Devine Scripture

Mark 9:11

What does Mark 9:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 9:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 9:11 means

The disciples, still processing the Transfiguration and Jesus' mention of rising from the dead, asked Him about the scribes' teaching that Elijah must first come. This question arose because they had just seen Elijah on the mountain, and they knew the prophecy connected Elijah's coming with the Messiah's arrival. They sought clarity on how these events fit together with Jesus' identity and their prophetic expectations.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they asked him, saying, How is it that the scribes say that Elijah must first come?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they asked him, saying, How is it that the scribes say that Elijah must first come?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they put a question to him, saying, Why do the scribes say that Elijah has to come first?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And they were questioning him, saying, that the scribes say that Elijah it behoveth to come first.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Who answering, said to then: Elias, when he shall come first, shall restore all things; and as it is written of the Son of man that he must suffer many things and be despised.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And they asked him saying, Why do the scribes say that Elias must first have come?

Context

This verse directly follows the disciples' confusion about the resurrection. Their question about Elijah's coming connects their recent encounter on the mountain with established Jewish prophecy, showcasing their attempt to integrate these astounding events into their understanding of the Messiah. This sets up Jesus' explanation about John the Baptist as the fulfillment of Elijah's role.

v.10And they kept the saying, questioning among themselves what the rising again from the dead should mean.

v.11This passage

v.12And he said unto them, Elijah indeed cometh first, and restoreth all things: and how is it written of the Son of man, that he should suffer many things and be set at nought?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Malachi 3:1

    Behold, I send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom ye desire, behold, he cometh, saith Jehovah of hosts.

  • Malachi 4:5

    Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Jehovah come.

  • Matthew 17:10

    And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elijah must first come?

  • Matthew 11:14

    And if ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, that is to come.

  • Mark 9:4

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

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