Mark 9:11

And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?

And {G2532} they asked {G1905} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Why {G3754} say {G3004} the scribes {G1122} that {G3754} Elias {G2243} must {G1163} first {G4412} come {G2064}?

They also asked him, "Why do the Torah-teachers say that Eliyahu has to come first?"

And they asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

And they asked him, saying, How is it that the scribes say that Elijah must first come?

Commentary

Context of Mark 9:11

This verse immediately follows the profound event of the Transfiguration, where Jesus was seen by Peter, James, and John in His glorified state, accompanied by Moses and Elias (Elijah). As they descended from the mountain, the disciples were clearly perplexed. They had just witnessed Elijah, yet they knew the common teaching among the scribes – the religious scholars and interpreters of the Law – that Elijah must come before the Messiah's arrival. Their question to Jesus reflects this confusion: how could Elijah's appearance on the mountain reconcile with the scribal expectation of his prior coming as a herald?

Key Themes and Messages

  • Prophetic Fulfillment: The disciples' question highlights the widespread Jewish expectation, based on Old Testament prophecy (specifically Malachi 4:5-6), that Elijah would precede the "great and dreadful day of the Lord" and the coming of the Messiah. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' clarification on how this prophecy is fulfilled.
  • Messianic Expectation vs. Reality: It underscores the tension between traditional interpretations of prophecy and the unfolding reality of God's plan through Jesus. The scribes' understanding was literal and focused on Elijah's physical return before the Messiah's public ministry, while Jesus would reveal a spiritual fulfillment.
  • Misunderstanding of the Scribes: The question indirectly points to the limitations or misinterpretations of the scribal teachings, which often focused on external signs rather than the spiritual nature of God's kingdom and the Messiah's first coming.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Elias" is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew prophet "Elijah." In the King James Version, the Greek form "Elias" is consistently used in the New Testament when referring to the Old Testament prophet or the figure expected to return.

Related Scriptures

Jesus' answer to this question, though not recorded in Mark 9:11 itself but in the verses immediately following (Mark 9:12-13), clarifies that Elias has indeed come. He points to John the Baptist as the fulfillment of this prophecy, who came "in the spirit and power of Elias" (Luke 1:17). Matthew's Gospel provides a more explicit connection, stating, "But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not... Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist" (Matthew 17:12-13).

Practical Application

Mark 9:11 serves as a reminder that God's prophecies are always fulfilled, though sometimes in ways that challenge our preconceived notions or literal interpretations. It encourages us to look beyond superficial understanding and seek deeper spiritual truths. Just as the disciples struggled to reconcile prophecy with reality, we too may encounter situations where God's working doesn't align with our expectations. This verse invites us to trust in Christ's ultimate authority and interpretation of scripture, recognizing that He perfectly fulfills all that was written about Him.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Malachi 4:5

    Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

  • Malachi 3:1

    ¶ Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Matthew 11:14

    And if ye will receive [it], this is Elias, which was for to come.

  • Matthew 17:10

    And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?

  • Matthew 17:11

    And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

  • Mark 9:4

    And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
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