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Mark Chapter Study

The Glory of Christ and the Cost of Discipleship

Mark 9 (KJV)

Mark 9 reveals the glory, authority, compassion, and holiness of Jesus Christ. From the Transfiguration to the healing of a demon-oppressed boy, from the call to humble service to the warning about sin, this chapter teaches believers to hear Christ, depend on prayer, serve humbly, and live with spiritual seriousness.

What You'll Learn

• How the Transfiguration reveals the divine glory of Jesus
• Why the Father says, “This is my beloved Son: hear him”
• How faith and unbelief can exist in the same struggling heart
• Why prayer and fasting matter in spiritual battles
• How Jesus defines greatness through humility and service
• Why small acts of service done in Christ’s name matter
• Why sin must be taken seriously
• What it means to have salt in yourself and peace with others

Mark 9 teaches that Jesus must be heard, trusted, followed, and obeyed above all others.

Bible Translation Note Scripture Verse-by-Verse Study Chapter Synopsis Prayer Personal Application Weekly Actions Chapter Summary

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Mark 9:1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

Mark 9:2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

Mark 9:3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

Mark 9:4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.

Mark 9:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

Mark 9:6 For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.

Mark 9:7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

Mark 9:8 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.

Mark 9:9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.

Mark 9:10 And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.

Mark 9:11 And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?

Mark 9:12 And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.

Mark 9:13 But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

Mark 9:14 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.

Mark 9:15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.

Mark 9:16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?

Mark 9:17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;

Mark 9:18 And 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.

Mark 9:19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.

Mark 9:20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.

Mark 9:21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.

Mark 9:22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

Mark 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Mark 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Mark 9:25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

Mark 9:26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.

Mark 9:27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

Mark 9:28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?

Mark 9:29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

Mark 9:30 And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.

Mark 9:31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.

Mark 9:32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.

Mark 9:33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

Mark 9:34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.

Mark 9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

Mark 9:36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,

Mark 9:37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

Mark 9:39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

Mark 9:40 For he that is not against us is on our part.

Mark 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

Mark 9:42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Mark 9:43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

Mark 9:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Mark 9:45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

Mark 9:46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Mark 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

Mark 9:48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Mark 9:49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

Mark 9:50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

Mark 9:1

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

Study: Jesus says some standing there would see the kingdom of God come with power before they died. This points forward to the Transfiguration, where Peter, James, and John receive a preview of Christ’s glory. It also connects the suffering path of Mark 8 with the glory revealed in Mark 9.

Mark 9:2

And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

Study: Jesus brings Peter, James, and John up the mountain and is transfigured before them. His appearance changes, revealing the glory that had been veiled in His earthly ministry. This moment confirms that Jesus is more than a teacher or prophet; He is the glorious Son of God.

Mark 9:3

And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

Study: Jesus’ clothing becomes brilliantly white beyond anything earthly cleansing could produce. This radiance is supernatural. It reveals a glimpse of heavenly purity and divine glory.

Mark 9:4

And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.

Study: Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus. Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the Prophets. Their presence shows that the Old Testament points to Christ and finds its fulfillment in Him.

Mark 9:5

And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

Study: Peter wants to preserve the moment by building three tabernacles. His response is sincere but confused. He unintentionally places Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus, but the Father will soon make clear that Jesus stands above all.

Mark 9:6

For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.

Study: Peter speaks because he does not know what to say. Fear and awe overwhelm the disciples. Sometimes silence is the right response before the glory of God.

Mark 9:7

And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

Study: God the Father speaks from the cloud and identifies Jesus as His beloved Son. The command is simple and absolute: hear Him. Jesus has final authority over Moses, Elijah, the Law, the Prophets, and every human voice.

Mark 9:8

And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.

Study: Moses and Elijah disappear, and only Jesus remains. This is the point of the scene. The disciples must fix their eyes on Christ alone.

Mark 9:9

And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.

Study: Jesus tells them not to speak about the vision until after His resurrection. The glory of Christ must be understood together with His death and resurrection. Without the cross, the disciples would misunderstand His mission.

Mark 9:10

And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.

Study: The disciples do not understand what Jesus means by rising from the dead. They are still learning that the Messiah must suffer, die, and rise again. Spiritual understanding often grows gradually.

Mark 9:11

And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?

Study: The disciples ask about Elijah because the scribes taught that Elijah would come before the Messiah. After seeing Elijah on the mountain, they want to understand how this fits with Jesus’ mission.

