King James Version

What Does Mark 9:30 Mean?

Mark 9:30 in the King James Version says “And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it. — study this verse from Mark chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 9:30 · KJV


Context

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.

32

But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After the exorcism, 'they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it' (ἐξελθόντες ἐκεῖθεν παρεπορεύοντο διὰ τῆς Γαλιλαίας, καὶ οὐκ ἤθελεν ἵνα τις γνοῖ). Jesus avoided publicity, continuing the 'messianic secret' theme. His secrecy had strategic purpose: focusing on disciple training rather than popular acclaim. The phrase 'passed through' (pareporeuonto, παρεπορεύοντο) suggests deliberate travel without public ministry stops. Jesus was journeying toward Jerusalem and death (v. 31), and needed focused time to prepare disciples for the coming crisis. This demonstrates Jesus' priorities—deep discipleship over broad popularity. Effective ministry requires seasons of withdrawal for intensive teaching, not constant public activity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Galilee was Jesus' primary ministry region, where His fame was greatest (Mark 1:28). Deliberately avoiding publicity while passing through His home territory shows Jesus' determination to prioritize disciple preparation. First-century Palestine had no privacy—traveling rabbis attracted crowds wherever they went. Jesus' desire 'that no one should know' indicates He took deliberate measures to avoid attention, perhaps traveling quickly or staying with friends privately. This occurred during Jesus' final months before crucifixion. The urgency of preparing disciples for His death and resurrection superseded popular ministry. Luke 9:51 states Jesus 'steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem'—His focus was singular.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' withdrawal from public ministry to focus on disciple training challenge contemporary emphases on numerical growth over depth?
  2. What does Jesus' strategic avoidance of publicity teach about seasons when ministry requires focused preparation rather than broad outreach?

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

ἐκεῖθεν2 of 13

thence

G1564

thence

ἐξελθόντες3 of 13

they departed

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

παρεπορεύοντο4 of 13

and passed

G3899

to travel near

διὰ5 of 13

through

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς6 of 13
G3588

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

Γαλιλαίας7 of 13

Galilee

G1056

galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine

Καὶ8 of 13

And

G2532

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

οὐκ9 of 13

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἤθελεν10 of 13

he would

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ἵνα11 of 13

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

τις12 of 13

any man

G5100

some or any person or object

γνῶ·13 of 13

should know

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)


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 9:30 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 9:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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