King James Version

What Does Mark 9:25 Mean?

Mark 9:25 in the King James Version says “When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf sp... — study this verse from Mark chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

Mark 9:25 · KJV


Context

23

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

24

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

25

When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

26

And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.

27

But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus 'rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him' (ἐπετίμησεν τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἀκαθάρτῳ λέγων αὐτῷ, Τὸ ἄλαλον καὶ κωφὸν πνεῦμα, ἐγώ σοι ἐπιτάσσω, ἔξελθε ἐξ αὐτοῦ καὶ μηκέτι εἰσέλθῃς εἰς αὐτόν). Jesus' command is authoritative and direct—no magical formulas, lengthy rituals, or invocation of higher powers. The verb 'I charge' (epitassō, ἐπιτάσσω) means 'I command with authority.' Jesus speaks with inherent divine authority, not borrowed power. The command 'enter no more' prevents the demon from returning. This contrasts with exorcisms where demons return (Matthew 12:43-45), showing Jesus' complete authority. The exorcism demonstrates the kingdom of God overthrowing Satan's kingdom (Mark 3:27).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient exorcism practices (Jewish and pagan) typically involved elaborate incantations, magical names, herbs, or amulets. The Testament of Solomon, Dead Sea Scrolls, and Greco-Roman magical papyri document complex exorcism rituals. Jesus' exorcisms were categorically different: simple, authoritative commands producing immediate results. This astonished witnesses (Mark 1:27)—'with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.' Jesus' command that the spirit 'enter no more' shows permanent deliverance, not temporary relief. This fulfills Isaiah 49:24-25—the Messiah would liberate captives from the mighty oppressor.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' simple, authoritative command contrast with religious rituals that seek power through formulas or techniques?
  2. What does the permanence of Jesus' deliverance ('enter no more') teach about the completeness of salvation from sin's bondage?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
ἰδὼν1 of 31

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

δὲ2 of 31

When

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 31
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 31

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ὅτι5 of 31

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐπισυντρέχει6 of 31

came running together

G1998

to hasten together upon one place (or a particular occasion)

ὄχλος7 of 31

the people

G3793

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

ἐπετίμησεν8 of 31

he rebuked

G2008

to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid

τῷ9 of 31
G3588

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

πνεῦμα10 of 31

spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

τῷ11 of 31
G3588

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

ἀκαθάρτῳ12 of 31

the foul

G169

impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))

λέγων13 of 31

saying

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

αὐτόν14 of 31

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

Τὸ15 of 31
G3588

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

πνεῦμα16 of 31

spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

τὸ17 of 31
G3588

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

ἄλαλον18 of 31

Thou dumb

G216

mute

καὶ19 of 31

and

G2532

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

κωφὸν20 of 31

deaf

G2974

blunted, i.e., (figuratively) of hearing (deaf) or speech (dumb)

ἐγὼ21 of 31

I

G1473

i, me

σοι22 of 31

thee

G4671

to thee

ἐπιτάσσω23 of 31

charge

G2004

to arrange upon, i.e., order

ἔξελθε24 of 31

come

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἐξ25 of 31

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

αὐτόν26 of 31

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

καὶ27 of 31

and

G2532

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

μηκέτι28 of 31

no more

G3371

no further

εἰσέλθῃς29 of 31

enter

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς30 of 31

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

αὐτόν31 of 31

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


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 9:25 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 9:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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