Mark 9:20
What does Mark 9:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 9:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 9:20 means
When the demon-possessed boy was brought near Jesus, the evil spirit immediately reacted violently, convulsing the boy severely. He fell to the ground, rolling and foaming at the mouth, displaying the destructive power of the demon. This dramatic physical manifestation shows the demon's direct and hostile response to Jesus' presence, highlighting the intensity of the spiritual battle and setting the stage for Jesus' authoritative deliverance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they took him to him: and when he saw him, the spirit in him straight away became violent; and he went down on the earth, rolling about and streaming at the lips.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and they brought him unto him, and he having seen him, immediately the spirit tare him, and he, having fallen upon the earth, was wallowing--foaming.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he asked his father: How long time is it since this hath happened unto him? But he sad: From his infancy.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they brought him to him. And seeing him the spirit immediately tore him; and falling upon the earth he rolled foaming.
Context
This verse describes the immediate and violent reaction of the demon-possessed boy upon being brought to Jesus, after Jesus' lament about a "faithless generation." This dramatic manifestation showcases the reality of the spiritual struggle and the demon's resistance to Jesus' presence, making the subsequent healing all the more powerful and underscoring Jesus' authority over evil forces.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 9:42
And as he was yet a coming, the demon dashed him down, and tare him grievously. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.
- Job 2:6
And Jehovah said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thy hand; only spare his life.
- Luke 8:29
For he was commanding the unclean spirit to come out from the man. For oftentimes it had seized him: and he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters; and breaking the bands asunder, he was driven of the demon into the deserts.
- John 8:44
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof.
- Mark 1:26
And the unclean spirit, tearing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.
- 1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
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