Mark 9:21

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 9:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he asked his father, How long time is it since this hath come unto him? And he said, From a child.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he asked his father, How long time is it since this hath come unto him? And he said, From a child.
Mark 9:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21And he asked his father, How long time is it since this hath come unto him? And he said, From a child.

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 he asked his father, etc..] As he lay rolling about in this miserable condition, that the length and stubbornness of his disorder might be known, and so the cure the more remarkable, and appear the more expressive of his divine power and goodness: how long is it ago since this came unto him? since this evil spirit entered into him, and these disorders have attended him? and he said of a child; or “from his infancy”; so that it was not for any actual sin that he had committed, that this sore affiction came upon him; and yet he could not be without sin, since it was not agreeable to the justice, mercy, and goodness of God, to afflict, or suffer to be afflicted, one that is innocent; and…”
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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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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“9:21-22 The demon’s activity had been taking place since he was a little boy, and the demon had tried to kill the child in various ways. • if you can: The father’s request indicates that his faith had been severely dampened (9:18).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“How: Mar 5:25; Job 5:7, Job 14:1; Psa 51:5; Luk 8:43, Luk 13:16; Joh 5:5, Joh 5:6, Joh 9:1, Joh 9:20, Joh 9:21; Act 3:2, Act 4:22, Act 9:33, Act 14:8 Mark 9:22”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification