Devine Scripture

Mark 9:17

What does Mark 9:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 9:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 9:17 means

A man from the crowd answered Jesus, explaining that he had brought his son, who was afflicted by a "dumb spirit," to the disciples for healing. This establishes the central problem: a desperately ill boy and his distraught father. The father's direct appeal to Jesus, bypassing the ongoing dispute, underscores his profound need and the expectation that Jesus possesses the power to deliver his son from this oppressive spiritual torment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And one of the multitude answered him, Teacher, I brought unto thee my son, who hath a dumb spirit;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And one of the multitude answered him, Teacher, I brought unto thee my son, who hath a dumb spirit;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And one of the number said to him in answer, Master, I came to you with my son, who has in him a spirit which takes away his power of talking;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and one out of the multitude answering said, `Teacher, I brought my son unto thee, having a dumb spirit;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Who, wheresoever he taketh him, dasheth him: and he foameth and gnasheth with the teeth and pineth away. And I spoke to thy disciples to cast him out: and they could not.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And one out of the crowd answered him, Teacher, I brought to thee my son, who has a dumb spirit;

Context

This verse provides the specific problem that was causing the commotion, directly responding to Jesus' question about the dispute. It immediately grounds the narrative in a tangible instance of suffering and spiritual oppression, shifting the focus from theological debate to urgent human need. This sets the scene for Jesus' confrontation with the demon and the disciples' failure, highlighting the immediate test of faith.

v.16And he asked them, What question ye with them?

v.17This passage

v.18and wheresoever it taketh him, it dasheth him down: and he foameth, and grindeth his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast it out; and they were not able.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 11:14

    And he was casting out a demon that was dumb. And it came to pass, when the demon was gone out, the dumb man spake; and the multitudes marvelled.

  • Matthew 12:22

    Then was brought unto him one possessed with a demon, blind and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the dumb man spake and saw.

  • Mark 9:25

    And when Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I command thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

  • Matthew 17:15

    Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is epileptic, and suffereth grievously; for oft-times he falleth into the fire, and oft-times into the water.

  • John 4:47

    When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judæa into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son; for he was at the point of death.

  • Mark 5:23

    and beseecheth him much, saying, My little daughter is at the point of death: I pray thee, that thou come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be made whole, and live.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 9

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 9.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Mark 9:17.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary