King James Version

What Does Mark 9:11 Mean?

Mark 9:11 in the King James Version says “And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?” — study this verse from Mark chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 9:11 · KJV

Context

9

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.

10

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

11

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

12

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.

13

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The disciples asked, 'Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?' (Διὰ τί λέγουσιν οἱ γραμματεῖς ὅτι Ἠλίαν δεῖ ἐλθεῖν πρῶτον;). Having seen Elijah at the transfiguration, they wondered about Malachi 4:5's prophecy requiring Elijah's return before the Messiah. If Jesus is Messiah, why did Elijah appear only privately, not publicly preparing the nation? The verb dei (δεῖ, 'must') indicates divine necessity—Malachi's prophecy required fulfillment. The scribes correctly taught that Elijah precedes Messiah but misunderstood how prophecy would be fulfilled. They expected literal Elijah; Jesus teaches that John the Baptist came 'in the spirit and power of Elijah' (Luke 1:17), fulfilling the prophecy typologically. This question reveals disciples' growing understanding—witnessing the transfiguration raised interpretive questions about messianic expectations and Old Testament fulfillment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Malachi 4:5-6 promised: 'Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.' First-century Jewish expectation held that literal Elijah would return to prepare for Messiah. At Passover, Jews set a place for Elijah; at circumcisions, they prepared 'Elijah's chair.' This expectation was universal—even John the Baptist was asked if he was Elijah (John 1:21), to which he answered 'No' (meaning not literally Elijah reincarnated). Jesus later identified John as the prophetic fulfillment (Matthew 11:14; 17:10-13), coming in Elijah's spirit and power to prepare the way. The scribes' teaching was correct regarding prophecy but incomplete regarding its typological fulfillment. Understanding how Old Testament prophecy finds fulfillment in Christ requires Spirit-illumined reading.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' answer demonstrate that Old Testament prophecy often finds typological rather than literal fulfillment?
  2. What does John the Baptist's fulfillment of the Elijah prophecy teach about how God accomplishes His purposes in unexpected ways?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

ἐπηρώτων2 of 13

“they asked”

G1905

to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek

αὐτὸν3 of 13

“him”

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

λέγουσιν4 of 13

“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

ὅτι5 of 13

“Why”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

λέγουσιν6 of 13

“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

οἱ7 of 13
G3588

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

γραμματεῖς8 of 13

“the scribes”

G1122

a professional writer

ὅτι9 of 13

“Why”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Ἠλίαν10 of 13

“Elias”

G2243

helias (i.e., elijah), an israelite

δεῖ11 of 13

“must”

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

ἐλθεῖν12 of 13

“come”

G2064

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

πρῶτον13 of 13

“first”

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

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 9:11 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 9:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Malachi 4:5Malachi 3:1Matthew 11:14Mark 9:4Matthew 17:10-11

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