Mark Chapter 9

The Transfiguration

(Matthew 17:1-13; Luke 9:28-36; 2 Peter 1:16-21)

1And 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.

2And 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. 3And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. 4And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. 5And 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. 6For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. 7And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. 8And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.

9And 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. 10And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean. 11And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come? 12And 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. 13But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

Jesus Heals a Boy with an Evil Spirit

(Matthew 17:14-21; Luke 9:37-42; Luke 17:5-10)

14And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. 15And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him. 16And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? 17And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 18And 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. 19He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. 20And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 21And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. 22And 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. 23Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. 25When 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. 26And 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. 27But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. 28And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

Jesus Again Foretells Death, Resurrection

(Matthew 17:22-23)

30And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it. 31For 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. 32But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.

The Greatest in the Kingdom

(Matthew 18:1-6; Luke 9:46-50)

33And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 34But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. 35And 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. 36And 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, 37Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

Intolerance Rebuked

38And 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. 39But 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. 40For he that is not against us is on our part. 41For 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.

Temptations and Trespasses

(Matthew 18:7-9; Luke 17:1-4)

42And 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. 43And 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: 44Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 45And 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: 46Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 47And 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: 48Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

49For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. 50Salt 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.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Transfiguration
(Matthew 17:1–13; Luke 9:28–36; 2 Peter 1:16–21)

1 He said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death until they see the Kingdom of God come with power.”

2 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themselves, and he was changed into another form in front of them. 3 His clothing became glistening, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4 Elijah and Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter answered Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let’s make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 For he didn’t know what to say, for they were very afraid. 7 A cloud came, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” 8 Suddenly looking around, they saw no one with them any more, except Jesus only.

9 As they were coming down from the mountain, he commanded them that they should tell no one what things they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 They kept this saying to themselves, questioning what the “rising from the dead” meant. 11 They asked him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 12 He said to them, “Elijah indeed comes first, and restores all things. How is it written about the Son of Man, that he should suffer many things and be despised? 13 But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they have also done to him whatever they wanted to, even as it is written about him.”

The Boy with an Evil Spirit
(Matthew 17:14–18; Luke 9:37–42)

14 Coming to the disciples, he saw a great multitude around them, and scribes questioning them. 15 Immediately all the multitude, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and running to him greeted him. 16 He asked the scribes, “What are you asking them?” 17 One of the multitude answered, “Teacher, I brought to you my son, who has a mute spirit; 18 and wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth, and wastes away. I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they weren’t able.” 19 He answered him, “Unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 They brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground, wallowing and foaming at the mouth. 21 He asked his father, “How long has it been since this has come to him?” He said, “From childhood. 22 Often it has cast him both into the fire and into the water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” 23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe. Help my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!” 26 Having cried out, and convulsed greatly, it came out of him. The boy became like one dead; so much that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and raised him up; and he arose. 28 When he had come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we cast it out?” 29 He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing, except by prayer and fasting.”

The Second Prediction of the Passion
(Matthew 17:22–23; Luke 9:43–45)

30 They went out from there, and passed through Galilee. He didn’t want anyone to know it. 31 For he was teaching his disciples, and said to them, “The Son of Man is being handed over to the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, on the third day he will rise again.” 32 But they didn’t understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.

The Greatest in the Kingdom
(Matthew 18:1–5; Luke 9:46–50)

33 He came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing among yourselves on the way?” 34 But they were silent, for they had disputed one with another on the way about who was the greatest. 35 He sat down, and called the twelve; and he said to them, “If any man wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.” 36 He took a little child, and set him in their midst. Taking him in his arms, he said to them,

37 “Whoever receives one such little child in my name, receives me, and whoever receives me, doesn’t receive me, but him who sent me.”

38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone who doesn’t follow us casting out demons in your name; and we forbade him, because he doesn’t follow us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Don’t forbid him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name, and be able quickly to speak evil of me. 40 For whoever is not against us is on our side. 41 For whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ’s, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.

Temptations and Trespasses
(Matthew 18:6–9; Luke 17:1–4)

42 Whoever will cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if he were thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around his neck. 43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having your two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire, 44 ‘where their worm doesn’t die, and the fire is not quenched.’ 45 If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life lame, rather than having your two feet to be cast into Gehenna, into the fire that will never be quenched— 46 ‘where their worm doesn’t die, and the fire is not quenched.’ 47 If your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out. It is better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the Gehenna of fire, 48 ‘where their worm doesn’t die, and the fire is not quenched.’