Mark 9:12

And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.

Study: Jesus confirms the Elijah expectation but turns their attention again to the suffering of the Son of man. The disciples must understand that God’s plan includes rejection and suffering before glory.

Mark 9:13

But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

Study: Jesus points to John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and role of Elijah and was rejected. John’s suffering foreshadows the suffering of Christ.

Mark 9:14

And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.

Study: Jesus comes down from the mountain into conflict and need. The disciples are surrounded by a crowd, and the scribes are questioning them. The contrast is sharp: glory on the mountain, struggle in the valley.

Mark 9:15

And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.

Study: The crowd is amazed when they see Jesus and runs to greet Him. His presence changes the situation. Where the disciples were powerless, Jesus arrives with authority.

Mark 9:16

And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?

Study: Jesus directly asks what the argument is about. He steps into confusion with authority. Christ is not intimidated by debate, opposition, or failure.

Mark 9:17

And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;

Study: A father explains that he brought his son to Jesus. The boy is afflicted by a spirit that prevents him from speaking. This father comes with desperation and hope.

Mark 9:18

And 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.

Study: The father describes the boy’s suffering and the disciples’ inability to help. Their failure likely becomes the reason for the dispute. This moment exposes the need for deeper faith and dependence on God.

Mark 9:19

He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.

Study: Jesus grieves over the lack of faith around Him, yet He still says, “bring him unto me.” Even when faith is weak, the answer is still to bring the need to Christ.

Mark 9:20

And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.

Study: The spirit reacts violently when the boy is brought to Jesus. Evil does not surrender quietly, but it must submit to Christ’s authority.

Mark 9:21

And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.

Study: Jesus asks how long the boy has suffered. The father says it has been since childhood. Christ sees not only the crisis of the moment but the long history of pain behind it.

Mark 9:22

And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

Study: The father pleads for compassion but struggles with uncertainty. His words, “if thou canst,” reveal wounded faith. Jesus will respond by addressing belief, not His own ability.

Mark 9:23

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Study: Jesus turns the focus from whether He can act to whether the man will trust Him. Faith does not make God powerful; faith receives the power of the God who already is able.

Mark 9:24

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Study: This is one of the most honest prayers in Scripture. The father has faith, but he also knows his faith is weak. Jesus receives honest dependence, not religious pretending.

Mark 9:25

When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

Study: Jesus commands the spirit to come out and never return. His authority is complete. What the disciples could not do in their own strength, Jesus does by His word.

Mark 9:26

And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.

Study: The spirit leaves violently, and the boy appears dead. Deliverance may look intense before restoration is visible. But Jesus is not finished.

Mark 9:27

But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

Study: Jesus takes the boy by the hand and lifts him up. Christ not only casts out evil; He restores the person. His power is both authoritative and compassionate.

Mark 9:28

And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?

Study: The disciples ask privately why they failed. This is a teachable moment. Failure can become growth when it drives us back to Jesus for understanding.

Mark 9:29

And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

Study: Jesus teaches that some spiritual battles require deeper dependence on God. Prayer and fasting express humility, reliance, and spiritual seriousness. Ministry cannot be done by routine power or past experience alone.

Mark 9:30

And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.

Study: Jesus moves quietly through Galilee because He is focused on teaching His disciples. Not every season of ministry is public. Some of the deepest work happens privately.

Mark 9:31

For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.

Study: Jesus again teaches His coming death and resurrection. He is preparing the disciples for the cross. The glory of the Transfiguration does not remove the necessity of Calvary.

Mark 9:32

But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.

Study: The disciples do not understand and are afraid to ask. Fear can keep people from seeking clarity. True discipleship requires humility enough to ask Jesus what we do not understand.

Mark 9:33

And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

Study: Jesus asks what they were arguing about on the road. He already knows, but He invites them to face the condition of their hearts. Christ often exposes hidden motives through questions.

Mark 9:34

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

Study: The disciples are silent because they had been arguing about greatness. While Jesus teaches suffering and service, they are still thinking about rank and status.

Mark 9:35

And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

Study: Jesus redefines greatness. In His kingdom, the first must become last and servant of all. True greatness is not domination but humble service.

Mark 9:36

And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,

Study: Jesus uses a child as a living illustration. Children had little status in that culture, yet Jesus places one in the center. The kingdom values humility, dependence, and care for the overlooked.

Mark 9:37

Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

Study: Welcoming the humble and vulnerable in Jesus’ name is an act of receiving Christ Himself. Service to the least is not small in God’s eyes.

