Mark 9:12

KJV

And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he answered {G611} and told {G2036} them {G846}, Elias {G2243} verily {G3303} cometh {G2064} first {G4412}, and restoreth {G600} all things {G3956}; and {G2532} how {G4459} it is written {G1125} of {G1909} the Son {G5207} of man {G444}, that {G2443} he must suffer {G3958} many things {G4183}, and {G2532} be set at nought {G1847}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Eliyahu will indeed come first," he answered, "and he will restore everything. Nevertheless, why is it written in the Tanakh that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?

Berean Standard Bible

He replied, “Elijah does indeed come first, and he restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected?

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Elijah indeed cometh first, and restoreth all things: and how is it written of the Son of man, that he should suffer many things and be set at nought?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 9:12, following the Transfiguration, Jesus responds to His disciples' query about Elijah's prophetic return. He affirms that Elijah indeed comes first to "restore all things," thereby validating the scribal teaching derived from Old Testament prophecy. Crucially, Jesus immediately pivots to an equally vital, yet challenging, truth: the necessity of the Son of Man's suffering and rejection, which is also foretold in Scripture, thereby linking the preparatory work of Elijah with the redemptive suffering of the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the profound experience of the [Transfiguration](/mark/9-2-8 "The Transfiguration of Jesus") (Mark 9:2-8), where Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus' divine glory and conversed with Moses and Elijah. As they descend the mountain, the disciples are understandably bewildered by what they have seen and are specifically grappling with the scribal teaching that Elijah must precede the Messiah (Mark 9:11). Jesus' answer in Mark 9:12 directly addresses this question, simultaneously affirming the prophetic role of Elijah and introducing the challenging concept of the Son of Man's necessary suffering, a theme He had already begun to introduce (cf. [Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Jesus Foretells His Suffering")). The subsequent narrative continues to explore the disciples' struggle to comprehend Jesus' true identity and mission, particularly regarding His suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism held strong messianic expectations, often envisioning a triumphant, political deliverer who would liberate Israel from Roman oppression. Central to these expectations was the prophecy of Elijah's return, primarily from [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi's Prophecy of Elijah's Return"), which stated that Elijah would come "before the great and dreadful day of the Lord" to "turn the hearts of the fathers to their children." This prophecy was widely interpreted to mean Elijah would literally reappear to prepare the way for the Messiah. The disciples, steeped in this tradition, struggled to reconcile a glorious Messiah with any notion of suffering or rejection, making Jesus' teaching about the "Son of Man" who "must suffer many things, and be set at nought" profoundly counter-cultural and difficult to accept.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 9:12 is rich with interconnected themes. It addresses **Prophetic Fulfillment**, as Jesus affirms the truth of the Elijah prophecy while subtly reinterpreting its immediate application through John the Baptist (as He later clarifies in [Matthew 17:13](/matthew/17-13 "Jesus Identifies John the Baptist as Elijah")). A major theme is the **Nature of Messiahship**, contrasting the popular expectation of a glorious, conquering king with the divine necessity of a suffering servant. Jesus' use of the title "[Son of Man](/mark/8-31 "Jesus' Self-Designation as Son of Man")" is significant, as He consistently imbues this Danielic title (cf. [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "The Son of Man in Daniel's Vision")) with connotations of suffering and humility, challenging the disciples' preconceived notions. Finally, the verse underscores **Divine Necessity and God's Sovereign Plan**, emphasizing that both Elijah's preparatory work and the Son of Man's suffering are not accidental but "written" and "must" occur according to God's predetermined redemptive purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **restoreth (Greek, _apokathístēmi'_):** G600, from ἀπό and καθίστημι; to reconstitute (in health, home or organization). This powerful verb signifies a comprehensive restitution, a setting right, or a re-establishing of order. In the context of Elijah's work, it points to a spiritual restoration, a turning of hearts, and a preparation of the people for the coming of the Lord, aligning with the prophecy in Malachi.