Good Salt
(Matthew 5:13–16; Luke 14:34–35)

49 For everyone will be salted with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

The Transfiguration
(Matthew 17:1–13; Luke 9:28–36; 2 Peter 1:16–21)

1 Then Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God arrive with power.”

2 After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became radiantly white, brighter than any launderer on earth could bleach them. 4 And Elijah and Moses appeared before them, talking with Jesus.

5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters a—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 For they were all so terrified that Peter did not know what else to say.

7 Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him!” 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they saw no one with them except Jesus.

9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus admonished them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept this matter to themselves, discussing what it meant to rise from the dead. 11 And they asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

12 He replied, “Elijah does indeed come first, and he restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected? 13 But I tell you that Elijah has indeed come, and they have done to him whatever they wished, just as it is written about him.”

The Boy with an Evil Spirit
(Matthew 17:14–18; Luke 9:37–42)

14 When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were filled with awe and ran to greet Him.

16 “What are you disputing with them?” He asked.

17 Someone in the crowd replied, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. b I asked Your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable.”

19 “O unbelieving generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to Me.”

20 So they brought him, and seeing Jesus, the spirit immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has this been with him?”

“From childhood,” he said. 22 “It often throws him into the fire or into the water, trying to kill him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

23 “If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible to him who believes!”

24 Immediately the boy’s father cried out, c “I do believe; help my unbelief!”

25 When Jesus saw that a crowd had come running, He rebuked the unclean spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” He said, “I command you to come out and never enter him again.”

26 After shrieking and convulsing him violently, the spirit came out. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up.

28 After Jesus had gone into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

29 Jesus answered, “This kind cannot come out, except by prayer.” d

The Second Prediction of the Passion
(Matthew 17:22–23; Luke 9:43–45)

30 Going on from there, they passed through Galilee. But Jesus did not want anyone to know, 31 because He was teaching His disciples. He told them, “The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill Him, and after three days He will rise.” 32 But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him about it.

The Greatest in the Kingdom
(Matthew 18:1–5; Luke 9:46–50)

33 Then they came to Capernaum. While Jesus was in the house, He asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they were silent, for on the way they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest.

35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.”

36 Then He had a little child stand among them. Taking the child in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes not only Me, but the One who sent Me.”

38 John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone else driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”

39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus replied. “For no one who performs a miracle in My name can turn around and speak evil of Me. 40 For whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Indeed, if anyone gives you even a cup of water because you bear the name of Christ, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.

Temptations and Trespasses
(Matthew 18:6–9; Luke 17:1–4)

42 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea.

43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two hands and go into hell, e into the unquenchable fire. f 45 If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. g 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where ‘their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.’ h

Good Salt
(Matthew 5:13–16; Luke 14:34–35)

49 For everyone will be salted with fire. i

50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Footnotes:

5 a Or three tabernacles
18 b Or and is withering away
24 c BYZ and TR cried out with tears
29 d BYZ and TR prayer and fasting
43 e Greek Gehenna ; also in verses 45 and 47
43 f BYZ and TR include 44where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched ; see verse 48 and Isaiah 66:24.
45 g BYZ and TR include 46where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched ; see verse 48 and Isaiah 66:24.
48 h Isaiah 66:24
49 i BYZ and TR include and every sacrifice will be salted with salt .

The Transfiguration

(Matthew 17:1-13; Luke 9:28-36; 2 Peter 1:16-21)

1And he said to them, 'Verily I say to you, That there are certain of those standing here, who may not taste of death till they see the reign of God having come in power.'

2And after six days doth Jesus take Peter, and James, and John, and bringeth them up to a high mount by themselves, alone, and he was transfigured before them, 3and his garments became glittering, white exceedingly, as snow, so as a fuller upon the earth is not able to whiten them. 4And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5And Peter answering saith to Jesus, 'Rabbi, it is good to us to be here; and we may make three booths, for thee one, and for Moses one, and for Elijah one:' 6for he was not knowing what he might say, for they were greatly afraid. 7And there came a cloud overshadowing them, and there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, 'This is My Son -- the Beloved, hear ye him;' 8and suddenly, having looked around, they saw no one any more, but Jesus only with themselves.

