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Mark 9:34

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 9:34 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But they held their peace: for they had disputed one with another on the way, who [was] the greatest.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But they held their peace: for they had disputed one with another on the way, who [was] the greatest.
Mark 9:34 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
31For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered up into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he shall rise again.
32But they understood not the saying, and were afraid to ask him.
33And they came to Capernaum: and when he was in the house he asked them, What were ye reasoning on the way?
34But they held their peace: for they had disputed one with another on the way, who [was] the greatest.
35And he sat down, and called the twelve; and he saith unto them, If any man would be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.
36And he took a little child, and set him in the midst of them: and taking him in his arms, he said unto them,
37Whosoever shall receive one of such little children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
← Mark 9:33Mark 9:35 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But they held their peace, etc..] Fearing a reprimand, for their vanity and affectation of worldly grandeur: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who [should be] the greatest; that is, who should be advanced to the highest post, and have the greatest place of authority, honour, and dignity, in the temporal kingdom of the Messiah, they expected would be in a little time set up; for notwithstanding what Christ had said to them, concerning his being given up to the power of men, and concerning his death and resurrection, they still retained their former principle, to which they knew not how to reconcile his dying; and therefore chose rather to leave his meaning in suspense, and…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the notes at Matthew 18:1-5. 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
“Who should be greatest - Prime minister in his kingdom. Mark 9:35”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“they had: Mat 18:1-5, Mat 20:21-24; Luk 9:46-48, Luk 22:24-30; Rom 12:10; Phi 2:3-7; Pe1 5:3; Jo3 1:9 Mark 9:35”
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Related study paths

Read Mark 9 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification