Mark 9:14

KJV

¶ And when he came to [his] disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he came {G2064} to {G4314} his disciples {G3101}, he saw {G1492} a great {G4183} multitude {G3793} about {G4012} them {G846}, and {G2532} the scribes {G1122} questioning {G4802} with them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When they got back to the talmidim, they saw a large crowd around them and some Torah-teachers arguing with them.

Berean Standard Bible

When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them.

American Standard Version

And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great multitude about them, and scribes questioning with them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 9:14 vividly portrays Jesus' abrupt descent from the transcendent glory of the Transfiguration into a chaotic earthly scene, where His remaining disciples are embroiled in a heated dispute with a crowd and antagonistic scribes. This verse marks a stark transition from divine revelation to the harsh realities of spiritual conflict and human inadequacy, immediately setting the stage for Jesus' decisive intervention and demonstration of His supreme authority over demonic forces and human limitations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a dramatic pivot point in Mark's Gospel. It immediately follows the profound experience of the [Transfiguration](/mark/9-2-8 "Mark 9:2-8 - The Transfiguration of Jesus"), where Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus' divine glory alongside Moses and Elijah. The preceding discussion (Mark 9:9-13) also touched upon Elijah's role and the suffering of the Son of Man. The abrupt shift from the mountaintop's heavenly splendor to the valley's tumultuous scene underscores the dual nature of Christ's ministry: His divine identity and His active engagement with a fallen world. This scene directly precedes the healing of the demon-possessed boy (Mark 9:17-29), which highlights the disciples' inability to cast out the demon in Jesus' absence, thereby emphasizing their need for greater faith and reliance on Him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is likely near Caesarea Philippi, where the Transfiguration took place, or a nearby village. The presence of a "great multitude" was common in Jesus' ministry, as crowds often followed Him seeking healing, teaching, or simply out of curiosity. The "scribes" (Greek: *grammateús*) were highly educated Jewish religious leaders, experts in the Mosaic Law, who often opposed Jesus and His disciples. Their "questioning" (Greek: *syzētéō*) was not benign inquiry but typically involved challenging, disputing, and attempting to discredit Jesus or His followers, often with the intent to trap them in their words or expose perceived weaknesses. This reflects the ongoing tension between the emerging movement of Jesus and the established religious authorities of the day, who viewed Jesus' teachings and actions as a threat to their authority and interpretations of the Law.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 9:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Contrast of Glory and Struggle**, juxtaposing the divine radiance of the Transfiguration with the chaotic reality of human suffering and spiritual opposition in the valley. Secondly, it highlights the **Disciples' Limitations** and their ongoing need for Jesus' presence and power. Their inability to resolve the situation with the scribes, which foreshadows their later failure to heal the boy (Mark 9:18), underscores the theme that true authority and power reside solely in Christ. Thirdly, the constant **Antagonism of Religious Authorities** is evident, as the scribes consistently challenge Jesus and His followers, representing the spiritual and intellectual opposition to the Kingdom of God. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' immediate and decisive **Intervention**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His mission and His disciples, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb means "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." In this context, Jesus' seeing is immediate and perceptive. It's not merely a physical observation but implies an immediate grasp of the chaotic and contentious situation, revealing His awareness and understanding of the spiritual and interpersonal dynamics at play. His "seeing" is often a prelude to His divine action.
* **multitude (Greek, _óchlos'_):** Derived from a word meaning "vehicle," this term refers to "a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot." Here, it denotes a large, perhaps unruly or agitated crowd surrounding the disciples, adding to the sense of confusion and pressure they were experiencing. The term can carry a connotation of disorder or a lack of clear direction, fitting the scene of a dispute.
* **scribes (Greek, _grammateús'_):** From *gramma* (a letter, writing), this word refers to "a writer, i.e. (professionally) scribe or secretary." In the New Testament, scribes were learned men, interpreters and teachers of the Jewish Law, often associated with the Pharisees. Their presence here signifies official religious opposition. They were not just observers but active participants, representing the established religious authority challenging Jesus' movement.
* **questioning (Greek, _syzētéō'_):** This verb, formed from *syn* (with) and *zētéō* (to seek), means "to investigate jointly, i.e. discuss, controvert, cavil." It implies a vigorous debate, dispute, or even a contentious interrogation. The scribes were not merely asking for information but were actively engaged in a hostile argument, likely attempting to trap or discredit the disciples, exploiting their apparent failure or weakness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he came to [his] disciples":** This phrase marks Jesus' return from the Mount of Transfiguration, where He had been with Peter, James, and John. The phrase "his disciples" refers to the remaining nine disciples who had not ascended the mountain with Him. This arrival signifies the re-entry of the divine into the mundane, and the immediate shift from a scene of heavenly glory to earthly struggle.
* **"he saw a great multitude about them":** Upon His arrival, Jesus' immediate perception is of a large crowd surrounding His disciples. The "great multitude" suggests a significant gathering of people, indicating that the situation had drawn considerable public attention and perhaps created a sense of overwhelming pressure on the disciples. The word "about" (Greek: *perí*) emphasizes that the crowd was encircling or pressing in on them.
* **"and the scribes questioning with them":** This final clause identifies the source of the conflict. The scribes, known adversaries of Jesus, were actively engaged in a contentious debate or dispute with the disciples. Their "questioning" was likely an aggressive interrogation or challenge, possibly exploiting the disciples' inability to heal the demon-possessed boy (as revealed in subsequent verses) and attempting to undermine their authority and, by extension, Jesus' authority. This highlights the spiritual and intellectual opposition Jesus and His followers consistently faced.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 9:14 is rich in literary devices that enhance its dramatic impact and theological significance. **Juxtaposition** is paramount, as the verse immediately follows the radiant Transfiguration, creating a stark contrast between the divine glory on the mountaintop and the chaotic, contentious scene in the valley. This sharp shift emphasizes the reality of Christ's ministry, which encompasses both heavenly revelation and earthly struggle. **Foreshadowing** is also evident; the disciples' predicament with the scribes and the crowd hints at their deeper spiritual limitations, which will be explicitly revealed in their failure to cast out the demon in the subsequent verses. This scene sets the stage for Jesus to highlight the importance of faith and prayer. Furthermore, there is an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows Jesus, the source of all power and authority, has just arrived, yet the disciples and the crowd are still locked in a fruitless dispute, unaware that the solution to their problem is now physically present among them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 9:14 powerfully illustrates the ever-present reality of spiritual warfare and the necessity of Christ's active presence in the face of human and demonic opposition. The disciples, left to their own devices, found themselves overwhelmed by a hostile crowd and the challenging scrutiny of the scribes, unable to resolve the situation or bring healing. This scene underscores the theological truth that while believers are called to ministry, true power and authority reside not in their own capabilities, but in their unwavering reliance upon and connection to Jesus Christ. It highlights the vulnerability of even committed followers when separated from the immediate, empowering presence of the Lord, and it sets the stage for Jesus to reassert His sovereign authority over all spiritual and physical maladies.