Mark 9:38

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

Study: John is concerned that someone outside their immediate group is casting out demons in Jesus’ name. The disciples are still wrestling with pride, control, and exclusivity.

Mark 9:39

But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

Study: Jesus corrects them. Someone truly working in His name should not be opposed simply because he is not part of their circle. The mission is bigger than personal group identity.

Mark 9:40

For he that is not against us is on our part.

Study: Jesus teaches discernment and unity. Those genuinely aligned with Christ should not be treated as enemies. Kingdom work requires humility and cooperation.

Mark 9:41

For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

Study: Even a cup of water given in Christ’s name matters to God. Small acts of service done with the right heart carry eternal value.

Mark 9:42

And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Study: Jesus gives a severe warning against causing believers, especially vulnerable ones, to stumble. Spiritual influence is serious. God cares deeply about the protection of His people.

Mark 9:43

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

Study: Jesus uses strong imagery to teach the seriousness of sin. He is not calling for self-harm, but for radical removal of whatever leads us away from God. Sin must not be treated casually.

Mark 9:44

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Study: Jesus emphasizes the reality and seriousness of judgment. Eternal matters are weighty. His warning is meant to awaken repentance and spiritual sobriety.

Mark 9:45

And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

Study: Jesus continues the warning. Anything that carries us toward sin must be dealt with decisively. Obedience may cost us, but compromise costs far more.

Mark 9:46

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Study: The repeated warning reinforces the seriousness of the teaching. Jesus repeats it so His hearers do not miss the urgency of repentance and holiness.

Mark 9:47

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

Study: Jesus applies the same truth to the eye, which often represents desire and temptation. What we look at and long for can lead the heart. Disciples must guard their desires before God.

Mark 9:48

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Study: Jesus repeats the eternal warning again. His words are sobering because sin, judgment, and eternity are not small matters. Grace should never make believers careless about holiness.

Mark 9:49

For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

Study: Jesus speaks of purification, sacrifice, and refining. Fire tests, and salt preserves. The life of discipleship involves refining trials and holy surrender to God.

Mark 9:50

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

Study: Jesus calls His followers to spiritual integrity and peace. Salt points to preserving influence, purity, and usefulness. Disciples must live with holiness within and peace toward one another.

Mark 9 begins with Jesus revealing His glory on the mountain before Peter, James, and John. Moses and Elijah appear with Him, showing that the Law and the Prophets point to Christ. Then God the Father speaks from the cloud and commands the disciples to hear His beloved Son.

After coming down from the mountain, Jesus meets a desperate father whose son is oppressed by a destructive spirit. The disciples had failed to cast it out, but Jesus delivers the boy and teaches that some spiritual battles require prayer and fasting. The father’s cry, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief,” reveals the honest struggle of faith.

Jesus again teaches His disciples about His coming death and resurrection, but they do not understand. Instead, they argue about who is greatest. Jesus corrects them by teaching that greatness in His kingdom is found in humility, service, and receiving the lowly in His name.

The chapter closes with strong warnings about causing others to stumble and about the seriousness of sin. Jesus calls His followers to remove anything that leads toward compromise, to remain spiritually useful like salt, and to live at peace with one another.

Lord Jesus, help me to see Your glory and hear Your voice above every other voice. Strengthen my faith where I am weak, and teach me to pray honestly, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” Make me humble, willing to serve, and careful not to cause others to stumble. Give me the courage to remove anything that leads me away from You. Help me live with holiness, usefulness, and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

• Read Mark 9 twice this week
• Memorize Mark 9:24
• Pray honestly about one area where your faith feels weak
• Spend one focused time in prayer for a spiritual battle you are facing
• Serve someone quietly without seeking recognition
• Identify one influence or habit that may be leading you toward compromise
• Pursue peace with someone where tension exists

Mark 9 reveals the glory of Jesus Christ, the necessity of faith, the power of prayer, the humility required for discipleship, and the seriousness of sin. On the mountain, Jesus is transfigured and affirmed by the Father as the beloved Son who must be heard. In the valley, Jesus delivers a suffering boy and teaches that spiritual battles require dependence on God. He corrects the disciples’ pride by teaching that true greatness is found in humble service. The chapter ends with strong warnings about sin, stumbling others, and losing spiritual usefulness. Mark 9 calls believers to hear Christ, trust Christ, serve humbly, fight sin seriously, and live in peace.

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