Jesus shifts from his typical emphasis on divine authority and judgment to explicitly promise the Kingdom's imminent manifestation "with power," using the rare Greek phrase "en dynamei" found only here and in Romans 1:4.
Mark 9
The Coming of the Kingdom
1He said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death until they see God’s Kingdom come with power.”
The Transfiguration
2After 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.
3His clothing became glistening, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.
4Elijah and Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus.
5Peter 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.”
6For he didn’t know what to say, for they were very afraid.
7A cloud came, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
8Suddenly looking around, they saw no one with them any more, except Jesus only.
9As 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.
10They kept this saying to themselves, questioning what the “rising from the dead” meant.
11They asked him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
12He 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?
13But 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 Healing of a Boy with an Unclean Spirit
14Coming to the disciples, he saw a great multitude around them, and scribes questioning them.
15Immediately all the multitude, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and running to him, greeted him.
16He asked the scribes, “What are you asking them?”
17One of the multitude answered, “Teacher, I brought to you my son, who has a mute spirit;
18and wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they weren’t able.”
19He answered him, “Unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to me.”
20They 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.
21He asked his father, “How long has it been since this has been happening to him?” He said, “From childhood.
22Often 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.”
23Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”
24Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe. Help my unbelief!”
25When 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!”
26After crying out and convulsing him greatly, it came out of him. The boy became like one dead, so much that most of them said, “He is dead.”
27But Jesus took him by the hand and raised him up; and he arose.
28When he had come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we cast it out?”
29He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but by prayer and fasting.”
The Second Passion Prediction
30They went out from there and passed through Galilee. He didn’t want anyone to know it,
31for 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.”
32But they didn’t understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.
Who Is the Greatest?
33He came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing among yourselves on the way?”
34But they were silent, for they had disputed with one another on the way about who was the greatest.
35He 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.”
36He took a little child and set him in the middle of them. 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.”
The Unknown Exorcist
38John 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.”
39But 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.
40For whoever is not against us is on our side.
41For 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 to Sin
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.
43If 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.’
45If 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.’
47If your eye causes you to stumble, throw it out. It is better for you to enter into God’s Kingdom 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.’
49For everyone will be salted with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.
50Salt 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.”
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Theme
Mark 9 presents a pivotal chapter revealing Jesus' divine glory through the Transfiguration, where Moses and Elijah appear with the transfigured Christ before Peter, James, and John. The chapter contrasts this mountaintop revelation with the disciples' failure to heal a demon-possessed boy, highlighting themes of faith and spiritual authority. Jesus delivers his second passion prediction and teaches about true greatness through servanthood, while addressing issues of spiritual unity and the serious consequences of causing others to stumble.
Context
Following Peter's confession and the first passion prediction in chapter 8, this chapter deepens the revelation of Jesus' identity while preparing the disciples for his approaching death.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1 Promise of the Kingdom's Power Jesus promises some will witness God's kingdom coming with power before they die.
- 2-13 The Transfiguration Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, with Moses and Elijah appearing and God's voice affirming Jesus as His beloved Son.
- 14-29 Healing the Demon-Possessed Boy Jesus heals a boy the disciples couldn't help, emphasizing the power of faith and prayer.
- 30-32 Second Passion Prediction Jesus again predicts his death and resurrection, though the disciples don't understand.
- 33-37 Teaching on True Greatness Jesus teaches that greatness comes through serving others, using a child as an example.
- 38-41 The Unknown Exorcist Jesus corrects the disciples' exclusivity, teaching that those not against them are for them.
- 42-50 Warnings Against Causing Sin Jesus gives stern warnings about causing others to stumble and the need for radical commitment.
The Coming of the Kingdom
9:1–9:1 gospel speech hopeful
Jesus promises that some present will witness God's Kingdom coming with power before they die.
person_contrast
Jesus shifts from his typical emphasis on divine authority and judgment to explicitly promise the Kingdom's imminent manifestation "with power," using the rare Greek phrase "en dynamei" found only here and in Romans 1:4.
The Transfiguration
9:2–9:13 gospel narration triumphant
Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, appearing with Moses and Elijah while God's voice declares him His beloved Son. Jesus discusses his coming resurrection and identifies Elijah's return.
person_contrast
Jesus undergoes physical metamorphosis (μετεμορφώθη) here—the only Gospel instance where his divine nature visibly transforms his human appearance rather than demonstrating power through miracles.
The Healing of a Boy with an Unclean Spirit
9:14–9:29 gospel narration urgent
Jesus heals a boy possessed by an unclean spirit after the disciples failed, teaching that such deliverance requires prayer and fasting, and emphasizing the power of belief.
person_contrast
Jesus's command "This kind can come out by nothing, except by prayer and fasting" uniquely links exorcism methodology with spiritual disciplines, appearing nowhere else in Mark's Gospel.
