Mark 9:19
What does Mark 9:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 9:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 9:19 means
Jesus responds with an exclamation of exasperation, calling His generation "faithless" and questioning how long He must endure their spiritual dullness. This rebuke is directed not just at the disciples who failed to heal the boy, but likely at the broader community's lack of true faith. It emphasizes that the power to act is fundamentally connected to faith, and their inability stemmed from this spiritual deficiency, frustrating Him deeply.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he answereth them and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I bear with you? bring him unto me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he answereth them and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I bear with you? bring him unto me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he said to them in answer, O generation without faith, how long will I have to be with you? how long will I put up with you? let him come to me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And he answering him, said, `O generation unbelieving, till when shall I be with you? till when shall I suffer you? bring him unto me;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they brought him. And when he had seen him, immediately the spirit troubled him and being thrown down upon the ground, he rolled about foaming.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But he answering them says, O unbelieving generation! how long shall I be with you? how long shall I bear with you? bring him to me.
Context
This verse expresses Jesus' frustration, immediately following the father's account of his son's torment and the disciples' failure. His lament about a "faithless generation" broadens the critique beyond just the disciples, setting the stage for His direct command to bring the boy to Him, thereby shifting from rebuke to active intervention and demonstrating His sovereign power over evil.
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.
v.19This passage
v.20And 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 24:25
And he said unto them, O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!
- Mark 16:14
And afterward he was manifested unto the eleven themselves as they sat at meat; and he upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them that had seen him after he was risen.
- John 12:27
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. But for this cause came I unto this hour.
- Psalms 78:6
That the generation to come might knowthem, even the children that should be born; Who should arise and tellthemto their children,
- Hebrews 3:10
Wherefore I was displeased with this generation, And said, They do always err in their heart: But they did not know my ways;
- John 20:27
Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and see my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and put it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
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.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Doubt
The Bible acknowledges the reality of doubt, offering comfort, guidance, and encouragement to those who wrestle with uncertainty.
Topic
Bible Verses About Serving Others
Serving others is a fundamental aspect of Christian living, reflecting God's love and demonstrating our faith through selfless action.
Topic
Bible Verses About Unbelief
Bible verses on unbelief show how it hinders faith and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of trust in God.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Spiritually Numb
When God feels distant and you feel nothing — verses for the dry season.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Burnout as a Christian
When ministry, work, or caregiving has emptied you — scripture for refilling.