9And as they are coming down from the mount, he charged them that they may declare to no one the things that they saw, except when the Son of Man may rise out of the dead; 10and the thing they kept to themselves, questioning together what the rising out of the dead is. 11And they were questioning him, saying, that the scribes say that Elijah it behoveth to come first. 12And he answering said to them, 'Elijah indeed, having come first, doth restore all things; and how hath it been written concerning the Son of Man, that many things he may suffer, and be set at nought? 13But I say to you, That also Elijah hath come, and they did to him what they willed, as it hath been written of him.'

Jesus Heals a Boy with an Evil Spirit

(Matthew 17:14-21; Luke 9:37-42; Luke 17:5-10)

14And having come unto the disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and scribes questioning with them, 15and immediately, all the multitude having seen him, were amazed, and running near, were saluting him. 16And he questioned the scribes, 'What dispute ye with them?' 17and one out of the multitude answering said, 'Teacher, I brought my son unto thee, having a dumb spirit; 18and wherever it doth seize him, it doth tear him, and he foameth, and gnasheth his teeth, and pineth away; and I spake to thy disciples that they may cast it out, and they were not able.' 19And he answering him, said, 'O generation unbelieving, till when shall I be with you? till when shall I suffer you? bring him unto me;' 20and they brought him unto him, and he having seen him, immediately the spirit tare him, and he, having fallen upon the earth, was wallowing -- foaming. 21And he questioned his father, 'How long time is it since this came to him?' and he said, 'From childhood, 22and many times also it cast him into fire, and into water, that it might destroy him; but if thou art able to do anything, help us, having compassion on us.' 23And Jesus said to him, 'If thou art able to believe! all things are possible to the one that is believing;' 24and immediately the father of the child, having cried out, with tears said, 'I believe, sir; be helping mine unbelief.' 25Jesus having seen that a multitude doth run together, rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, 'Spirit -- dumb and deaf -- I charge thee, come forth out of him, and no more thou mayest enter into him;' 26and having cried, and rent him much, it came forth, and he became as dead, so that many said that he was dead, 27but Jesus, having taken him by the hand, lifted him up, and he arose. 28And he having come into the house, his disciples were questioning him by himself -- 'Why were we not able to cast it forth?' 29And he said to them, 'This kind is able to come forth with nothing except with prayer and fasting.'

Jesus Again Foretells Death, Resurrection

(Matthew 17:22-23)

30And having gone forth thence, they were passing through Galilee, and he did not wish that any may know, 31for he was teaching his disciples, and he said to them, 'The Son of Man is being delivered to the hands of men, and they shall kill him, and having been killed the third day he shall rise,' 32but they were not understanding the saying, and they were afraid to question him.

The Greatest in the Kingdom

(Matthew 18:1-6; Luke 9:46-50)

33And he came to Capernaum, and being in the house, he was questioning them, 'What were ye reasoning in the way among yourselves?' 34and they were silent, for with one another they did reason in the way who is greater; 35and having sat down he called the twelve, and he saith to them, 'If any doth will to be first, he shall be last of all, and minister of all.' 36And having taken a child, he set him in the midst of them, and having taken him in his arms, said to them, 37'Whoever may receive one of such children in my name, doth receive me, and whoever may receive me, doth not receive me, but Him who sent me.'

Intolerance Rebuked

38And John did answer him, saying, 'Teacher, we saw a certain one in thy name casting out demons, who doth not follow us, and we forbade him, because he doth not follow us.' 39And Jesus said, 'Forbid him not, for there is no one who shall do a mighty work in my name, and shall be able readily to speak evil of me: 40for he who is not against us is for us; 41for whoever may give you to drink a cup of water in my name, because ye are Christ's, verily I say to you, he may not lose his reward;

Temptations and Trespasses

(Matthew 18:7-9; Luke 17:1-4)

