Mark 9:46

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Berean Standard Bible:

American Standard Version:

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Where^{G3699} their^{G846} worm^{G4663} dieth^{G5053} not^{G3756}, and^{G2532} the fire^{G4442} is^{G4570} not^{G3756} quenched^{G4570}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Mark 9:46

Mark 9:46 is a verse that speaks to the concept of eternal punishment, often associated with the notion of hell or Gehenna in Christian theology. The verse reads, "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched," which is a stark and vivid image of unending torment. This verse is part of a larger teaching by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, where He warns of the serious consequences of sin and the importance of striving to live righteously.

The imagery of an undying worm and unquenchable fire is thought to be derived from the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna), which was a real location outside Jerusalem where, in biblical times, trash and the dead bodies of animals and criminals were burned, and where fires were thought to burn perpetually. This historical context gives a graphic illustration of the finality and horror of divine judgment.

The themes of this verse include the gravity of sin, the reality of divine justice, and the finality of judgment. It emphasizes the importance of moral choices and the sobering truth that actions have eternal consequences. In the broader context of the New Testament, this verse is often interpreted within the framework of the Great Commission, where believers are called to spread the Gospel and lead others to salvation, thereby saving them from the fate described in this verse.

In summary, Mark 9:46 is a sobering verse that uses the metaphor of an everlasting fire and undying worm to convey the finality and severity of God's judgment on the unrighteous. It serves as a warning and a call to repentance, highlighting the importance of living a life in accordance with God's will to avoid eternal punishment. This verse reflects the early Christian understanding of the afterlife and the stark contrast between salvation and damnation.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G3699
   There are 77 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὅπου
   Transliteration: hópou
   Pronunciation: hop'-oo
   Description: from ὅς and πού; what(-ever) where, i.e. at whichever spot:--in what place, where(-as, -soever), whither (+ soever).
   
2. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
3. Strong's Number: G4663
   There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σκώληξ
   Transliteration: skṓlēx
   Pronunciation: sko'-lakes
   Description: of uncertain derivation; a grub, maggot or earth-worm:--worm.
   
4. Strong's Number: G5053
   There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τελευτάω
   Transliteration: teleutáō
   Pronunciation: tel-yoo-tah'-o
   Description: from a presumed derivative of τελέω; to finish life (by implication, of βίος), i.e. expire (demise):--be dead, decease, die.
   
5. Strong's Number: G3756
   There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐ
   Transliteration: ou
   Pronunciation: ookh
   Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
   
6. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
7. Strong's Number: G4442
   There are 73 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πῦρ
   Transliteration: pŷr
   Pronunciation: poor
   Description: a primary word; "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning):--fiery, fire.
   
8. Strong's Number: G4570
   There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σβέννυμι
   Transliteration: sbénnymi
   Pronunciation: sben'-noo-mee
   Description: a prolonged form of an apparently primary verb; to extinguish (literally or figuratively):--go out, quench.