Mark 9:13

But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

But {G235} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, That {G3754} Elias {G2243} is {G2064} indeed {G2532} come {G2064}, and {G2532} they have done {G4160} unto him {G846} whatsoever {G3745} they listed {G2309}, as {G2531} it is written {G1125} of {G1909} him {G846}.

There's more to it: I tell you that Eliyahu has come, and they did whatever they pleased to him, just as the Tanakh says about him."

But I tell you that Elijah has indeed come, and they have done to him whatever they wished, just as it is written about him.”

But I say unto you, that Elijah is come, and they have also done unto him whatsoever they would, even as it is written of him.

Commentary

Commentary on Mark 9:13

Mark 9:13 is a pivotal statement by Jesus, clarifying the identity and fate of John the Baptist in the context of Old Testament prophecy. Following the profound experience of the Transfiguration, where Elijah appeared alongside Moses and Jesus (Mark 9:4), the disciples were puzzled. They asked Jesus why the scribes taught that Elijah must come first before the Messiah (Mark 9:11). Jesus' response directly addresses this question, revealing a deeper truth about prophecy and suffering.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' conversation with Peter, James, and John after they descended from the Mount of Transfiguration. The disciples had witnessed Elijah's appearance, which raised a theological dilemma for them: if Elijah had already come, why was the Messiah not yet fully revealed in glory? Jewish tradition, based on prophecies like Malachi 4:5-6, held that Elijah would precede the Messiah to prepare the way. Jesus confirms that this prophecy was indeed fulfilled, but in a way the religious leaders failed to recognize, associating it with the powerful and austere ministry of John the Baptist.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus explicitly states that the prophecy of Elijah's coming was fulfilled in John the Baptist. This highlights God's faithfulness to His word, even when its fulfillment is unexpected or unrecognized by the world. It underscores the divine plan unfolding through history, demonstrating that God's timing and methods are perfect.
  • The Identity of John the Baptist: This verse definitively identifies John the Baptist as the spiritual successor to Elijah, operating in the "spirit and power of Elias" (Luke 1:17). He was the promised forerunner, preparing the way for the Messiah, just as the prophet Malachi foretold. This understanding clarifies John's unique role in salvation history.
  • Suffering of God's Messengers: Jesus points out that just as the Son of Man was destined to suffer (Mark 9:12), so too was Elijah (John the Baptist) subjected to the will of men. The phrase "whatsoever they listed" refers to the unjust persecution, imprisonment, and eventual beheading of John by Herod (Mark 6:27). This theme emphasizes that serving God, especially in a prophetic role, often involves opposition and suffering, a pattern seen throughout biblical history.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "whatsoever they listed" uses an older English verb, list, meaning "to desire, wish, or please." In this context, it signifies that John the Baptist was subjected to the arbitrary will and whims of those in power, specifically Herod Antipas and Herodias, rather than being honored for his divine prophetic ministry. This emphasizes the human hostility and disregard directed towards God's chosen messengers, highlighting the cost of faithfulness.

Practical Application

Mark 9:13 reminds us that God's plans often unfold in ways that challenge human expectations. We are called to discern His work, even when it appears in humble or suffering forms. It also highlights that faithfulness to God's calling can lead to opposition and hardship, a reality faced by prophets like John the Baptist and ultimately by Jesus himself. Believers are encouraged to persevere, knowing that suffering for righteousness is a part of following Christ and that God's ultimate purposes will prevail, regardless of human resistance. This verse encourages us to recognize and accept God's messengers, even when their message is difficult or their path involves sacrifice, and to understand that true greatness in God's kingdom is often accompanied by humility and suffering.

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

  • Matthew 14:3

    For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put [him] in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.

  • Matthew 14:11

    And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought [it] to her mother.

  • Matthew 17:12

    But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.

  • Matthew 17:13

    Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

  • Matthew 11:14

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

  • Luke 3:19

    But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,

  • Luke 3:20

    Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
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