42and whoever may cause to stumble one of the little ones believing in me, better is it for him if a millstone is hanged about his neck, and he hath been cast into the sea. 43'And if thy hand may cause thee to stumble, cut it off; it is better for thee maimed to enter into the life, than having the two hands, to go away to the gehenna, to the fire -- the unquenchable -- 44where their worm is not dying, and the fire is not being quenched. 45'And if thy foot may cause thee to stumble, cut it off; it is better for thee to enter into the life lame, than having the two feet to be cast to the gehenna, to the fire -- the unquenchable -- 46where their worm is not dying, and the fire is not being quenched. 47And if thine eye may cause thee to stumble, cast it out; it is better for thee one-eyed to enter into the reign of God, than having two eyes, to be cast to the gehenna of the fire -- 48where their worm is not dying, and the fire is not being quenched;

49for every one with fire shall be salted, and every sacrifice with salt shall be salted. 50The salt is good, but if the salt may become saltless, in what will ye season it? Have in yourselves salt, and have peace in one another.'

The Transfiguration

¹ Jesus continued, saying, "I tell you this absolute truth: some of you standing here will not taste death before you witness the kingdom of God arrive with overwhelming power!" ² Six days later, Jesus led Peter, James, and John up a towering mountain, away from the crowds and distractions below. Before their astonished eyes, His appearance transformed dramatically. ³ His garments began radiating with an otherworldly brilliance, becoming a dazzling white that no earthly bleach or detergent could ever achieve—they blazed with heaven's own purity. ⁴ Suddenly, two revered figures from Israel's past appeared: Moses and Elijah. They engaged in deep conversation with Jesus about His upcoming mission.

⁵ Peter, overwhelmed by the magnificent sight and desperate to somehow preserve this holy moment, blurted out, "Rabbi, this is absolutely incredible! Let us build three memorial shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." ⁶ He spoke without thinking, for terror and awe had scattered his thoughts like leaves in a storm. ⁷ Then a luminous cloud enveloped them, and the Father's voice resonated: "This is My beloved Son! Keep listening to Him."

⁸ In an instant, the disciples looked around and found themselves alone with Jesus—Moses and Elijah had vanished, leaving them to focus solely on their Master. ⁹ As they descended the mountain, Jesus gave them strict instructions: "Don't say a word about what you've witnessed until after the Son of Man has risen from the dead." ¹⁰ They kept this experience secret as commanded, but among themselves they wrestled with what Jesus meant by "rising from the dead."

¹¹ Seeking some understanding, they asked Him, "Why do our religious scholars insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah's work can begin?" ¹² Jesus explained, "Yes, Elijah does come first to restore all things to their proper order. But consider this: why do the Scriptures also declare that the Son of Man must endure terrible suffering and be treated with utter contempt? ¹³ I tell you plainly: Elijah has already come, and they abused him just as Scripture foretold. They did to him whatever they pleased, just as they will do to the Son of Man."

Jesus Heals a Demonised Boy

¹⁴ Returning to the other disciples, they found them surrounded by an agitated crowd and locked in heated debate with religious scholars. ¹⁵ The moment people noticed Jesus approaching, they were electrified with excitement and ran to greet Him. ¹⁶ Jesus asked the scholars, "What are you debating with My disciples about?"

¹⁷ A desperate father stepped forward from the crowd, explaining, "Teacher, I brought my son to You. He's possessed by a spirit that has stolen his voice. ¹⁸ Whenever it seizes him, it violently throws him down. He foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth in agony, and his body becomes rigid. I begged Your disciples to drive it out, but they didn't have the power to help us."

¹⁹ Then Jesus declared, "O faithless generation! How long must I remain with you? How long must I patiently carry you? Bring the boy to Me." ²⁰ They brought him forward, and at the mere sight of Jesus, the spirit threw the boy into a violent convulsion. He fell to the ground, rolling around and foaming at the mouth in a heartbreaking display.

²¹ Jesus asked the father compassionately, "How long has he suffered like this?" The father replied, "Since early childhood. ²² The spirit has repeatedly tried to destroy him, throwing him into fires or water. If You can do anything, please have compassion and help us!" ²³ Jesus replied, "'If You can'? Everything is possible for those who believe!" ²⁴ Immediately the father cried out with tears streaming down his face, "I do believe! Help me overcome my doubts!"

