Mark 9:33 kjv
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 9:33 nkjv
Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, "What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?"
Mark 9:33 niv
They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?"
Mark 9:33 esv
And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you discussing on the way?"
Mark 9:33 nlt
After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, "What were you discussing out on the road?"
Mark 9 33 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Matt 18:1 | At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" | Parallel account of the same dispute and question. |
| Luke 9:46 | A discussion arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. | Another parallel account in Luke's Gospel. |
| Mark 10:32-34 | They were on the way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them… And he took the twelve again… | Jesus foretells His suffering for the third time, immediately before the request for preeminence by James and John. |
| Matt 20:20-28 | Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him… and asked him to say that these two sons… | Another instance of disciples seeking prominence. |
| Mark 8:31-32 | And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things… Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. | Jesus first predicts His suffering, met with misunderstanding. |
| Mark 9:30-32 | He did not want anyone to know, for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men..." | Immediate context; Jesus had just foretold His death again, highlighting the contrast with disciples' ambition. |
| Phil 2:3-8 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves… Christ Jesus… emptied himself… | Apostolic teaching echoing Christ's humility and servanthood. |
| Luke 22:24-27 | A dispute also arose among them, which of them was to be regarded as greatest… but let the greatest among you become as the youngest... | Dispute about greatness during the Last Supper, showing recurring issue. |
| Prov 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. | Wisdom literature on the danger of pride. |
| Jas 4:6 | But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." | New Testament wisdom on humility vs. pride. |
| 1 Pet 5:5-6 | Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." | Apostolic injunction to humility, especially among leaders. |
| Matt 23:11-12 | The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. | Jesus' direct teaching on humility and true greatness. |
| Jn 13:1-17 | He laid aside his outer garments… began to wash the disciples' feet… For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. | Jesus' practical example of servanthood. |
| Is 53:11 | Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous… | Prophecy of the Suffering Servant, contrasted with earthly greatness. |
| Ps 25:9 | He leads the humble in justice, and teaches the humble his way. | The Lord's guidance for the humble. |
| 1 Cor 3:3-4 | For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving in a purely human way? | Worldly strife among believers, showing its fleshly nature. |
| Gal 5:26 | Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. | Warning against pride and rivalry among Christians. |
| Phil 2:14 | Do all things without grumbling or questioning. | The general call for unity and lack of self-seeking. |
| Luke 18:14 | For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. | Emphasizing God's judgment on pride and reward for humility. |
| Jer 9:23-24 | Thus says the Lord: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom… but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me…" | Boasting only in the knowledge of God, not self-achievement. |
| Col 3:12 | Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. | Admonition to cultivate virtues, including humility. |
| 1 Tim 3:6 | He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. | Warning against pride in leadership within the church. |
Mark 9 verses
Mark 9 33 Meaning
Mark 9:33 depicts Jesus and His disciples arriving in Capernaum. Upon entering a private residence, Jesus asks them about their conversation "on the way," which was a private dispute concerning who among them was the greatest. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' crucial teaching on humility and servanthood, directly contrasting their earthly ambition with the nature of His kingdom.
Mark 9 33 Context
Mark chapter 9 unfolds significant events leading up to this verse. It begins with the Transfiguration of Jesus, where His divine glory is revealed to Peter, James, and John. Following this profound experience, Jesus descends and encounters the disciples' inability to cast out a demon from a boy, highlighting their lack of faith and spiritual power (Mark 9:14-29). Jesus then privately reiterates His coming suffering, death, and resurrection (Mark 9:30-32). Despite these profound teachings and divine demonstrations, the disciples were preoccupied with a mundane and self-serving debate about who was the "greatest." This tension between Jesus' kingdom priorities (humility, suffering, service) and the disciples' earthly ambitions (status, power) sets the immediate and broader context for His teaching in Capernaum. Capernaum, a significant base for Jesus' ministry, serves as the setting for this private and impactful exchange within a house, implying a more intimate and direct teaching moment.
Mark 9 33 Word analysis
- And: A common Greek conjunction (καὶ, kai), linking this event directly to the preceding narrative of Jesus teaching His disciples about His suffering on the way to Capernaum. It shows the continuation of the journey.
- he: Refers to Jesus, who is the central figure leading and instructing His disciples.
- came: The Greek word is ἔρχομαι (erchomai), denoting arrival, often after a journey. They had just descended from the mountain (Mark 9:9).
- to Capernaum: (Καπερναούμ, Kapharnaoúm) A prominent city on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. It served as Jesus' adopted home during much of His public ministry and a center for many miracles and teachings. Its significance is often overlooked; it was a bustling hub where He laid down deep roots, yet it would later be condemned for its unbelief (Matt 11:23).
- and when he was in the house: The Greek phrase implies entry into a specific house (τὴν οἰκίαν, tēn oikian), not necessarily Peter's house, but likely a place of private retreat for Jesus and His disciples. The house symbolizes intimacy, privacy, and a space for direct, unfiltered instruction, distinct from public teaching. This private setting allows for personal confrontation and deep revelation.
- he asked them: Jesus initiates the conversation. The act of asking, despite His likely awareness of their discussion, shows His pedagogical approach. He often prompted self-reflection and confession from His disciples. This is not mere curiosity but a purposeful inquiry to expose their hearts and provide a teaching opportunity.
- What: A direct interrogative, aiming for an explicit answer.
- were you discussing: (διελογίζεσθε, dielogízesthe) This Greek verb suggests a deeper level of discourse than simple conversation; it implies 'disputing,' 'reasoning among yourselves,' 'arguing,' or 'contending.' It indicates an internal argument or a strong debate rather than a casual chat, highlighting contention among them.
- on the way: Refers to their journey from the region of Galilee (likely Caesarea Philippi, following the Transfiguration) towards Capernaum. This detail implies the conversation occurred while Jesus walked ahead, or at a distance, making their self-serving discussion unfold apart from His direct presence, yet not hidden from His divine knowledge.
Mark 9 33 Bonus section
The disciples' "discussion" or "dispute" on the way was an indication of their continued grappling with the true nature of the Messiah's kingdom. They, like many in their Jewish context, expected a political and earthly king who would usher in a glorious earthly reign, not a suffering servant who would humble Himself to death. Their argument about "greatness" reflected a profound misunderstanding of Jesus' mission, the meaning of discipleship, and the upside-down values of God's kingdom. This scene in Capernaum highlights a recurring pattern in the Gospels where Jesus patiently but firmly redirects His disciples from worldly aspirations towards spiritual humility, teaching them that true power lies in powerlessness and true honor in servanthood, a lesson consistently difficult for human nature to grasp.
Mark 9 33 Commentary
Mark 9:33 powerfully juxtaposes the divine humility of Christ with the earthly ambitions of His closest followers. Fresh from teaching them about His imminent suffering and death as the Son of Man (Mark 9:30-32), Jesus encounters them consumed by a dispute about their own status. The transition from His revelation of ultimate self-giving love to their struggle for supremacy is stark, revealing the significant gap between His kingdom values and their present understanding. His question, posed in the quiet privacy of a home in Capernaum, is not because He lacked knowledge but to draw out their confession and prepare them for a critical lesson on servanthood and humility as the path to true greatness in the Kingdom of God. This passage underscores the disciples' slow spiritual growth and serves as a timeless warning against worldly ambition within the fellowship of believers, reminding that greatness in God's eyes is found not in self-exaltation but in becoming a servant of all.
- Example: A church committee member arguing vehemently for their project to be prioritized, seeking personal recognition rather than simply serving the community's greatest need.
- Example: A leader in a Christian organization vying for a more prominent title or role, forgetting that Christ teaches to be "least of all, servant of all."