King James Version

What Does Mark 9:16 Mean?

Mark 9:16 in the King James Version says “And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? with them: or, among yourselves — study this verse from Mark chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 9:16 · KJV


Context

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

17

And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;

18

And 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. teareth: or, dasheth him


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus asked the scribes, 'What question ye with them?' (Τί συζητεῖτε πρὸς αὐτούς;). This direct confrontation shifts focus from the disciples' inadequacy to Jesus' authority. By addressing the scribes publicly, Jesus protects His disciples and reasserts control of the situation. The verb sytzēteite (συζητεῖτε, 'question' or 'dispute') implies contentious argument. Jesus' question exposes the scribes' motives—they weren't genuinely seeking understanding but exploiting the disciples' failure to undermine Jesus' ministry. Throughout Mark, Jesus demonstrates authority over human opposition and demonic powers. His simple question silences scribal criticism and redirects attention to the real issue: human need for divine deliverance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Rabbinic culture in first-century Judaism valued vigorous debate, but the scribes' questioning here was hostile, not scholarly. They represented religious establishment opposition to Jesus' authority. Earlier conflicts involved accusations of blasphemy (Mark 2:7), Sabbath-breaking (Mark 2:24), and demonic collusion (Mark 3:22). The scribes likely saw the exorcism failure as evidence that Jesus' movement lacked divine sanction. Jesus' direct question forced them to publicly articulate their criticism or remain silent. Ancient Mediterranean honor-shame culture made public confrontation significant—Jesus reasserted authority before witnesses.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' direct confrontation of critics model appropriate pastoral protection of struggling believers?
  2. What does the scribes' silence in response to Jesus' question reveal about the emptiness of criticism rooted in hostility rather than truth-seeking?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
καὶ1 of 8

And

G2532

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

ἐπηρώτησεν2 of 8

he asked

G1905

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

τοῦς3 of 8
G3588

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

γραμματεῖς,4 of 8

the scribes

G1122

a professional writer

Τί5 of 8

What

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

συζητεῖτε6 of 8

question ye

G4802

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

πρὸς7 of 8

with

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,

αὐτούς8 of 8
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 9:16 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 9:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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