²⁵ Seeing the crowd rapidly growing, Jesus rebuked the spirit, saying, "Spirit that has stolen this child's speech and hearing, I command you: Leave him and never return!" ²⁶ The spirit screamed and caused one final, violent convulsion before leaving. The boy lay so still that many whispered, "He's dead." ²⁷ But Jesus took his hand and lifted him up to his feet. ²⁸ Later, in the privacy of a house, the disciples asked Him, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" ²⁹ He replied, "This kind of spiritual battle can only be won with a deep dependence on God - through prayer and fasting."

Jesus Again Predicts His Death

³⁰ Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee, keeping a low profile as ³¹ He explained, "The Son of Man will be betrayed and handed over to those who will kill Him. But after three days, He will rise again in triumph." ³² But they couldn't yet comprehend this prophetic statement, and fear held back their questions.

Who Is the Greatest?

³³ They arrived in Capernaum, and once inside the house, Jesus asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" ³⁴ They remained silent, ashamed because they had been debating who among them was the greatest. ³⁵ Jesus sat down, gathering them close like a teacher with beloved students, and said, "Whoever wants to be first must become the very last—a servant to all." ³⁶ He called a small child to His side and took him up in His arms, and said to His disciples, ³⁷ "Whoever welcomes such a child like this in My name welcomes Me. And whoever welcomes Me isn't just welcoming Me, but the Father who sent Me."

Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us

³⁸ John spoke up, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we told him to stop because he wasn't part of our group." ³⁹ Jesus replied, "Don't stop him! Anyone who performs miracles in My name won't be quick to speak against Me. ⁴⁰ For whoever is not against us is for us. ⁴¹ I tell you the truth: anyone who gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah will never lose their reward.

⁴² But if anyone causes one of these 'little ones' who believe in Me to stumble in their faith, it would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a massive millstone around their neck. ⁴³ If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off! Better to enter into life maimed than go into the unquenchable fires of hell with both hands. ⁴⁴ [Where their maggots never die, and the fire never stops burning.] ⁴⁵ If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off! Better to enter into life lame than be thrown into hell with both feet. ⁴⁶ [Where their maggots never die, and the fire never stops burning.]

⁴⁷ And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out! Better to enter God's kingdom with one eye than be thrown into hell with both eyes, ⁴⁸ [Where their maggots never die, and the fire never stops burning.] ⁴⁹ Everyone as living sacrifices will be salted with fire. ⁵⁰ Salt is an excellent thing, but if it loses its distinctive taste, how can you restore its saltiness? Maintain your spiritual flavor and live in peace with each other."

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Mark 9?

1.1Context of Mark 9

1.2Ancient Key Word Study

1.3Mark 9 Unique Insights

1.4Question the Text:

1.5Mark 9 Connections to Yeshua

1.6Mark 9 Scriptural Echoes

1.7Mark 9 Devotional

1.8Did You Know?

What is the meaning of Mark 9?

Have you ever had a moment so powerful, so life-changing, that it shifted the way you see everything? That’s exactly what happens in Mark 9. This chapter isn’t just ancient history—it’s a window into the breathtaking reality of who Yeshua (Jesus) truly is and what that means for your faith today.

From the awe-inspiring Transfiguration—where the veil between Heaven and earth momentarily parts—to the raw, real-life struggles of faith, Mark 9 bridges the supernatural and the everyday. It’s a chapter packed with divine encounters, powerful teachings, and hard-hitting lessons on faith, spiritual authority, and what it really means to follow the Messiah. As you journey through these verses, you’ll discover how Yeshua’s words and actions are just as relevant and transformative now as they were then.

Context of Mark 9

Mark 9 follows directly after Peter’s confession of Yeshua as the Messiah and the Lord’s first explicit prediction of His death and resurrection in Mark 8:27-38. This positioning is crucial as it validates Peter’s confession through the Transfiguration while simultaneously preparing the disciples for the challenging path ahead. The chapter serves as a bridge between the recognition of Yeshua’s identity and the practical implications of following Him.

Within the larger narrative of Mark’s Gospel, this chapter falls at a critical juncture. It marks the beginning of the journey toward Jerusalem and the cross, serving as a theological pivot point. The teachings about servanthood, spiritual warfare, and true greatness lay essential groundwork for understanding the upside-down nature of God’s kingdom – where the first shall be last, and the greatest must become servants of all.

