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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 9:25 mean?

Explanation

Mark 9:25 recounts an instance where Jesus Christ demonstrates his authority over unclean spirits.

In this verse, Jesus sees a crowd gathering around a discussion regarding a boy possessed by a spirit that robbed him of speech and hearing.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation and possibly the faith of those involved (especially the boy's father), Jesus promptly addressed the spirit itself.

He denounces the spirit as "dumb and deaf," understanding its nature and the symptoms it inflicted on the boy.

Jesus commands the spirit to leave the boy and forbids it from ever entering him again.

The immediate and authoritative command of Jesus underscores his power over evil spirits and his compassion for those afflicted.

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Historical Context

Mark 9:25 belongs to a narrative found in the New Testament of the Bible, where Jesus ministers to various individuals in need, performing miracles and teaching.

The historical context of Mark is in the 1st-century Jewish-Roman world, where beliefs in spirits and demonic possession were common.

Within this milieu, exorcists, healers, and miracle workers were not unusual, though Jesus stood apart due to the nature and authority of his works.

This moment occurs post-transfiguration, at a time when Jesus's ministry is gaining momentum, and his disciples are learning about the nature of his power and the coming of the Kingdom of God.

Theological Insights

This verse contains several theological implications.

From a Christian perspective, it emphasizes the divine authority of Jesus to command and expel evil spirits, reinforcing his deity and messianic role. It also accentuates the helpless state of mankind in dealing with spiritual afflictions without divine intervention.

Theologically, the admonition for the spirit to never return may suggest the concept of complete spiritual liberation and healing that comes through Christ.

Some view the command and the resulting obedience of the unclean spirit as a demonstration of the Kingdom of God actively breaking into the earthly realm, overpowering the kingdom of darkness.

Practical Applications

The account of Jesus healing the demon-possessed boy challenges believers to recognize the reality of spiritual warfare and the authority of Jesus over evil.

For today's Christians, this verse can offer hope for liberation from whatever "spiritual" ailments they may struggle with, like addictions or deep-seated sins.

The story encourages individuals to approach Jesus with faith, even if it is mixed with doubts, as was the case with the boy's father who exclaimed, "I believe; help my unbelief!" It also encourages seeking Jesus's intervention in situations that seem beyond human ability to resolve.

Cross-References

Mark 1:25-26: "And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him."

Mark 9:17-18: "And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit... and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not."
Mark 5:8: "For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit."
Luke 11:14: "And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb.

And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered."

Language Study

The key phrases Jesus uses in Greek are "Alalon pneuma" (ἄλαλον πνεῦμα), translated "dumb (mute) spirit", which highlights the spirit's effect on the boy’s ability to speak.

"Egō soi epitasso" (ἐγὼ σοι ἐπιτάσσω) follows, meaning "I command thee", signifying a demand with the full weight of divine authority.

The Greek words used here are imperatives, denoting an immediate and definitive order. Jesus's approach is direct and assertive, leaving no room for negotiation or delay.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient world, spirits and gods were often thought to cause medical conditions.

The story parallels various ancient myths where divine beings exhibit power over lesser spiritual entities.

Various religions have stories of exorcisms or spiritual beings causing afflictions.

For instance, in Greco-Roman mythology, there were gods responsible for curing ailments and those responsible for causing them.

Similarly, Jewish texts like the book of Tobit contain accounts of demons being driven away by higher powers.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings do not typically accept the literal existence of demonic spirits causing physical ailments. Conditions like epilepsy, mutism, and psychological disorders are often proposed as explanations for what ancient texts might describe as demonic possession.

However, an interpretive approach may suggest that Jesus's actions in the text speak to the broader idea of transformation and overcoming conditions that prevent full participation in community and personal well-being.

While science would look for natural explanations for the boy's condition, the narrative focuses on restoration and the power of faith.

Commentaries

Different biblical scholars and commentators offer varying insights on Mark 9:25.

Some focus on the historical and cultural context of Jesus's actions, emphasizing his role within the Jewish exorcism practices of his time, yet setting him apart due to his unique authority.

Others highlight the theological importance of Jesus's command, seeing it as a demonstration of spiritual authority that only the Son of God could wield.

Still, others consider the narrative as a teaching tool used by Mark to convey the necessity of faith in Jesus, as well as the disciples' learning process in understanding and accessing the power made available to them through Christ.

Practical commentary often revolves around the lessons of humility, faith, and the nature of divine intervention in human affairs.

Mark 9

Mark 9

What does Mark 9:25 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 9:25 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?