Mark 9:24
What does Mark 9:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 9:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 9:24 means
Immediately, the boy's father cried out, expressing both his belief and his struggle with unbelief. His plea, "I believe; help thou mine unbelief," demonstrates a profound honesty and humility. It acknowledges his genuine desire to trust Jesus fully while also admitting his human weakness and doubt. This raw, heartfelt confession of struggling faith becomes a model for all who genuinely seek God's intervention despite their limitations.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Straightway the father of the child cried out, and said, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Straightway the father of the child cried out, and said, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Straight away the father of the child gave a cry, saying, I have faith; make my feeble faith stronger.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and immediately the father of the child, having cried out, with tears said, `I believe, sir; be helping mine unbelief.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when Jesus saw the multitude running together, he threatened the unclean spirit, saying to him: Deaf and dumb spirit, I command thee, go out of him and enter not any more into him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And immediately the father of the young child crying out said [with tears], I believe, help mine unbelief.
Context
This verse captures the father's immediate, emotional response to Jesus' statement about the power of belief. His honest cry acknowledges his faith while confessing his lingering doubt, creating a poignant moment of human struggle and trust. This heartfelt confession moves the narrative toward Jesus' direct intervention, demonstrating how compassion often meets imperfect faith with divine power.
v.23And Jesus said unto him, If thou canst! All things are possible to him that believeth.
v.24This passage
v.25And 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Kings 20:5
Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the prince of my people, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee; on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of Jehovah.
- Ephesians 2:8
for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
- Psalms 126:5
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:11
To which end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfil every desire of goodness and every work of faith, with power;
- Acts 10:31
and saith, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:3
We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;
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