The chapter also functions as a vital link in Mark’s larger theme of discipleship training. Through the various episodes, from the Transfiguration to the disciples’ failure to cast out a demon, Mark systematically reveals both the privileges and challenges of following the Messiah. This careful structuring helps readers understand that authentic discipleship requires both mountain-top experiences and valley struggles.

Ancient Key Word Study

Μεταμορφόω (Metamorphoō) – “Transfigured” (v. 2): This Greek word describes a complete transformation from within, not merely an external change. The same word is used in Romans 12:2 for the believer’s spiritual transformation. In the Transfiguration, Yeshua’s divine nature shone through His human form, revealing His true glory.
Ἐξέστησαν (Exestēsan) – “Amazed” (v. 15): Literally meaning “to be out of one’s senses,” this word conveys being completely overwhelmed or astonished. It suggests the crowd’s reaction was more than mere surprise – they were utterly stunned, possibly because some of Yeshua’s glory from the Transfiguration still lingered, like Moses’ face after meeting God.
Γενεὰ ἄπιστος (Genea Apistos) – “Faithless Generation” (v. 19): This phrase combines the concept of a time-bound group with a complete absence of trust. The word ἄπιστος specifically denotes not just a lack of faith but an active resistance to believing, highlighting the spiritual condition Yeshua was addressing.
Πιστεύω (Pisteuō) – “Believe” (v. 23): In this context, the word carries the weight of complete trust and reliance, not merely intellectual assent. The father’s cry “I believe; help my unbelief” uses this word to express the tension between faith and doubt.
Παραδίδοται (Paradidotai) – “Delivered over” (v. 31): This term, used in describing Yeshua’s coming passion, carries legal and sacrificial connotations. It’s the same word used in the Septuagint for sacrificial offerings, connecting Yeshua’s death to the ancient sacrificial system.
Διελογίζοντο (Dielogizonto) – “Discussed/Argued” (v. 34): This imperfect tense verb suggests an ongoing debate among the disciples about greatness. The word implies careful reasoning and calculation, revealing how the disciples were still thinking in worldly terms about power and position.
Διακονος (Diakonos) – “Servant” (v. 35): More than just a slave or servant, this word describes one who serves out of free will and devotion. It became a technical term in the early church for those who served in official capacities, showing how Yeshua elevated the concept of service.
Σκανδαλίζω (Skandalizō) – “Cause to stumble” (v. 42): This verb, from which we get the English word “scandalize,” literally referred to the trigger of a trap. In spiritual terms, it means to place an obstacle that causes someone to fall into sin.
Ἅλας (Halas) – “Salt” (v. 50): Beyond its literal meaning, salt in the ancient world symbolized preservation, purification, and covenant loyalty. Yeshua’s use of this metaphor called His disciples to maintain their distinctive, preserving influence in the world.

Mark 9 Unique Insights

The Transfiguration account contains several fascinating parallels with Jewish mystical traditions that spoke of the “luminous countenance” of the righteous in the world to come, similar to how Yeshua’s face shone. This transformation on the mountain echoes Moses’ experience on Sinai, but with a crucial difference – while Moses reflected glory, Yeshua radiated glory from within, demonstrating His inherent divine nature.

The presence of Moses and Elijah carries profound significance in Jewish eschatology. According to various rabbinical sources, both figures were expected to return before the Day of יהוה (Yahweh). The Talmud (Sotah 49b) specifically mentions them appearing together as witnesses to the Messiah. Their appearance validates Yeshua’s messianic identity while also representing the Torah (Law of Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) testifying to His fulfillment of both.

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The episode with the demon-possessed boy contains elements that ancient Jewish exorcism accounts rarely mention. The specific detail about the spirit making the boy mute does align however with some early Jewish beliefs about certain demons’ abilities to affect speech. The Jerusalem Talmud (Shabbat 14:3) discusses similar cases where spiritual affliction manifested in physical symptoms. The father’s cry, “I believe; help my unbelief!” becomes a powerful template for honest faith that rabbinical literature often praised – the willing heart that acknowledges its limitations while seeking divine help.

