Devine Scripture

Mark 9:34

What does Mark 9:34 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 9:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 9:34 means

The disciples remained silent in response to Jesus' question because they had been arguing amongst themselves about which of them was the greatest. Their silence reveals their embarrassment and shame, knowing their discussion contrasted sharply with Jesus' recent teaching about suffering and humility. This dispute exposes their worldly ambition and misunderstanding of true spiritual leadership, highlighting their human inclination toward status and recognition.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But they held their peace: for they had disputed one with another on the way, who was the greatest.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But they held their peace: for they had disputed one with another on the way, who was the greatest.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But they said nothing: because they had had an argument between themselves on the way, about who was the greatest.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and they were silent, for with one another they did reason in the way who is greater;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And sitting down, he called the twelve and saith to them: If any man desire to be first, he shall be the last of all and be minister of all.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And they remained silent, for by the way they had been reasoning with one another who [was] greatest.

Context

This verse reveals the disciples' shameful secret, directly explaining their silence following Jesus' question about their journey's discussion. Their argument about greatness starkly contrasts with Jesus' recent teachings on humility and His own impending suffering, thus creating a pivotal moment for Jesus to correct their understanding and provide foundational teaching on kingdom values.

v.33And they came to Capernaum: and when he was in the house he asked them, What were ye reasoning on the way?

v.34This passage

v.35And he sat down, and called the twelve; and he saith unto them, If any man would be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 9:46

    And there arose a reasoning among them, which of them was the greatest.

  • Philippians 2:3

    doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself;

  • Romans 12:10

    In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another;

  • Matthew 18:1

    In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

  • Matthew 20:21

    And he said unto her, What wouldest thou? She saith unto him, Command that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy kingdom.

  • 1 Peter 5:3

    neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock.

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