What does Mark 9:10 mean?

Explanation

The verse Mark 9:10 records a moment of confusion and inner questioning among the disciples of Jesus after he had spoken to them about his future resurrection.

They were keeping the matter of his prophesied resurrection to themselves, which suggests they did not discuss it with outsiders.

Their questioning "what the rising from the dead should mean" indicates that they were struggling to understand the concept of resurrection that Jesus had taught them.

This illustrates that even those who were closest to Jesus during his ministry had difficulty grasping the full significance of his teachings and the implications of his resurrection.

Historical Context

Mark 9:10 is part of the New Testament, written in a first-century Greco-Roman context.

The Gospel according to Mark is generally considered one of the earliest synoptic Gospels.

At the time, the concept of resurrection was not universally understood in the same way.

For some Jews, like the Pharisees, the resurrection was a physical rising again of the dead at the end of time.

For others, such as the Sadducees, the resurrection was not an accepted belief.

The disciples, being Jewish, would have been influenced by these various ideas about the afterlife and resurrection within their own cultural and religious contexts.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse illustrates several key concepts. First, it shows the human nature of the disciples , their confusion and struggle to understand divine revelation are very relatable.

Theologically, this might be seen as a foreshadowing of the central Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus, which is foundational to Christian faith.

Moreover, different Christian traditions have interpreted this verse. For Catholics and Orthodox Christians, it reflects the mystery of faith and the importance of apostolic tradition in interpretation. For Protestants, it may emphasize the need for scriptural understanding and clarity.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as a reminder that confusion and doubt are a natural part of faith and spiritual growth. In daily life, individuals may find reassurance in knowing that even the disciples of Jesus had their moments of uncertainty.

The verse encourages believers to persevere in seeking understanding and to engage with their faith community in exploring the depths of their beliefs.

It suggests that keeping such questions to oneself is not out of a lack of faith but rather, a reflection of the complexities of theological concepts.

Cross-References

• Mark 16:6 - "And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him."
• Luke 24:46 - "And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:"
• 1 Corinthians 15:12-13 - "Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:"

Language Study

The key term to analyze in the original Greek language of this verse is "rising" (ἀνάστασις, anastasis).

Literally, "anastasis" means "a standing up again," and it is used in the New Testament to refer to resurrection.

In this context, the word ζωῆς (zoes), which means "of life" or "living," is understood, completing the idea of rising to life from the dead.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing the Christian notion of resurrection to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, there are both similar and distinct elements. For instance, the ancient Egyptian belief in the afterlife involved the god Osiris, who underwent death and resurrection.

However, in contrast to the Christian belief, which is a one-time event that promises eternal life, many of the ancient beliefs are cyclical or have more to do with nature's regeneration, like the myth of the dying and rising god in seasonal fertility cults.

Scientific Perspectives

The notion of bodily resurrection from the dead is not supported by modern scientific understanding, as it contradicts the observed finality of death due to biological decomposition beyond a specific point.

Resurrection as described in Christian theology would thus be deemed a miraculous event beyond the scope of science, a matter of religious faith rather than empirical evidence.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians provide a variety of insights into Mark 9:10.

William L.

Lane, in his commentary on Mark, suggests that the disciples' misunderstanding is indicative of a broader failure to appreciate Jesus' call towards suffering as the path to glory.

R.T.

France, in his own commentary, notes that the passage reveals the private struggle of the disciples with Jesus' prediction, echoing the ongoing challenge for contemporary believers to come to terms with resurrection.

These commentaries highlight the perennial challenge faced by readers of the Gospel to interpret and internalize its teachings about life, death, and resurrection.