King James Version

What Does Mark 9:6 Mean?

Mark 9:6 in the King James Version says “For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.”

Mark 9:6 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

4

And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.

5

And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

6

For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.

7

And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

8

And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Mark explains Peter's confusion: 'they were sore afraid' (ἔκφοβοι γὰρ ἐγένοντο). The term ekphoboi (ἔκφοβοι) indicates intense terror—literally 'out of their minds with fear.' This holy fear is appropriate response to divine glory. Throughout Scripture, theophanies produce overwhelming fear (Isaiah 6:5; Ezekiel 1:28; Revelation 1:17). Human sinfulness cannot stand before divine holiness. Peter's rambling proposal (v. 5) was defensive reaction to this fear—attempting to do something, anything, to regain control. Fear often produces hasty, ill-considered responses. The disciples needed to simply receive the revelation God was giving, not immediately act. This pattern recurs in Scripture: God reveals His glory, humans respond in fear, God provides reassurance (Isaiah 6:5-7; Luke 5:8-10). The transfiguration taught disciples that true worship means silencing human activity to hear God's voice (v. 7).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Divine glory terrified Old Testament witnesses: Moses hid his face (Exodus 3:6), Isaiah cried 'Woe is me!' (Isaiah 6:5), Ezekiel fell on his face (Ezekiel 1:28), Daniel lost strength (Daniel 10:8). The disciples' terror at Christ's transfigured glory was appropriate—they encountered the living God. First-century Judaism emphasized God's transcendent holiness and warned against presuming upon His presence. The disciples' fear also stemmed from seeing Moses and Elijah—Old Testament saints whose very presence confirmed they stood at the intersection of redemptive history. The cloud overshadowing them (v. 7) intensified their fear, recalling the Shekinah glory that led Israel (Exodus 40:34-35) and filled the temple (1 Kings 8:10-11). Direct encounter with God's presence is overwhelming, requiring divine reassurance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does holy fear before God's glory contrast with contemporary casual familiarity in worship?
  2. What does Peter's fearful, hasty proposal teach about the need to quiet our activity and simply receive what God reveals?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
οὐ1 of 8

“not”

G3756

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

γὰρ2 of 8

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ᾔδει3 of 8

“he wist”

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

τί4 of 8

“what”

G5101

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

λαλήσῃ·5 of 8

“to say”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ἦσαν6 of 8

“they were sore”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

γὰρ7 of 8

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἔκφοβοι8 of 8

“afraid”

G1630

frightened out of one's wits

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 9:6 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 9:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 16:5-8Revelation 1:17Daniel 10:15-19

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