King James Version

What Does Mark 9:29 Mean?

Mark 9:29 in the King James Version says “And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. — study this verse from Mark chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

Mark 9:29 · KJV


Context

27

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

28

And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately , Why could not we cast him out?

29

And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

30

And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.

31

For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus answered, 'This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting' (Τοῦτο τὸ γένος ἐν οὐδενὶ δύναται ἐξελθεῖν εἰ μὴ ἐν προσευχῇ καὶ νηστείᾳ). The phrase 'this kind' (touto to genos, Τοῦτο τὸ γένος) indicates levels of demonic resistance—some demons yield easily, others require intensive spiritual discipline. 'Prayer' (proseuchē, προσευχῇ) emphasizes dependence on God's power, not human technique. 'Fasting' (nēsteia, νηστείᾳ) demonstrates serious self-denial and spiritual focus. Together they indicate that certain spiritual battles require sacrificial devotion beyond routine religious practice. The disciples had authority (Mark 6:7) but lacked the spiritual preparation necessary for this particular conflict. This teaches that ministerial authority must be accompanied by personal piety. Power without prayer produces presumption and failure.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Fasting was established Jewish spiritual discipline (Leviticus 16:29; Joel 2:12; Matthew 6:16-18). Early church practiced fasting for serious spiritual matters (Acts 13:2-3; 14:23). Some manuscripts omit 'and fasting,' leading textual scholars to debate whether it's original. However, early church tradition universally included fasting with prayer as spiritual warfare essential. Jesus' teaching introduced a crucial principle: spiritual authority requires spiritual discipline. The Pharisees practiced regular fasting (Mark 2:18) but lacked spiritual power; the disciples had authority but needed to cultivate deeper devotion. True spiritual power comes from intimate communion with God through prayer and self-denial, not mere position or past success.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' requirement of prayer and fasting challenge contemporary expectations of spiritual power through techniques or formulas?
  2. What does the necessity of fasting teach about self-denial's role in cultivating spiritual sensitivity and authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Καὶ1 of 16

And

G2532

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

εἶπεν2 of 16

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς3 of 16

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

Τοῦτο4 of 16

This

G5124

that thing

τὸ5 of 16
G3588

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

γένος6 of 16

kind

G1085

"kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective)

ἐν7 of 16

by

G1722

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

οὐδενὶ8 of 16

nothing

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

δύναται9 of 16

can

G1410

to be able or possible

ἐξελθεῖν10 of 16

come forth

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

εἰ11 of 16
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ12 of 16
G3361

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

ἐν13 of 16

by

G1722

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

προσευχῇ14 of 16

prayer

G4335

prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)

Καὶ15 of 16

And

G2532

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

νηστείᾳ16 of 16

fasting

G3521

abstinence (from lack of food, or voluntary and religious); specially, the fast of the day of atonement


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 9:29 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 9:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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