The mountain revelation
Mark 9:1–13FocusListening to Jesus
Connection to the wholeThe transfiguration follows the teaching about the cross and leads into discussion of resurrection and the forerunner's suffering.
interpretation Mark 9:25
KJVWhen Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
Read it in context
The afflicted boy
Start reading at Mark 9:14 (Mark 9:14 to Mark 9:29).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The boy's deliverance contrasts Jesus' authority with the disciples' inability and teaches dependence rather than self-sufficiency.
- 9:14 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
- 9:15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.
- 9:16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?
- 9:17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
- 9:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
- 9:19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
- 9:20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
- 9:21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.
- 9:22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
- 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
- 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
- 9:25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
- 9:26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
- 9:27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.
- 9:28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?
- 9:29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 9:1–9:50): Peter, James, and John witness the transfiguration. A father and his son, the other disciples, scribes, and a crowd appear afterward; Jesus then instructs His disciples privately. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The afflicted boy. Read Mark 9:14 through Mark 9:29 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The boy's deliverance contrasts Jesus' authority with the disciples' inability and teaches dependence rather than self-sufficiency. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The afflicted boy (Mark 9:14 to Mark 9:29). Start reading at Mark 9:14. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 9:14, Mark 9:29, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
The afflicted boy is delivered
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- he rebuked Mark 1:25-27 Mark 5:7-8 Zech 3:2 Luke 4:35,41 Jude 1:9
- thou Isa 35:5-6 Matt 9:32-33 Matt 12:22 Luke 11:14
- I charge Luke 8:29 Acts 16:18
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 9
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
FocusFaith and dependence
Connection to the wholeThe boy's deliverance contrasts Jesus' authority with the disciples' inability and teaches dependence rather than self-sufficiency.
interpretation Suffering and greatness
Mark 9:30–37FocusReceiving the least
Connection to the wholeAnother passion prediction is followed by the disciples' dispute over greatness, which Jesus answers through service and receiving a child.
interpretation Warnings to disciples
Mark 9:38–50FocusCooperation, offense, and peace
Connection to the wholeJesus corrects possessiveness and gives severe warnings about causing stumbling, closing with a call for peace among His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation The expanding ministry
Mark 3:7–8:26FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.