Did Jesus Go Up the Mountain After Six Days or Eight?

Question: The Gospels seem to differ—did Jesus go up the mountain after six days or eight?
In Matthew 17:1 and Mark 9:2, it says six days, but in Luke 9:28, it says about eight days. So which one is correct?

Let’s look at the passages closely:

Matthew 17:1 (NIV)
“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.”

Mark 9:2 (NIV)
“After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.”

Luke 9:28 (NIV)
“About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.”

So, Which Is Correct—Six or Eight Days?

There is no contradiction here. Instead, the difference lies in how the days are being counted and what the author chose to emphasize:

• Matthew and Mark count six full days after Jesus made the prophetic statement in Matthew 16:28 / Mark 9:1, where He said:

  “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
  (Matthew 16:28, NIV)

  They emphasize the interval between that prophecy and the day they ascended the mountain—which would be the seventh day, not included in the count.

• Luke, however, uses more general language:

  “About eight days after Jesus said this…” (Luke 9:28)
  The word “about” (Greek: hosei) indicates an approximation. Luke likely includes both the day of the prophecy, the six full days that followed, and the day of the ascent—bringing the count to about eight days in total.

Therefore:

• Matthew and Mark focus on six days between the prophecy and the transfiguration.

• Luke offers a broader estimate that encompasses the entire period, from prophecy to fulfillment.

Why Is the Transfiguration Important Theologically?

The Transfiguration was a key moment in Jesus’ ministry. It offered the three closest disciples—Peter, James, and John—a glimpse of Christ’s divine glory, affirming His identity as the Son of God and a fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 17:2-3 (NIV)
“There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.”

• Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the Prophets.

• The cloud that envelops them symbolizes the presence of God, much like in the Old Testament at Mount Sinai.

Matthew 17:5 (NIV)
“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’”

This event fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy in Matthew 16:28 that some disciples would witness the coming of the Kingdom—not in its fullness, but as a preview of His glorified reign.

Spiritual Application: Are You Ready?

This event also points to the second coming of Christ in power and glory. The same Christ who was transfigured before their eyes is the One who will return to judge the living and the dead.

Luke 12:35-36 (NIV)
“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet…”

Are your spiritual lamps burning? Or are you still living in sin—sexual immorality, drunkenness, spiritual compromise, or worldly distractions?

1 Timothy 4:1 (NIV)
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”

These are the last days. The Holy Spirit is warning and calling. If you’re still delaying repentance or waiting for a personal encounter to believe—Jesus is already speaking through His Word, His people, and His Spirit.

Conclusion: There’s No Contradiction—Only Complementary Accounts

The Gospel writers each bring a unique perspective, but their message is unified:
Jesus is the glorified Son of God, and we must be spiritually alert and ready for His return.

2 Peter 1:16-17 (NIV)
“We were eyewitnesses of his majesty… He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory…”

Maranatha! The Lord is coming soon.

Be ready. Stay holy. Let your lamp burn brightly.

📢 Share this message with others so they too can be ready for His return.

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