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Mark 9

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.

And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.

And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.

And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.

And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.

And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?

And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.

But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.

And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.

And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?

And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;

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.

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.

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.

And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.

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.

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

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.

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.

But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?

And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.

For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.

But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.

And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.

And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,

Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

For he that is not against us is on our part.

For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

What does Mark 9:17 mean?

Explanation

The verse Mark 9:17 comes from the New Testament of the Christian Bible and presents a narrative in which a father reaches out to Jesus, seeking help for his son. The son is described as having a "dumb spirit," indicating that the spirit has caused the boy to become mute and unable to speak.

The phrase "dumb spirit" suggests an affliction that is spiritual or demonic in nature, as opposed to a natural medical condition. The father describes his son's condition directly to Jesus, implying that he believes Jesus has the power to heal or cast out the evil spirit.

This verse serves as an introduction to a miracle story where Jesus's ability to heal and exorcise demons is demonstrated.

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Historical Context

This verse is set during the time of Jesus' earthly ministry, which is generally believed to be around the 1st century CE in the regions of Galilee and Judea.

During this period, there was a common belief in spirits and demonic possession, with multiple instances in the Gospels of individuals being afflicted by various spirits.

Exorcism was a practice performed by certain religious figures as a means to heal such afflictions.

The reference to bringing the son to Jesus indicates that Jesus had already established a reputation as a healer and exorcist.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Mark 9:17 addresses several key themes. It underscores the belief in the existence of evil spirits and their influence on human wellbeing.

The verse also points to Jesus's divine authority over these spirits, as the father approaches Jesus out of faith in his power to heal.

Theologically, this verse is often cited to demonstrate Jesus' compassion and his role as healer, addressing not just physical ailments, but also spiritual ones. It emphasizes the holistic approach of Jesus' ministry, catering to both bodily and spiritual needs.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse encourages individuals to seek help and solace in their faith, especially during times of affliction.

Whether the challenges are psychological, physical, or spiritual, approaching them with faith and seeking support from a faith community can be a source of comfort and strength.

It encourages believers to believe in the possibility of healing and transformation.

Cross-References

Mark 1:23-26: And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

Mark 5:2-9: And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: […] And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
Luke 9:38-42: And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child. […] And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

Language Study

In the original Greek text of Mark 9:17, the term used is "ἄλαλον πνεῦμα" (alalon pneuma), with "ἄλαλον" (alalon) meaning "mute" or "speechless" and "πνεῦμα" (pneuma) meaning "spirit" or "breath." The description of the boy's condition as involving a "dumb spirit" implies that the cause of the muteness is perceived as external and spiritual rather than a physical impairment or developmental issue.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, supernatural explanations for illnesses and disabilities were common.

Similar to the New Testament stories of demonic possessions, other cultures have myths and religious narratives where malevolent beings afflict individuals with various ailments.

For instance, in ancient Mesopotamian texts, there are references to spirits causing diseases, and priests would perform rituals to exorcise these spirits, much like the healings and exorcisms in the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, conditions that might have been described as demonic possession in ancient times are now understood in terms of mental health disorders, neurological conditions, or other medical ailments.

What was referred to as a "dumb spirit" in the text might today be diagnosed and treated according to medical knowledge, such as mutism arising from psychological trauma or a congenital condition affecting speech.

commentaries

Various biblical commentaries offer interpretations of Mark 9:17.

Many agree that this verse illustrates the desperate situation of the father and the severity of the boy's condition.

Commentators also note the faith of the father in seeking out Jesus as a last hope for his suffering son.

Matthew Henry's commentary, for instance, regards this passage as demonstrating Jesus’s compassion towards the afflicted and the power of faith in invoking divine intervention for healing.

Other scholars, like John Calvin, considered the text to underscore Jesus' divine authority and his purpose in revealing it through miracles and exorcisms.

Mark 9

Mark 9

What does Mark 9:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 9:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?