Mark 9:1

KJV

¶ And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G3004} unto them {G846}, Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, That {G3754} there be {G1526} some {G5100} of them that stand {G2476} here {G5602}, which {G3748} shall {G1089} not {G3364} taste {G1089} of death {G2288}, till {G2193}{G302} they have seen {G1492} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316} come {G2064} with {G1722} power {G1411}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes!" he went on, "I tell you that there are some people standing here who will not experience death until they see the Kingdom of God come in a powerful way!"

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God arrive with power.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There are some here of them that stand by, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God come with power.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 9:1 presents a profound and pivotal declaration by Jesus to His disciples, immediately preceding the transformative event of the Transfiguration. In this verse, Jesus assures His followers that some among them would not experience death before witnessing a powerful manifestation of God's kingdom. This prophecy serves as a crucial bridge, connecting Jesus' challenging teachings on the cost of discipleship and suffering with the imminent revelation of His divine glory and the tangible reality of His sovereign reign, thereby validating His claims and offering profound encouragement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 9:1 functions as the climactic statement concluding a significant discourse on discipleship that began in [Mark 8:34](/mark/8-34 "Mark 8:34 - The Call to Discipleship"). Prior to this verse, Jesus has issued a stark call to self-denial, cross-bearing, and the potential loss of one's life for His sake and the gospel's. He also warned against being ashamed of Him or His words in a sinful generation, promising that the Son of Man would come in His Father's glory with the holy angels ([Mark 8:38](/mark/8-38 "Mark 8:38 - The Son of Man's Coming Glory")). Mark 9:1 then provides an immediate assurance, a tangible promise that some of those very disciples would witness a powerful display of God's kingdom *before* that ultimate eschatological coming. The immediate fulfillment of this promise is widely understood to be the Transfiguration, which directly follows in [Mark 9:2-8](/mark/9-2-8 "Mark 9:2-8 - The Transfiguration"), strongly suggesting that this event is the primary, though perhaps not exclusive, fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' ministry took place within a Jewish context deeply steeped in messianic expectation and the hope for the establishment of God's kingdom. Many Jews, including the disciples, anticipated a political, earthly kingdom that would overthrow Roman rule and restore Israel's sovereignty. Jesus, however, consistently taught about a kingdom that was both present (in His person and ministry) and future (in its full consummation). The disciples likely struggled to reconcile the suffering Messiah with their preconceived notions of a powerful, conquering king. Jesus' statement in Mark 9:1, therefore, served to reorient their understanding, promising a *spiritual* manifestation of power that would precede the ultimate physical kingdom. The geographical setting is likely near Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus had just asked about His identity ([Mark 8:27](/mark/8-27 "Mark 8:27 - Peter's Confession")), or on the road to Galilee. The mention of "standing here" implies a specific group of people present at that moment.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **imminence and power of the Kingdom of God**. While the kingdom is spiritual and already inaugurated, Jesus promises a visible, powerful display of its reality. Secondly, it highlights the **divine authority and glory of Jesus**. The "kingdom of God come with power" is intrinsically linked to Jesus' identity as the Son of God, a truth powerfully revealed at the Transfiguration ([Mark 9:7](/mark/9-7 "Mark 9:7 - The Voice from the Cloud")). Thirdly, it serves as a theme of **assurance and validation** for the disciples. After the challenging call to suffering and self-denial in [Mark 8:34-38](/mark/8-34-38 "Mark 8:34-38 - The Cost of Discipleship"), this promise offered a tangible encouragement, a foretaste of the ultimate victory and glory that awaited those who faithfully followed Him. This balance of suffering and glory is a pervasive theme throughout Mark, particularly in the journey to Jerusalem.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn'_):** Of Hebrew origin, this word means "firm," "trustworthy," or "surely." When Jesus uses it to begin a statement, often translated as "truly" or "amen," it functions as an emphatic declaration, underscoring the absolute truth and certainty of what He is about to say, demanding the full attention and belief of His hearers.
* **taste (Greek, _geúomai'_):** A primary verb meaning "to taste," or by implication, "to eat." Figuratively, as used here, it means "to experience (good or ill)." Thus, "shall not taste of death" means they shall not experience death.
* **seen (Greek, _eídō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to see" (literally or figuratively). In this context, it implies a direct, personal observation or experience of the kingdom's manifestation.
* **power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** This term refers to force, especially miraculous power, ability, or strength. In relation to the kingdom of God, it denotes God's inherent, sovereign, and often miraculous ability to act and manifest His rule.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you":** This introductory phrase emphasizes the solemnity and absolute truth of Jesus' subsequent declaration. The "Verily" (Amen) signals a profound and certain statement, demanding the disciples' full attention and belief. It underscores Jesus' divine authority as the speaker of ultimate truth.
* **"That there be some of them that stand here":** This specifies that the prophecy applies to a subset of the people physically present with Jesus at that moment. It indicates a near-term fulfillment within the lifetime of some of His immediate followers, narrowing the scope from a distant, general eschatological event to a more immediate, observable manifestation.
* **"which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power":** This is the core promise. "Shall not taste of death" is a Hebraism meaning "will not die." The phrase "till they have seen" indicates a specific event or period they would witness. The "kingdom of God come with power" refers to a tangible, undeniable demonstration of God's sovereign rule and inherent might. This "coming with power" is widely interpreted as referring to the Transfiguration, where Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus' glory, and potentially also the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which inaugurated the church with miraculous signs.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 9:1 employs several significant literary devices. The phrase "Verily I say unto you" is an example of **Authoritative Declaration**, a common rhetorical device used by Jesus throughout the Gospels to emphasize the truth and weight of His words, distinguishing His teaching from that of scribes and Pharisees. The statement "shall not taste of death" is a powerful **Hebraism** or **Idiom**, common in biblical literature, to mean "will not experience death." This vivid phrasing makes the promise more impactful. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Proleptic Statement** or **Foreshadowing**, hinting at a future event (the kingdom coming with power) that will soon be revealed, building anticipation for the Transfiguration narrative that immediately follows. The entire verse also serves as a **Bridge** between Jesus' teaching on suffering and the revelation of His glory, connecting the themes of discipleship, the cross, and the kingdom's power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 9:1 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of the Kingdom of God, revealing it as both a present reality and a future hope. It is not merely a distant eschatological event, but a dynamic, powerful reign that can be witnessed and experienced in tangible ways within human history. The "coming with power" points to God's active, sovereign intervention, demonstrating His authority through Christ. This verse connects the suffering of discipleship with the promise of divine glory, assuring believers that their commitment to Christ, even unto death, is not in vain, but is part of a larger divine plan that culminates in the triumph of God's powerful kingdom. It also highlights the continuity between Jesus' earthly ministry and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which empowered the early church and continues to manifest the kingdom's power today.

* [Matthew 16:28](/matthew/16-28 "Matthew 16:28 - Parallel Account of Jesus' Prophecy")
* [Luke 9:27](/luke/9-27 "Luke 9:27 - Parallel Account of Jesus' Prophecy")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 9:1 challenges contemporary believers to consider the multifaceted nature of God's kingdom and our role within it. Just as the disciples were called to embrace self-denial and suffering, we too are summoned to a life of costly discipleship. Yet, this verse offers immense encouragement, reminding us that our commitment is not without divine validation and ultimate reward. We may not witness the Transfiguration, but we are called to discern and participate in the ongoing manifestation of God's kingdom "with power" in our world today—through the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, the growth of the church, acts of justice and mercy, and the proclamation of the Gospel. This verse encourages us to live with an eschatological hope, knowing that while the kingdom is not yet fully consummated, its power is already at work, inviting us to trust in Jesus' unfailing promises and to live in light of His sovereign reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' promise in Mark 9:1 balance the call to suffering in Mark 8:34-38 with the hope of God's powerful kingdom?**
* **In what ways do you believe the "kingdom of God come with power" is manifested in the world today, and how can you participate in it?**
* **What does Jesus' emphatic "Verily I say unto you" tell us about the trustworthiness of His words, and how does that impact your faith?**

### FAQ

**What is the primary fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy in Mark 9:1?**

Answer: The most widely accepted primary fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy in [Mark 9:1](/mark/9-1 "Mark 9:1 - The Kingdom with Power") is the Transfiguration, which immediately follows in [Mark 9:2-8](/mark/9-2-8 "Mark 9:2-8 - The Transfiguration"). In this event, Peter, James, and John, who were present when Jesus spoke these words, witnessed Jesus glorified, His face shining like the sun, and His clothes becoming dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared with Him, and a voice from heaven declared, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him!" ([Mark 9:7](/mark/9-7 "Mark 9:7 - The Voice from Heaven")). This was a powerful, visible manifestation of Jesus' divine glory and a foretaste of the kingdom's power.

**Are there other possible interpretations or fulfillments of "the kingdom of God come with power"?**

Answer: While the Transfiguration is the immediate and most direct fulfillment, some scholars also suggest broader interpretations. These include:
* **The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus:** These events undeniably demonstrated Jesus' victory over death and His enthronement as King, marking a powerful advancement of God's kingdom.
* **The Day of Pentecost:** The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost") brought miraculous power, the birth of the church, and the rapid spread of the Gospel, which could certainly be seen as the kingdom of God coming "with power."
* **The Triumphal Entry:** While less common, some see the public acclamation of Jesus as King during His entry into Jerusalem ([Mark 11:1-11](/mark/11-1-11 "Mark 11:1-11 - The Triumphal Entry")) as a partial fulfillment.
* **The destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70:** Some preterist interpretations connect this with the "coming of the Son of Man" and the vindication of the early Christian community, though this is a more debated view.
The immediate context, however, strongly favors the Transfiguration as the primary, direct fulfillment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 9:1, with its promise of seeing "the kingdom of God come with power," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in a single event, but in the entire trajectory of Jesus' redemptive work. The Transfiguration ([Mark 9:2-8](/mark/9-2-8 "Mark 9:2-8 - The Transfiguration")) serves as a powerful, immediate foretaste, revealing Jesus as the glorious Son of God, the King of the promised kingdom. This moment on the mountain was a preview of His inherent divine majesty, a glimpse behind the veil of His humanity, confirming His identity to His closest disciples. However, the true "coming with power" culminates in Jesus' victory over sin and death through His crucifixion, resurrection ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")), and ascension to the right hand of the Father ([Acts 2:33-36](/acts/2-33-36 "Acts 2:33-36 - Jesus Exalted at God's Right Hand")). It is from this position of ultimate authority that He pours out the Holy Spirit ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit")), empowering His church to continue manifesting the kingdom's power through the proclamation of the Gospel and miraculous signs ([Acts 4:33](/acts/4-33 "Acts 4:33 - Power of Apostolic Witness")). Thus, Mark 9:1 ultimately points to Jesus as the embodiment and inaugurator of God's powerful kingdom, whose reign began with His first advent and will be fully consummated at His glorious second coming ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 9:27

But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

Hebrews 2:9

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Luke 22:30

That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Mark 13:30

Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

Matthew 25:31

¶ When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

Matthew 24:30

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Luke 2:26

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.