* **suffer (Greek, _páschō'_):** G3958, apparently a primary verb; to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful). This word unequivocally points to the physical and emotional agony Jesus would endure. It is a stark contrast to the disciples' expectations of a triumphant Messiah and highlights the painful, yet necessary, path of redemption that Jesus would walk.
* **be set at nought (Greek, _exoudenóō'_):** G1847, from ἐκ and a derivative of the neuter of οὐδείς; to make utterly nothing of, i.e. despise. This vivid term conveys the depth of rejection, contempt, and humiliation Jesus would face. It implies being treated as worthless, despised, and utterly disregarded, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of the suffering servant (e.g., [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "The Suffering Servant Despised")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he answered and told them":** This phrase establishes Jesus' direct response to the disciples' question about Elijah (Mark 9:11), indicating that His words are a deliberate and authoritative teaching. It highlights the pedagogical nature of this moment, where Jesus is clarifying complex theological truths for His bewildered followers.
* **"Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things":** Jesus affirms the scribal teaching about Elijah's preparatory role, confirming that the prophet indeed comes before the Messiah. The phrase "restoreth all things" speaks to a comprehensive spiritual and moral renewal, preparing the hearts of the people for the Lord's advent. This part of Jesus' statement validates the Old Testament prophetic tradition.
* **"and how it is written of the Son of man":** This clause marks a pivotal transition. Jesus shifts from validating the Elijah prophecy to introducing a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of messianic prophecy: the suffering of the Son of Man. The phrase "how it is written" emphasizes that this suffering is not an accident or a deviation, but a divinely ordained and scripturally foretold necessity, pointing to passages like [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "The Suffering Servant").
* **"that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought":** This climactic declaration reveals the core of Jesus' teaching regarding His own mission. The word "must" (δεῖ) conveys divine necessity, indicating that His suffering and rejection are not optional but integral to God's redemptive plan. "Suffer many things" and "be set at nought" vividly describe the profound physical and emotional anguish, as well as the societal contempt and rejection, that Jesus would endure. This statement directly challenges the disciples' glorious messianic expectations.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 9:12 employs several significant literary devices. **Allusion** is prominent, as Jesus directly alludes to the Old Testament prophecies concerning Elijah's return (e.g., [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi's Prophecy of Elijah's Return")) and, more subtly, to the prophecies of the suffering servant (e.g., [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah's Prophecy of the Suffering Servant")). This highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan across the Testaments. The verse also presents a profound **Paradox**: the Messiah, who is expected to be glorious and triumphant, must instead suffer and be despised. This juxtaposition challenges the conventional understanding of power and kingship. Furthermore, the passage serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, explicitly predicting Jesus' impending passion, death, and rejection, which will unfold later in the Gospel narrative. This prophetic element prepares the reader for the unfolding events and underscores the divine necessity behind them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 9:12 is a crucial theological statement, intertwining the themes of prophetic fulfillment and the nature of Messiahship. Jesus affirms the truth of Elijah's preparatory role, thereby validating the Old Testament's prophetic trajectory. However, He immediately reorients the disciples' understanding by linking this preparation to His own necessary suffering and rejection as the Son of Man. This reveals a God whose redemptive plan encompasses not only glory but also profound humility and sacrifice. The "must" of His suffering emphasizes divine sovereignty and purpose, indicating that His passion was not a tragic accident but an essential component of salvation, foretold and orchestrated by God. This understanding challenges human expectations of how God works, revealing a path to glory that passes through the cross.