The Second Passion Prediction
9:30–9:32 gospel narration solemn
Jesus privately teaches his disciples about his coming death and resurrection, but they fail to understand and are afraid to ask for clarification.
person_contrast
Jesus shifts from public displays of divine authority to private instruction about human vulnerability, marking the only passion prediction where his teaching method (secrecy) directly mirrors his message (hiddenness before revelation).
Who Is the Greatest?
9:33–9:37 gospel instruction contemplative
Jesus teaches his disciples that true greatness comes through serving others, using a child as an example of humility and receptiveness.
person_contrast
Jesus transforms the disciples' competitive hierarchy debate by physically positioning himself below them—sitting down while teaching—embodying the very servanthood he preaches about greatness.
The Unknown Exorcist
9:38–9:41 gospel dialogue contemplative
Jesus corrects John's exclusivity by teaching that those who work in Christ's name, even if not part of their group, should not be forbidden.
person_contrast
Jesus uniquely combines his typical authority with radical inclusivity, declaring that miraculous works performed in his name transcend group boundaries—a stark departure from his usual emphasis on discipleship requirements.
Temptations to Sin
9:42–9:50 gospel instruction warning
Jesus warns against causing others to sin and teaches the necessity of radical self-discipline to avoid eternal punishment and enter God's kingdom.
person_contrast
Jesus's radical amputation metaphors ("cut it off," "pluck it out") uniquely combine physical sacrifice language with kingdom entry requirements, appearing nowhere else in Mark's Gospel.
Insights
Jesus undergoes physical metamorphosis (μετεμορφώθη) here—the only Gospel instance where his divine nature visibly transforms his human appearance rather than demonstrating power through miracles.
Jesus's command "This kind can come out by nothing, except by prayer and fasting" uniquely links exorcism methodology with spiritual disciplines, appearing nowhere else in Mark's Gospel.
Jesus shifts from public displays of divine authority to private instruction about human vulnerability, marking the only passion prediction where his teaching method (secrecy) directly mirrors his message (hiddenness before revelation).
Jesus transforms the disciples' competitive hierarchy debate by physically positioning himself below them—sitting down while teaching—embodying the very servanthood he preaches about greatness.
Jesus uniquely combines his typical authority with radical inclusivity, declaring that miraculous works performed in his name transcend group boundaries—a stark departure from his usual emphasis on discipleship requirements.
Jesus's radical amputation metaphors ("cut it off," "pluck it out") uniquely combine physical sacrifice language with kingdom entry requirements, appearing nowhere else in Mark's Gospel.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Mark 9:1 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 16:28 Lexical
Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death until they see the Son of Man…
Luke 9:27 Lexical
But I tell you the truth: There are some of those who stand here who will in no way taste of death until they see God’s…
Acts 23:14 Lexical
They came to the chief priests and the elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great curse to taste nothing u…
Matthew 26:38 Lexical
Then Jesus said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me.”
Mark 14:34 Lexical
He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.”
Mark 9:2 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 17:1 Lexical
After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by them…
Luke 9:28 Lexical
About eight days after these sayings, he took with him Peter, John, and James, and went up onto the mountain to pray.
Mark 13:3 Lexical
As he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately,
Mark 14:33 Lexical
He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be greatly troubled and distressed.
Matthew 4:8 Lexical
Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
Mark 9:4 2 references
Mark 9:5 4 references
Lexicals 4
Matthew 17:4 Lexical
Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for…
Luke 9:33 Lexical
As they were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let’s make three tents: one f…
Mark 8:29 Lexical
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”
Luke 9:20 Lexical
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”
Mark 9:7 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 17:5 Lexical
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “T…
Luke 9:35 Lexical
A voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him!”
