King James Version

What Does Mark 9:14 Mean?

Mark 9:14 in the King James Version says “And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. — study this verse from Mark chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.

Mark 9:14 · KJV


Context

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.

14

And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.

15

And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.

16

And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? with them: or, among yourselves


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Descending from the transfiguration mountain, Jesus 'saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them' (εἶδεν ὄχλον πολὺν περὶ αὐτοὺς καὶ γραμματεῖς συζητοῦντας πρὸς αὐτούς). The contrast is stark: on the mountain, divine glory and revelation; in the valley, human failure and demonic bondage. The disciples had attempted to cast out a demon (v. 18) but failed, and scribes seized the opportunity to discredit them through public questioning. This scene illustrates the Christian life's rhythm—mountain-top experiences of God's presence followed by valley struggles requiring faith. The scribes' questioning (sytzētountas, συζητοῦντας) implies contentious debate, likely mocking the disciples' powerlessness. Jesus' arrival shifts attention from the disciples' failure to His sufficient power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The scribes were professional scholars of Mosaic law and oral tradition, often hostile to Jesus (Mark 2:6; 3:22; 7:5). Their presence suggests they were monitoring Jesus' movement, seeking grounds for accusation. The public nature of this confrontation—a 'great multitude'—increased pressure on the disciples. In first-century Judaism, inability to perform claimed miracles would discredit a teacher's authority. The disciples' failure (despite previous successful exorcisms, Mark 6:13) revealed that spiritual power isn't inherent but depends on faith and prayer (v. 29). This incident demonstrates that even Jesus' closest followers experienced spiritual inadequacy apart from reliance on God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the contrast between mountain-top glory and valley suffering reflect the pattern of Christian experience?
  2. What does the disciples' failure teach about the danger of presuming upon past spiritual successes without present dependence on God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

And

G2532

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

ἐλθὼν2 of 14

when he came

G2064

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

πρὸς3 of 14

to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς4 of 14
G3588

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

μαθητὰς5 of 14

his disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

εἶδεν6 of 14

he saw

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

ὄχλον7 of 14

multitude

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

πολὺν8 of 14

a great

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

περὶ9 of 14

about

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

αὐτοῖς·10 of 14

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

καὶ11 of 14

And

G2532

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

γραμματεῖς12 of 14

the scribes

G1122

a professional writer

συζητοῦντας13 of 14

questioning

G4802

to investigate jointly, i.e., discuss, controvert, cavil

αὐτοῖς·14 of 14

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


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 9:14 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 9:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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