it to represent a sudden disclosure of hidden identity, when an ordinary figure shines with a deeper significance. The moment is suspended between intimacy and awe: a few witnesses see glory, yet must return to the road and its suffering. It can symbolize artistic vision, revelation in friendship, or beauty glimpsed before loss.
Example
Example in poetry:
A poem may use the Transfiguration to symbolize a beloved figure suddenly seen in a new light; Images of dazzling garments and a mountain retreat can echo the biblical scene; An allusion to the Transfiguration may mark a moment when ordinary reality becomes radiant; A poet can contrast the vision on the mountain with the difficult return to the world below
Additional Notes
The Transfiguration describes Jesus becoming radiant on a mountain before Peter, James, and John, while Moses and Elijah appear and a heavenly voice identifies Jesus as God's beloved Son. The scene connects Jesus with the law and the prophets. In poetry, it suggests glory revealed briefly within ordinary human experience.
Other Meanings of “Transfiguration”
Also Known As
Transfiguration of Jesus Transfiguration of Christ
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