Mark 9:14

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 9:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great multitude about them, and scribes questioning with them.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great multitude about them, and scribes questioning with them.
Mark 9:14 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great multitude about them, and scribes questioning with them.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when he came to his disciples, etc..] The other nine, who were left at the bottom of the mountain, and were waiting for him: he saw a great multitude about them: there was a multitude that followed him from Bethsaida hither; and which, very likely, was greatly increased upon Christ's arrival in those parts, and the people hearing of it; and the Scribes questioning with them; disputing and contending with them about their master, his doctrines and miracles, and their mission and authority from him; insulting them, on account of their inability to dispossess a dumb spirit, hereafter related.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 17:14-21. Mark 9:14 Questioning with them - Debating with the disciples, and attempting to confound them. This he saw as he came down from the mount. In his absence they had taken occasion to attempt to perplex and confound his followers. Mark 9:15 Were greatly amazed - Were astonished and surprised at his sudden appearance among them. Saluted him - Received him with the customary marks of affection and respect. It is probable that this was not by any “formal” manner of salutation, but by the “rush” of the multitude, and by hailing him as the Messiah. Mark 9:16 What question ye? - What is the subject of your inquiry or debate with the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Mat 17:14; Luk 9:37. Mark 9:15”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“9:14-29 This is the fourth and last exorcism in Mark (1:21-28; 5:1-20; 7:24-30). The disciples were unable to perform the exorcism, so Jesus performed it, emphasizing the necessity of faith (cp. 2:5; 5:34; 10:52). This is another example of Jesus’ great healing ability and of the disciples’ failure (8:32-33; 9:5-7). 9:14 Jesus and the three disciples (Peter, James, and John) rejoined the other disciples, the crowd, and the teachers of the law. This account is similar to the story of Moses descending from Mount Sinai to rejoin the people of Israel (Exod 34:29-35).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“when: Mat 17:14-21; Luk 9:37 the scribes: Mar 2:6, Mar 11:28, Mar 12:14; Luk 11:53, Luk 11:54; Heb 12:3 Mark 9:15”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification