Mark 9 15

Mark 9:15 kjv

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

Mark 9:15 nkjv

Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him.

Mark 9:15 niv

As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.

Mark 9:15 esv

And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him.

Mark 9:15 nlt

When the crowd saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with awe, and they ran to greet him.

Mark 9 verses

Mark 9 15 Meaning

Mark 9:15 describes the crowd's immediate and profound reaction to Jesus upon His descent from the Mount of Transfiguration. They were struck with overwhelming awe and wonder, indicating a perception of His divine presence or the lingering glory from the Transfiguration, prompting them to eagerly approach and honor Him. This profound amazement signaled that something extraordinary had just occurred and set the stage for His divine authority in dealing with the pressing human need that awaited Him.

Mark 9 15 Context

Mark 9:15 immediately follows the account of the Transfiguration (Mk 9:2-8), where Jesus' appearance was transformed, shining with dazzling glory, and He was seen conversing with Moses and Elijah. This was accompanied by a voice from heaven affirming Him as God's beloved Son. Jesus had taken only Peter, James, and John with Him up the mountain. Upon descending, Jesus was confronted by a large crowd and the remaining nine disciples, who were in distress over their inability to heal a demon-possessed boy. The crowd's extreme amazement suggests they perceived some residual divine glory emanating from Jesus, similar to Moses' shining face after encountering God on Mount Sinai. This supernatural encounter, though unseen by the wider crowd during its occurrence, left a powerful, discernible effect on Jesus' person, eliciting awe and reverence from those who saw Him. The Jewish people, accustomed to divine manifestations in their scriptures, would have found this event significant in identifying the Messiah.

Mark 9 15 Word analysis

• "When all the people saw Him": Refers to the large crowd and possibly the other disciples present at the foot of the mountain. "Saw Him" implies a direct visual perception that registered His altered or uniquely radiant presence. It highlights the public nature of the amazement, not limited to a select few.
• "immediately" (Greek: euthys - εὐὐθύς): This adverb is characteristic of Mark's Gospel, appearing frequently to emphasize the swiftness, suddenness, and directness of events. Here, it underscores the instantaneity of the crowd's reaction, suggesting the visual impact was startling and immediate upon perceiving Jesus.
• "they were greatly amazed" (Greek: exethambēthēsan - ἐξεθαμβήθησαν): This verb comes from ekthambeo, a strong word meaning "to be utterly astonished," "to be astounded," "to be thrown into consternation," or even "to be terrified." It signifies more than mere surprise; it indicates a profound, unsettling, and even reverential awe, bordering on fear. The source of this amazement is believed to be a lingering manifestation of the divine glory from the Transfiguration still perceptible on Jesus. This reflects an Old Testament concept where divine presence causes an overwhelming response in humans (e.g., Ex 34:29-35; Isa 6:5).
• "and running to Him" (Greek: prostrechontes - προστρέχοντες): This participle conveys urgency, eagerness, and swift motion towards Jesus. Despite their profound amazement, the crowd was drawn to Him rather than repelled by fear, indicating a blend of awe with strong curiosity, desire for presence, and hopeful anticipation of what He might do.
• "they greeted Him" (Greek: ēspazonto - ἠσπάζοντο): From aspazomai, meaning "to salute," "to embrace," or "to welcome." This is more than a casual greeting; it signifies respect, honor, and a welcoming approach, demonstrating the crowd's deference and eagerness to engage with Jesus, perceiving His exceptional nature.

Mark 9 15 Bonus section

The profound reaction of the crowd ("greatly amazed") contrasts sharply with the struggles of the remaining disciples at the base of the mountain who failed to cast out a demon. The immediate shift from divine glory on the mountaintop to human suffering and spiritual impotence below highlights Jesus' unique authority and power. Despite the overwhelming glory manifested in Mark 9:15, Jesus remains approachable ("running to Him, they greeted Him"), demonstrating His willingness to engage with human need and frailty even after experiencing the fullness of divine adoration. This fleeting manifestation of glory served as a validation of His divine nature to the witnesses and underscored the source of the authority He exercised in the mundane and spiritual challenges He faced.

Mark 9 15 Commentary

Mark 9:15 serves as a dramatic transition following the profound glory of the Transfiguration. The crowd's reaction—"immediately they were greatly amazed"—underscores the visual impact Jesus' descent had on them. This "great amazement" (ἐξεθαμβήθησαν) suggests more than mere surprise; it points to a divine encounter, where the lingering effects of celestial glory upon Jesus' person, much like Moses coming down from Sinai, instilled a reverent awe bordering on fear. Their eager response of "running to Him" and "greeting Him" reflects not just curiosity, but a recognition of extraordinary authority and perhaps even messianic hope. This verse powerfully sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent display of divine power over evil, emphasizing that even when transitioning from sublime glory back to earthly ministry, Jesus carries with Him an unmistakable divine presence and authority. It highlights the immediate and transformative effect of God's manifest presence.