Mark 9:3

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 9:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and his garments became glistering, exceeding white, so as no fuller on earth can whiten them.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and his garments became glistering, exceeding white, so as no fuller on earth can whiten them.
Mark 9:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3and his garments became glistering, exceeding white, so as no fuller on earth can whiten 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 his raiment became shining, etc..] With the rays of glory and brightness which darted from his body through his clothes, and made them as bright as the light of the sun at noon day: and exceeding white as snow; than which nothing is whiter; so as no fuller on earth can white them. The Syriac version renders it, “as men cannot white on earth”; and the Persic thus, “so as men could not behold him”. Just as the Israelites could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses, because of the glory of his countenance, when he came down from the mount; (see Gill on “<401702>Matthew 17:2”).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And after six days ... - See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 17:1-9. Mark 9:3 No fuller - Rather, no “scourer.” The office of the person here mentioned was to “scour” or “whiten” cloth; not to “full” it, or to render it thicker. Mark 9:6 He wist not - He “knew not.” He was desirous of saying something, and he knew not what would be proper. return to 'Top of Page'”
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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
“White as snow, such as no fuller can whiten - Such as could not be equalled either by nature or art. Mark 9:4”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“his raiment: Psa 104:1, Psa 104:2; Dan 7:9; Mat 28:3; Act 10:30 exceeding: Psa 51:7, Psa 68:14; Isa 1:18; Rev 7:9, Rev 7:14, Rev 19:18 no: Mal 3:2, Mal 3:3 Mark 9:4”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification