{For he wist not what to answer} (ou gar (8869)dei ti
apokrith(8869)). Deliberative subjunctive retained in indirect
question. But why did Peter say anything? Luke says that he
spoke, "not knowing what he said," as an excuse for the
inappropriateness of his remarks. Perhaps Peter felt embarrassed
at having been asleep ( Lu 9:32 ) and the feast of tabernacles or
booths (sk(886e)ai) was near. See on 烘t 17:4|. Peter and the
others apparently had not heard the talk of Moses and Elijah with
Jesus about his decease (exodon, exodus, departure) and little
knew the special comfort that Jesus had found in this
understanding of the great approaching tragedy concerning which
Peter had shown absolute stupidity ( Mr 8:32f. ) so recently. See
on 烘t 17:5| about the overshadowing and the voice.