Shining Like Lightning: Syntax, Transformation, and Prayer in Luke 9:29

Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ προσεύχεσθαι αὐτὸν τὸ εἶδος τοῦ προσώπου αὐτοῦ ἕτερον καὶ ὁ ἱματισμὸς αὐτοῦ λευκὸς ἐξαστράπτων. (Luke 9:29)

And as he was praying, the appearance of his face became different, and his clothing became dazzling white.

A Glimpse of Glory Through Syntax

Luke 9:29 records the transfiguration of Jesus as he prays—a deeply theological moment encoded with precise Koine Greek grammar. The syntax of this verse is crafted to present a temporal transformation rooted in the act of prayer, with both verbal structure and nominal syntax emphasizing sudden change and divine radiance. The sentence combines participial constructions, a genitive absolute-like temporal marker, and coordinated predicates that mark both internal and external transformation.

Clause Structure and Coordination

The verse is made up of two coordinated clauses joined by καὶ:

1. ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ προσεύχεσθαι αὐτὸν τὸ εἶδος τοῦ προσώπου αὐτοῦ ἕτερον
2. καὶ ὁ ἱματισμὸς αὐτοῦ λευκὸς ἐξαστράπτων

Both clauses revolve around change and appearance, but each contributes a different focus:

– The first clause focuses on the alteration of Jesus’ facial appearance during prayer.
– The second clause describes the radiance of his garments, using vivid adjectival and participial language.

Verbal Core: ἐγένετο + Infinitive Construction

– ἐγένετο is the 3rd person singular aorist middle indicative of γίνομαι, meaning “it happened” or “it came to pass.”
– It governs the prepositional phrase ἐν τῷ προσεύχεσθαι αὐτὸν, a temporal infinitive clause meaning “while he was praying.”

This structure functions like a temporal genitive absolute, setting the background: while Jesus was praying, something happened.

Prepositional Infinitive Phrase: ἐν τῷ προσεύχεσθαι αὐτὸν

– ἐν + articular infinitive is a classic temporal construction in Koine Greek.
– τῷ προσεύχεσθαι is a present middle infinitive with article, showing ongoing action.
– αὐτὸν (accusative) functions as the logical subject of the infinitive.

Thus, the phrase translates as: “while he was praying”—emphasizing the continuity of prayer as the context for transformation.

Subject and Predicate Nominal: τὸ εἶδος … ἕτερον

– τὸ εἶδος — nominative singular neuter noun meaning “appearance” or “form.”
– τοῦ προσώπου αὐτοῦ — genitive phrase modifying “appearance”: “of his face.”
– ἕτερον — predicate adjective (neuter singular): “different” or “other.”

This functions as a predicate nominative construction: “the appearance of his face became different.”

The word ἕτερον is emphatic due to its final position, stressing alterity or transformation.

Coordinated Transformation: ὁ ἱματισμὸς … λευκὸς ἐξαστράπτων

The second half of the verse shifts attention from the face to the clothing:

– ὁ ἱματισμὸς αὐτοῦ — “his clothing” (subject of the clause).
– λευκὸς — nominative adjective: “white.”
– ἐξαστράπτων — present active participle of ἐξαστράπτω: “flashing like lightning,” “radiant.”

This clause omits a finite verb, which is common in Koine Greek when the meaning is easily inferred (here, likely “became” or “was”).

The phrase λευκὸς ἐξαστράπτων forms a compound predicate, meaning not just white, but radiantly white, evoking divine luminosity.

Syntax Flow Table

Grammar and Glory: The Syntax of the Transfiguration

Luke 9:29 does not merely report that Jesus looked different — it carefully arranges its syntax to reflect transformation through communion. The use of the temporal infinitive clause establishes prayer as the environment of change. The jarring adjective ἕτερον conveys a complete shift in being. The participle ἐξαστράπτων links Jesus’ clothing to lightning, evoking Sinai, Ezekiel, and apocalyptic glory.

This verse reminds us that in Koine Greek, theology is embedded in grammar. Luke’s careful syntax makes divine presence tangible, and in doing so, it invites the reader to consider: What happens when heaven touches earth — even grammatically?