Devine Scripture

Mark 9:13

What does Mark 9:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 9:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 9:13 means

Jesus explicitly states that Elijah has, in fact, already come, referencing John the Baptist. He reveals that people treated John as they wished, causing him to suffer, just as was prophesied concerning Elijah's role. This clarifies that John the Baptist fulfilled the prophetic forerunner role of Elijah, preparing the way for Jesus, even though he was not Elijah reincarnated. His rejection foreshadows the rejection Jesus Himself would face.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But I say unto you, that Elijah is come, and they have also done unto him whatsoever they would, even as it is written of him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But I say unto you, that Elijah is come, and they have also done unto him whatsoever they would, even as it is written of him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But I say to you that Elijah has come, and they have done to him whatever they were pleased to do, even as the Writings say about him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

But I say to you, That also Elijah hath come, and they did to him what they willed, as it hath been written of him.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And coming to his disciples he saw a great multitude about them and the scribes disputing with them.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but I say unto you that Elias also is come, and they have done to him whatever they would, as it is written of him.

Context

This verse provides the direct answer to the disciples' question about Elijah, clarifying that John the Baptist fulfilled that prophetic role. It builds upon Jesus' previous statement about Elijah's coming, giving a concrete example of this fulfillment. This explanation transitions the narrative back to the broader context of Jesus' ministry and the reception He and His forerunner received.

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?

v.13This passage

v.14And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great multitude about them, and scribes questioning with them.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 17:12

    but I say unto you, that Elijah is come already, and they knew him not, but did unto him whatsoever they would. Even so shall the Son of man also suffer of them.

  • Mark 6:14

    And king Herod heardthereof; for his name had become known: and he said, John the Baptizer is risen from the dead, and therefore do these powers work in him.

  • Luke 3:19

    but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done,

  • Acts 7:52

    Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? and they killed them that showed before of the coming of the Righteous One; of whom ye have now become betrayers and murderers;

  • Matthew 11:14

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

  • Matthew 14:3

    For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.

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