King James Version

What Does Mark 9:1 Mean?

Mark 9:1 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Mark chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Mark 9:1 · KJV


Context

1

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.

2

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.

3

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' promise 'some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power' (οὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου ἕως ἂν ἴδωσιν τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ ἐληλυθυῖαν ἐν δυνάμει) has sparked interpretive debate. The phrase 'taste of death' (geusōntai thanatou) is a Hebraic idiom for experiencing death. Reformed interpreters traditionally understand this as referring to the Transfiguration (occurring six days later, Mark 9:2), where Peter, James, and John witness Christ's glory—a preview of kingdom power. Others see fulfillment in Christ's resurrection, Pentecost, or the destruction of Jerusalem (AD 70) vindicating Christ's claims. The phrase 'come with power' (elelythuian en dynamei) suggests a decisive demonstration of God's sovereign rule. The kingdom comes 'already but not yet'—inaugurated in Christ's ministry, demonstrated at Transfiguration and resurrection, advancing through the Spirit, consummated at Christ's return.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This statement followed Peter's confession (Mark 8:29) and Jesus' first passion prediction (Mark 8:31), creating tension between messianic glory and suffering. First-century Jews expected the Messiah to establish visible, political kingdom immediately. Jesus' teaching about suffering and death seemed to contradict kingdom hopes. His promise that some would see the kingdom 'come with power' before death reassured disciples that kingdom reality transcended political expectations. The Transfiguration (six days later) provided visible confirmation—Moses and Elijah appeared, Jesus shone with divine glory, and the Father affirmed His Son. Early church fathers (Origen, Chrysostom, Augustine) debated whether this referred to Transfiguration, resurrection, or Pentecost.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'already but not yet' nature of God's kingdom shape your expectations for experiencing His power in this age versus the age to come?
  2. What does Jesus' promise reveal about God's faithfulness to provide glimpses of future glory even in seasons of present suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Καὶ1 of 27

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λέγω2 of 27

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτοῖς3 of 27

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ἀμὴν4 of 27

Verily

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

λέγω5 of 27

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν6 of 27

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι7 of 27

That

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

εἰσίν8 of 27

there be

G1526

they are

τινες9 of 27

some

G5100

some or any person or object

τῶν10 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὧδε11 of 27

here

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

ἑστηκότων12 of 27

of them that stand

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

οἵτινες13 of 27

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

οὐ14 of 27
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ15 of 27
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

γεύσωνται16 of 27

shall

G1089

to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience (good or ill)

θανάτου17 of 27

of death

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

ἕως18 of 27

till

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἂν19 of 27
G302

whatsoever

ἴδωσιν20 of 27

they have seen

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὴν21 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλείαν22 of 27

the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ23 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ24 of 27

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐληλυθυῖαν25 of 27

come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐν26 of 27

with

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

δυνάμει27 of 27

power

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 9:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 9:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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