The teaching about greatness through service radically subverted both Roman and Jewish cultural expectations. While Roman society valued power and position, and many Jewish leaders sought honor through knowledge and ritual purity, Yeshua established a new paradigm that aligned with prophetic visions like Isaiah 53 – the Suffering Servant who leads through sacrificial love.

Question the Text:

As you read Mark 9, take a moment to question the text. What stands out as puzzling or unexpected? Where do the characters act in surprising ways? What cultural or theological assumptions are being challenged? Instead of rushing to find definitive answers, let these questions guide you into deeper reflection about human nature, divine interaction, and the unspoken details within the passage.

Why does Yeshua say that some standing there would not taste death until they see the Kingdom of God come in power? What exactly is He referring to? Mark 9:1
Why do Moshe (Moses) and Eliyahu (Elijah) appear during the Transfiguration, and what is the significance of their presence in relation to Yeshua? Mark 9:4
Why does Kepha (Peter) suggest building three shelters for Yeshua, Moshe, and Eliyahu? What does this reveal about his understanding of the event? Mark 9:5
Why does יהוה (Yahweh) speak from the cloud and specifically instruct the disciples to listen to His Son? How does this command relate to their expectations of the Messiah? Mark 9:7
Why does Yeshua command the disciples not to tell anyone about the Transfiguration until after He rises from the dead? How does this secrecy align with His overall ministry? Mark 9:9
Why do the disciples question Yeshua about Eliyahu needing to come first? How does Yeshua’s response challenge their expectations about prophecy? Mark 9:11-13
Why are the disciples unable to cast out the demon from the boy, and what does this failure reveal about their faith or understanding of spiritual authority? Mark 9:17-18
Why does Yeshua say that “all things are possible for one who believes,” yet still rebuke the lack of faith in those around Him? How do faith and divine sovereignty interact here? Mark 9:23-24
Why does Yeshua emphasize prayer (and in some manuscripts, fasting) as the necessary means to drive out this particular demon? Mark 9:29
Why do the disciples not understand Yeshua’s prediction about His death and resurrection, even after witnessing so many miracles? Mark 9:31-32
Why are the disciples arguing about who is the greatest? What does this reveal about their mindset despite Yeshua’s repeated teachings on humility? Mark 9:33-34
Why does Yeshua use a child as an example of receiving Him? How does this challenge the disciples’ view of greatness in the Kingdom? Mark 9:36-37
Why does Yeshua tell the disciples not to stop someone casting out demons in His Name, even though that person wasn’t part of their group? Mark 9:38-40
What does Yeshua mean by the severe warnings about causing others to stumble? Why does He use such graphic imagery of cutting off body parts? Mark 9:42-48
What does Yeshua mean when He says, “Everyone will be salted with fire”? How does this statement connect to His previous teachings? Mark 9:49-50

These questions invite you to wrestle with the text, seeing both its challenges and insights. As you reflect, how do these themes resonate with your own faith journey? Leave a comment with your thoughts and questions below.

Mark 9 Connections to Yeshua

The Transfiguration serves as a preview of Yeshua’s resurrection glory and His second coming. This revelation of His divine nature comes at a crucial moment – after He predicted His death and before He faced the cross. The timing demonstrates that His suffering was a chosen path, not a defeat. The presence of Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, confirms Yeshua as the culmination of God’s redemptive plan, the One who fulfills all Scripture’s promises and prophecies.

The chapter’s emphasis on faith, particularly in the healing of the demon-possessed boy, points to Yeshua’s unique authority over spiritual forces and His power to bring wholeness where human efforts fail. The father’s honest struggle with faith – “I believe; help my unbelief!” – becomes a model for approaching the Messiah, who meets us in our weakness and perfects our faith. This episode demonstrates that Yeshua’s power operates not through perfect faith but through relationship with Him, even when that relationship is marked by struggle and questions.

The teachings on servanthood and true greatness reveal the heart of Yeshua’s mission and message. By linking greatness with service and identifying with children (the least powerful members of ancient society), He demonstrated the upside-down nature of His kingdom while foreshadowing His own ultimate act of service on the cross. This revolutionary understanding of leadership and power continues to challenge and transform His followers today.

