Mark 9:18
What does Mark 9:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 9:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 9:18 means
The distraught father vividly describes his son's severe symptoms: the demon seizes him, throws him to the ground, causing him to foam at the mouth, grind his teeth, and waste away. He also recounts his previous, unsuccessful attempt to have Jesus' disciples cast out the spirit. This detailed description emphasizes the severity of the boy's suffering and the disciples' powerlessness, setting the stage for Jesus' powerful deliverance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And wherever it takes him, it puts him down violently, streaming at the lips and twisted with pain; and his strength goes from him; and I made a request to your disciples to send it out, and they were not able.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and wherever it doth seize him, it doth tear him, and he foameth, and gnasheth his teeth, and pineth away; and I spake to thy disciples that they may cast it out, and they were not able.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who answering them, said: O incredulous generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him unto me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and wheresoever it seizes him it tears him, and he foams and gnashes his teeth, and he is withering away. And I spoke to thy disciples, that they might cast him out, and they could not.
Context
This verse provides a graphic account of the demon's torment on the boy’s life, directly elaborating on the father’s initial plea. The mention of the disciples' failure to cast out the spirit highlights their struggles in Jesus' absence, leading directly to Jesus' exasperated response concerning faithlessness and His subsequent intervention, demonstrating His superior power and authority.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 9:20
And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him grievously; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
- Matthew 15:22
And behold, a Canaanitish woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a demon.
- Mark 11:23
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it.
- Jude 1:13
wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the blackness of darkness hath been reserved for ever.
- Mark 9:28
And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, How is it that we could not cast it out?
- Psalms 112:10
The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; He shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: The desire of the wicked shall perish.
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