Matthew 17:4

Then answered Peter. As usual Peter came forward as spokesman for the group (see on ch. 16:16, 22). Luke adds that Peter spoke without knowing what he was actually saying (see Luke 9:33). Mark says that Peter, as well as the others, was “sore afraid” (see Mark 9:6).

Lord. Gr. Kurios. According to Mark 9:5, Peter addressed Jesus as “Master” (Gr. Rabbi), and according to Luke 9:33, as “Master” (Gr. Epistates). On the significance of such variations in the Gospel narratives see the Additional Notes on Matthew 3, Note 2.

Let us make. Important textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 146) for the reading “I will make,” though in Mark and Luke the uncontested reading is, “Let us make.”

Three tabernacles. Literally, “three booths,” or “three tents.” Practically no rain fell during the latter part of the summer (see Vol. Up. 110; see on ch. 17:1), and the only protection needed would be that from the heavy dew of the night. Whether Peter thought of the booths as protection from the elements only, or whether the suggestion came to his mind in connection with the Feast of Tabernacles — now but a short time away — is not certain. The expectation that Elijah would come to herald the Messianic kingdom (see on v. 10) may have reminded Peter of the predicted celebration of that feast in connection with the rulership of the Messiah (see Zech. 14:16-19). Perhaps he concluded that the appearance of Moses and Elijah at this time, so close to the Feast of Tabernacles, implied that they had come to participate in the celebration.