17:4a
Peter said to Jesus: In Greek, this verse begins with a conjunction that sometimes indicates a change of participants. Here the change is from the prophets to Peter. Some English versions translate this conjunction as “And.” The Berean Standard Bible and many other English versions do not translate this conjunction.
Verse 17:4 is the next event in the story. So here are some other ways to begin this verse:
Then Peter said to Jesus (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
So Peter said to Jesus (NET Bible)
Lord: For help in translating the term Lord, see the note at 15:22c.
it is good for us to be here: There are at least three ways to interpret Peter’s words:
(1) Peter meant that he and the other disciples were happy to be there. They were happy to see the glory of Jesus. They were also happy to see the prophets Moses and Elijah. It was a privilege for them to be there. The New Living Translation (2004) probably follows this interpretation. It says:
it’s wonderful for us to be here
(2) Peter meant that it was good that he and the other disciples were there so that they could help Jesus and the prophets. The New Century Version probably follow this interpretation. It says:
it is good that we are here
(3) Peter meant that it was wonderful for all six men to be there together.
Many English versions are ambiguous and it is not possible to tell which interpretation they follow. It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Peter naturally thought about himself first and what he was experiencing. He first talked about what he thought and felt based on what he saw in front of him.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
we(excl.) are happy to be here
-or-
it is a privilege for us(excl.) to be here
us to be here: The pronoun us probably refers to Peter and the other two disciples. In other words, it probably excludes Jesus, Moses and Elijah. If your language has inclusive and exclusive pronouns, you should use the exclusive us here.
17:4b–c
If You wish: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as wish could also be translated “want” or “desire.” Peter used this phrase to offer his services to Jesus.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
If you want (New Century Version)
-or-
If you desire
I will put up three shelters: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as shelters refers to temporary shelters. These shelters were often made of cloth or animal skins. They were held up by poles and tied down with ropes. These shelters were traditionally used by herders. They could put them up and take them down quickly as they followed their wandering herds. They could sleep in them at night or use them for shade during the day.
These shelters could also be made from sticks and branches. This must have been what Peter meant since he would not have had cloth or skins with him on the mountain.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
I will make three tents here (English Standard Version)
-or-
I will erect three shelters/huts
put up: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as put up is a general verb used to refer to building or constructing something. You should a verb in your language that goes with building/making temporary shelters.
Here are some other ways to translate this verb:
build
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