Mark 9 28

Mark 9:28 kjv

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

Mark 9:28 nkjv

And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?"

Mark 9:28 niv

After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"

Mark 9:28 esv

And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?"

Mark 9:28 nlt

Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, "Why couldn't we cast out that evil spirit?"

Mark 9 verses

Mark 9 28 Meaning

After the public display of their failure to cast out a demon, Jesus' disciples entered a private dwelling. There, they inquired of Jesus, seeking to understand the specific reason for their inability to expel the evil spirit from the boy, a task they had previously been empowered to perform. This question reveals their bewilderment and humility, prompting Jesus to provide deeper instruction.

Mark 9 28 Context

Mark 9:28 is situated immediately after Jesus successfully cast out a persistent demon from a boy, a task His disciples had failed at publicly. This event unfolds shortly after the Transfiguration, where Jesus' divine glory was revealed to Peter, James, and John. This powerful demonstration of Christ's identity and authority contrasts sharply with the spiritual impotence demonstrated by the disciples at the foot of the mountain. Their inability left them bewildered and prompted their private query, forming a critical teaching moment. The passage prepares the disciples for deeper lessons on faith, prayer, and the true nature of spiritual authority, essential for their future ministry. Historically, casting out demons was recognized by both Jewish and Gentile traditions, but Jesus’ method consistently emphasized His unique divine authority and connection with God.

Mark 9 28 Word analysis

• And when he was come into the house:
  • "And": (Greek: kai) connects this private interaction to the preceding public healing. It signals a shift in setting and focus.
  • "he was come": Refers to Jesus, highlighting His deliberate action to move from the crowd.
  • "into the house": (Greek: eis tēn oikian) The "house" (oikos) frequently serves as a recurring literary motif in Mark's Gospel for intimate, private instruction or revelation away from the public eye. It signifies a protected space where Jesus can address His disciples' specific needs and failures without interruption. This private setting emphasizes the special training the disciples received.
• his disciples:
  • "his disciples": Refers to the twelve apostles, who had previously been empowered by Jesus to cast out demons (Mark 3:15, 6:7). Their collective presence and shared failure highlight a common learning point for all of them.
• asked him privately:
  • "asked him": Demonstrates their earnest desire for understanding and a teachable spirit.
  • "privately": (Greek: kat’ idian) This adverbial phrase is highly significant in Mark, appearing ten times (e.g., Mark 4:10, 7:17, 13:3). It underscores Jesus' pattern of giving specialized, deeper truths to His inner circle only when they were alone with Him, away from the misunderstanding or skepticism of the general crowds. This setup is crucial for intimate discipleship.
• Why could not we cast him out?:
  • "Why": (Greek: dia ti) This direct interrogative shows genuine bewilderment and perhaps some frustration. It is a plea for explanation for their inability.
  • "could not we": Reveals their prior confidence and present perplexity. They expected to succeed, given their previous commissioning and experience (Mark 6:13). This question highlights a significant spiritual setback and prompts introspection on their part.
  • "cast him out": (Greek: ekbalein auton) Refers specifically to the expulsion of the demon that afflicted the boy mentioned in Mark 9:17-18. This verb ekballō is commonly used for exorcism in the Gospels, emphasizing the forceful removal of evil spiritual entities.

Words-group Analysis:

• "And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately": This phrase establishes a distinct setting and interaction style. It shifts from public ministry to private theological instruction, a characteristic pedagogical approach of Jesus in Mark. The disciples' initiative in seeking this private discussion underscores their earnest desire for deeper spiritual understanding.
• "Why could not we cast him out?": This critical question frames the upcoming teaching. It points directly to the disciples' humbling experience, contrasting their perceived authority and past success with their recent failure. It suggests a foundational misunderstanding on their part about the nature of spiritual power, not just a technical issue, but potentially a matter of faith and spiritual discipline.

Mark 9 28 Bonus section

This incident serves as a crucial reminder that spiritual gifts and authority, though divinely given, do not operate mechanically. They are dynamically connected to a vibrant relationship with God, requiring continuous reliance on Him through prayer, faith, and dedicated spiritual discipline. The disciples' failure highlighted not a deficiency in their calling, but in their immediate readiness and reliance on divine power for that particular, challenging spiritual battle. It emphasizes that while power is given, its efficacy often depends on the spiritual state and practices of the recipient.

Mark 9 28 Commentary

Mark 9:28 captures a pivotal moment of private discipleship following a public failure. The disciples, previously empowered to cast out demons, are perplexed by their inability in this instance. Their "Why?" is not a complaint but an earnest seeking of knowledge, demonstrating a teachable spirit amidst their shame. Jesus' decision to retreat into a house for this discussion is typical of His method in Mark's Gospel, where deeper spiritual truths are reserved for private instruction to His inner circle, shielded from public misunderstanding. This verse thus sets the stage for Jesus' crucial teaching on the prerequisite of faith and prayer, and implicitly fasting (as indicated in parallel accounts or ancient manuscripts of Mark 9:29), for effective spiritual warfare. It underscores that spiritual authority is not merely a delegated power, but is intrinsically linked to ongoing, humble dependence on God.