Matthew 3:17 Lexical
Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Luke 3:22 Lexical
and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form like a dove on him; and a voice came out of the sky, saying “You are my b…
Mark 1:11 Lexical
A voice came out of the sky, “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Mark 9:9 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 17:9 Lexical
As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Don’t tell anyone what you saw, until the Son…
Acts 10:20 Lexical
But arise, get down, and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16 Lexical
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with God’s trumpet. The…
Mark 12:25 Lexical
For when they will rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
Mark 13:14 Lexical
“But when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the…
Mark 9:11 2 references
Mark 9:12 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 17:11 Lexical
Jesus answered them, “Elijah indeed comes first, and will restore all things;
Matthew 17:12 Lexical
but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they didn’t recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted to. Even…
Luke 17:25 Lexical
But first, he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
Luke 9:22 Lexical
saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be kille…
Mark 8:31 Lexical
He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, an…
Mark 9:14 3 references
Parallels 2
Mark 9:17 1 reference
Mark 9:19 2 references
Mark 9:20 5 references
Lexicals 5
John 12:24 Lexical
Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it…
Mark 4:8 Lexical
Others fell into the good ground and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing. Some produced thirty times, some sixty ti…
Mark 4:5 Lexical
Others fell on the rocky ground, where it had little soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil…
Matthew 13:5 Lexical
Others fell on rocky ground, where they didn’t have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth…
Revelation 9:1 Lexical
The fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from the sky which had fallen to the earth. The key to the pit of the abyss wa…
Mark 9:22 1 reference
Mark 9:25 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 4:36 Lexical
Amazement came on all and they spoke together, one with another, saying, “What is this word? For with authority and powe…
Mark 5:13 Lexical
At once Jesus gave them permission. The unclean spirits came out and entered into the pigs. The herd of about two thousa…
Mark 1:27 Lexical
They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching? For with authorit…
Luke 9:42 Lexical
While he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him violently. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, h…
Luke 11:14 Lexical
He was casting out a demon, and it was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the multitudes marvele…
Mark 9:26 1 reference
Mark 9:27 3 references
Lexicals 3
Mark 1:31 Lexical
He came and took her by the hand and raised her up. The fever left her immediately, and she served them.
Matthew 9:25 Lexical
But when the crowd was sent out, he entered in, took her by the hand, and the girl arose.
Acts 12:7 Lexical
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him u…
Mark 9:28 3 references
Lexicals 3
Matthew 17:19 Lexical
Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, “Why weren’t we able to cast it out?”
1 Corinthians 14:35 Lexical
if they desire to learn anything. “Let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a wife to be talking…
Mark 7:17 Lexical
When he had entered into a house away from the multitude, his disciples asked him about the parable.
Mark 9:30 1 reference
Mark 9:31 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 8:31 Lexical
He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, an…
Luke 24:7 Lexical
saying that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and the third day rise ag…
Matthew 26:45 Lexical
Then he came to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and th…
Mark 14:41 Lexical
He came the third time and said to them, “Sleep on now, and take your rest. It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the…
Matthew 17:22 Lexical
While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered up into the hands of me…
Mark 9:32 1 reference
Mark 9:33 2 references
Mark 9:35 2 references
Mark 9:36 1 reference
Mark 9:37 2 references
Mark 9:38 3 references
Lexicals 3
Luke 9:49 Lexical
John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he doesn’t follow wi…
Matthew 7:22 Lexical
Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your n…
Mark 1:34 Lexical
He healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons. He didn’t allow the demons to speak, becaus…
Mark 9:39 3 references
Lexicals 3
Revelation 3:8 Lexical
“I know your works (behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, an…
Revelation 15:8 Lexical
The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power. No one was able to enter into the temple unti…
Mark 6:5 Lexical
He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them.
Mark 9:41 2 references
Mark 9:42 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 17:2 Lexical
It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that h…
Matthew 18:6 Lexical
but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a huge millstone…
Matthew 17:27 Lexical
But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have…
Matthew 18:8 Lexical
If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into lif…
Matthew 18:9 Lexical
If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one e…
Mark 9:43 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 18:8 Lexical
If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into lif…
Matthew 18:9 Lexical
If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one e…
Luke 3:17 Lexical
His winnowing fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor, and will gather the wheat into his…
Matthew 3:12 Lexical
His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the…
Acts 9:17 Lexical
Ananias departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to…
Mark 9:45 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 18:8 Lexical
If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into lif…
Matthew 18:9 Lexical
If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one e…
Matthew 5:30 Lexical
If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that…
Matthew 5:29 Lexical
If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that…
Revelation 11:11 Lexical
After the three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered into them, and they stood on their feet. Great fear…
Mark 9:47 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 18:9 Lexical
If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one e…
Matthew 18:8 Lexical
If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into lif…
Matthew 5:29 Lexical
If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that…
Matthew 5:30 Lexical
If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that…
Matthew 7:4 Lexical
Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye,’ and behold, the beam is in your own eye?
Mark 9:50 3 references
Lexicals 3
Luke 14:34 Lexical
“Salt is good, but if the salt becomes flat and tasteless, with what do you season it?
Colossians 4:6 Lexical
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Colossians 3:13 Lexical
bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you,…
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Lemma
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Theological Significance
Translation Notes
Key Passages
Historical Context
Places and events in this chapter
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Timeline
Transfiguration
~30 ADJesus' supernatural transformation on a mountain, revealing his divine glory to Peter, James, and John. This event confirmed Jesus' identity as God's Son and prefigured his resurrection glory.
Jesus' divine glory is revealed to three disciples on the mountain
The Transfiguration