9:31a

They appeared in glory: The phrase appeared in glory indicates that Moses and Elijah shone brightly. They were surrounded with a dazzling light, as Jesus was. Another way to translate this is:

appeared in heavenly glory (New Century Version)

9:31b–c

and spoke about His departure: Moses and Elijah spoke with Jesus about His departure from the world. The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as departure is exodos. It refers mainly here to Jesus’ death. However, it could also include his rising from the dead and ascending to heaven. If you can translate it in a way that includes both meanings, you should do so. For example:

Jesus’ leaving this life
-or-
how/when Jesus would depart from this world

If it is not possible to imply both meanings, you should use an expression that refers to Jesus’ death. For example:

Jesus’ approaching death (God’s Word)

which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as accomplish implies that Jesus would accomplish what God had sent him (into the world) to do. Jesus would cause God’s plan to happen, just as God had said.

In some languages it is not natural to speak of accomplishing or fulfilling a departure/death. The meaning here is that Jesus was about to fulfill God’s plan through his death. It may be necessary to make this meaning more explicit. For example:

he would soon fulfill God’s purpose by dying in Jerusalem (Good News Translation)

General Comment on 9:30–31b

The Berean Standard Bible has changed the order of the phrases in verse 30. Other versions, such as the New International Version and the New Living Translation (2004), include some part of 9:31 in 9:30 for clarity. The English Standard Version follows the Greek order. Compare the order of the phrases in the New International Version and English Standard Version below.

30Two men, Moses and Elijah, 31aappeared in glorious splendor, 30talking with Jesus. 31bThey spoke about his departure… (New International Version)
-or-

30And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31awho appeared in glory 31band spoke of his departure… (English Standard Version)

The New Living Translation (2004) has used a different order from either the New International Version or English Standard Version. It says:

30Suddenly, two men, Moses and Elijah, 31aappeared 30and began talking with Jesus. 31aThey were glorious to see. 31bAnd they were speaking about his exodus from this world… (New Living Translation (2004))

You should arrange the phrases in 9:30–31b in a way that is natural in your language. You may especially wish to reorder the Greek phrases if it would be unusual for you to describe Moses and Elijah speaking with Jesus before saying that they appeared.

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