There are two problems with pronouns in this verse. Translators have to be sure that the He who is still speaking is Peter, and they also have to decide who them refers to. It seems clear here that all six people were enveloped in the cloud, not just Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Some translators start the verse with “While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud came over (all) of them.”

Bright translates the same Greek word used in 6.22 (“full of light”). The bright cloud is a symbol of God’s presence (Exo 13.21-22; 16.10; 19.9). According to 2 Maccabees 2.8, it was expected to reappear in the Messianic Age. Although to speak of a bright cloud may not be normal for some people, the expression can usually be translated easily. “Brilliant cloud,” “very white cloud,” or “white and dazzling cloud” are phrases translators can consider.

Overshadowed: most English translations retain this literal meaning, though Barclay and New International Version have “enveloped,” and Good News Translation has “came over.” Since the cloud is full of light, it seems quite possible that the contextual meaning of the verb should be “covered them with its brightness” rather than “covered them with its shadow.” Elsewhere in the New Testament the verb appears in the parallels of Mark (9.7) and Luke (9.34), and in Luke 1.35; Acts 5.15. Only in the Acts passage does it seem to have its original meaning of “overshadow.” Commentators note that the experience recalls that of Exodus 40.34: “Then the cloud covered the Tent and the dazzling light of the LORD’s presence filled it” (Good News Translation).

The last half of this verse is word-for-word the same as 3.17, except that here from the cloud replaces “from heaven.” See comment at 3.17.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .