Matthew 17:1 - 7

Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, �Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.� While he was still speaking, suddenly, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, �This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased listen to him!� When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, �Get up and do not be afraid.� And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

Cloud is often used in the Bible to indicate the hidden presence of God, who spoke the same words from heaven as he had previously at Jesus� baptism. At the transfiguration Jesus� appearance changed and the disciples saw him in his glorified state.