Mark 9 Scriptural Echoes

The Transfiguration scene deliberately echoes Moses’ encounter with God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:29-35), but with significant differences that highlight Yeshua’s superior position. While Moses’ face shone with reflected glory, Yeshua’s entire being was transformed, revealing His inherent divine glory. The voice from the cloud parallels God’s voice at Yeshua’s baptism (Mark 1:11) and echoes Psalm 2:7, affirming His divine Sonship.

The discussion about Elijah’s coming reflects Malachi 4:5-6, while Yeshua’s teaching about servanthood resonates with Isaiah’s Servant Songs, particularly Isaiah 53. The warning about causing little ones to stumble finds parallels in Zechariah 13:7 and anticipates Yeshua’s later teachings about the severe consequences of leading others astray.

The theme of spiritual warfare in the demon possession account connects to Daniel 10 and other Old Testament passages about spiritual conflict. The emphasis on prayer and faith echoes numerous Psalms, particularly Psalm 107 where God’s people cry out and He delivers them.

Mark 9 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own faith journey through several powerful lenses. The Transfiguration reminds us that glimpses of glory often precede times of testing. Just as Peter, James, and John had to descend from the mountain to face ministry challenges, we too must learn to carry mountain-top experiences into valley moments. The question becomes: How do we let revelations of God’s glory sustain us through difficult times?

The father’s honest cry, “I believe; help my unbelief!” gives us permission to acknowledge our own faith struggles while still reaching out to Yeshua. This teaches us that authentic faith isn’t about achieving perfect certainty but about bringing our doubts and fears to the Lord. When we face situations that seem impossible, we’re invited to trust not in the strength of our faith but in the power of the One in whom we place that faith.

The teaching about true greatness through service continues to challenge our natural inclinations toward self-promotion and recognition. We’re called to evaluate our motivations: Are we serving to be seen, or are we serving because we’ve been transformed by Yeshua’s example? The call to “have salt in yourselves” reminds us that our influence flows from who we are in Christ, not just what we do for Him.

Did You Know?

The Greek word used for Jesus’s clothes becoming “radiantly white” (stilbonta) in the Transfiguration is a unique term in the New Testament, used only here. It describes a gleaming, almost metallic brightness that ancient writers used to describe lightning or celestial bodies.
The disciples’ inability to cast out the demon likely occurred while Yeshua was on the mountain, creating a striking contrast between the glory above and the struggle below again echoing Moses and the people of Israel below– a pattern that would repeat at the crucifixion when darkness covered the land while glory awaited in the resurrection.
The phrase “This kind can come out only by prayer” appears in some ancient manuscripts with the addition “and fasting,” reflecting early Church practices and understanding of spiritual warfare.
The custom of welcoming children mentioned in verse 37 directly challenged Greco-Roman cultural norms where children held very low social status. Yeshua’s elevation of children as representatives of His kingdom was revolutionary.
The reference to salt losing its saltiness (verse 50) would have been particularly meaningful to Yeshua’s audience because Dead Sea salt, unlike pure sodium chloride, could actually lose its flavor while retaining its appearance due to its mineral composition.
The discussion about being “salted with fire” connects to ancient sacrificial practices where offerings were both salted and burned, suggesting a purification process in discipleship.
The specific Greek term used for “little ones” (mikroi) in verse 42 was commonly used in the ancient world to refer not just to children but to any socially powerless or marginalized people.
The phrase “where their worm does not die” references Isaiah 66:24 and was well-known to Jewish audiences as an image of Gehenna, the valley outside Jerusalem used as a garbage dump where fires burned continuously.
The teaching about cutting off body parts that cause sin uses hyperbolic language common in Jewish rabbinical teaching methods known as “mashal” (parables or analogies) to emphasize the seriousness of sin and the need for radical steps to address it.
The presence of both Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration is significant as they represent two of the three figures in Jewish history who did not see death in the typical way – Moses’ burial place was unknown and hidden by God, while Elijah was taken up in a chariot of fire. Enoch is the other man who walked with God and then was not as Genesis 5 tells us.
The disciples’ argument about who was the greatest mirrors common rabbinical debates of the time about hierarchy in the kingdom of heaven, showing how even those closest to Yeshua still struggled with worldly concepts of power and position.
The sequential arrangement of the Transfiguration followed by the healing of the demon-possessed boy follows a literary pattern found throughout Scripture where divine revelation is followed by human need and application.

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Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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