* [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi's Prophecy of Elijah's Return")
* [Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3-5 "The Suffering Servant")
* [Matthew 17:10-13](/matthew/17-10-13 "Jesus Clarifies Elijah's Coming")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 9:12 invites us to critically examine our own expectations of God's work and the path of discipleship. Just as the disciples struggled to reconcile a suffering Messiah with their hopes for a triumphant king, we too may find ourselves surprised or challenged by God's methods, especially when they involve suffering, rejection, or a path contrary to worldly success. This verse reminds us that suffering is not necessarily a sign of failure but can be an integral part of God's divine purpose, a necessary step towards ultimate restoration and glory. Embracing the truth that the Son of Man "must suffer" calls us to a deeper understanding of the cross, to willingly deny ourselves, take up our own crosses, and follow Jesus, trusting that His path, though it may involve being "set at nought" in the eyes of the world, ultimately leads to life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What preconceived notions or expectations do I hold about how God should work in my life or in the world, and how might Mark 9:12 challenge those notions?**
* **How do I respond when my faith journey involves suffering or rejection, and how can understanding the "must" of Christ's suffering reframe my perspective?**
* **In what ways might I be called to embrace a path of humility or being "set at nought" for the sake of Christ and His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Who is "Elias" in this context, and how does Jesus' statement relate to the prophecy of his coming?**

Answer: "Elias" is the Greek form of the Hebrew prophet Elijah. In this context, Jesus is directly addressing the disciples' question (Mark 9:11) about the scribal teaching, rooted in [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi's Prophecy of Elijah's Return"), that Elijah must come before the Messiah to "restore all things." Jesus affirms that this prophecy is true and that Elijah indeed comes first. While Elijah himself appeared with Moses at the Transfiguration (Mark 9:4), Jesus later clarifies that John the Baptist fulfilled this prophetic role "in the spirit and power of Elijah" (cf. [Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "John the Baptist in the Spirit of Elijah") and [Matthew 17:13](/matthew/17-13 "Jesus Identifies John the Baptist as Elijah")), preparing the way for the Messiah not through a literal reappearance but through a ministry of repentance and restoration.

**Why does Jesus emphasize that the "Son of man" "must suffer many things, and be set at nought"?**

Answer: Jesus' emphasis on the "must" (Greek: δεῖ, _dei_) signifies divine necessity. His suffering and rejection were not accidental or unforeseen but were part of God's predetermined redemptive plan, extensively foretold in the Old Testament, particularly in passages describing the Suffering Servant (e.g., [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")). The phrase "suffer many things" refers to the physical and emotional agony He would endure, while "be set at nought" speaks to the profound contempt and rejection He would face from religious and political authorities. This was a crucial teaching to His disciples, who held popular expectations of a glorious, conquering Messiah. Jesus was redefining Messiahship, revealing that the path to ultimate glory and salvation for humanity would come through His sacrificial suffering and death, not through worldly power or triumph.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 9:12 is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing the core of Jesus' redemptive mission and His unique fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Jesus, as the ultimate Prophet and Messiah, affirms the truth of Elijah's preparatory role, which was fulfilled by [John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah](/luke/1-17 "John the Baptist's Prophetic Role") to prepare the way for the Lord. However, the verse's deeper Christological significance lies in Jesus' immediate pivot to His own necessary suffering. By declaring that the [Son of Man "must suffer many things, and be set at nought,"](/mark/9-31 "Jesus Foretells His Suffering Again") Jesus reveals that His Messiahship would not conform to popular expectations of a conquering king, but rather to the divine blueprint of the Suffering Servant, as foretold in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah's Prophecy of the Suffering Servant"). His willingness to be "set at nought"—to be despised, rejected, and treated as nothing—is the very means by which humanity's sin is atoned for. This suffering, culminating in His death and resurrection, is the heart of the gospel, demonstrating God's radical love and providing the path to reconciliation. Thus, [Christ's suffering and humiliation](/philippians/2-7-8 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation") were not a tragic detour but the divinely appointed, essential path to His exaltation and our salvation, making Him the perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

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

Isaiah 53:1

¶ Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

Isaiah 53:12

Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Isaiah 50:6

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

Isaiah 52:14

As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:

Luke 23:11

And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked [him], and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.

Isaiah 49:7

¶ Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, [and] his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, [and] the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.

Isaiah 40:3

¶ The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.