* [Matthew 17:14](/matthew/17-14 "Matthew 17:14 - Parallel Account of Jesus' Return")
* [Luke 9:37](/luke/9-37 "Luke 9:37 - Parallel Account of Jesus' Return")
* [Mark 9:17-29](/mark/9-17-29 "Mark 9:17-29 - Healing of the Demon-Possessed Boy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 9:14 offers profound lessons for believers navigating the complexities of their faith journey. Just as Jesus' disciples experienced a sudden shift from spiritual highs to intense earthly challenges, we too can expect that moments of divine encounter or spiritual refreshment will often be followed by renewed encounters with the brokenness of the world and the opposition of spiritual forces. This verse reminds us that ministry, while glorious, is also messy and demanding, often requiring us to step into chaotic situations where our own resources are insufficient. It calls us to humility, recognizing our inherent limitations, and to a deeper dependence on Christ. When faced with overwhelming circumstances, perplexing questions, or seemingly insurmountable spiritual battles, our first and ultimate recourse must always be to bring the situation to Jesus, for He alone possesses the authority and power to bring order out of chaos, wisdom to confusion, and victory in spiritual warfare. Our spiritual highs are not meant for detachment, but to equip us for more effective engagement with a world in need of Christ's presence and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond when a spiritual high is immediately followed by a difficult or chaotic situation in your life or ministry?**
* **In what areas of your life or service do you tend to rely on your own abilities rather than fully depending on Christ's power?**
* **What "multitudes" or "scribes" (challenges, critics, spiritual opposition) are currently "questioning" your faith or work, and how are you bringing these to Jesus?**
* **How can the contrast between the Transfiguration and this scene inform your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus in both glory and struggle?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the scribes "questioning" the disciples?**

Answer: The "questioning" (Greek: *syzētéō*) by the scribes was not a neutral inquiry but a contentious dispute or interrogation. The scribes were Jewish religious experts who often opposed Jesus and His followers. Their questioning here likely aimed to discredit the disciples, perhaps by highlighting their inability to heal the demon-possessed boy (as revealed in the subsequent verses, [Mark 9:18](/mark/9-18 "Mark 9:18 - Disciples' Failure to Heal")), or to trap them in theological arguments. This reflects the ongoing spiritual and intellectual opposition Jesus' ministry faced from the established religious authorities of the day. It signifies an attempt to undermine the authority of Jesus through His representatives.

**Why were the disciples unable to handle the situation with the crowd and scribes?**

Answer: While Mark 9:14 doesn't explicitly state their failure, the context of the following verses ([Mark 9:17-29](/mark/9-17-29 "Mark 9:17-29 - Healing of the Demon-Possessed Boy")) reveals that the disciples had been unable to cast out a demon from a boy. This failure likely fueled the scribes' "questioning" and created the chaotic scene Jesus encountered. Their inability stemmed from a lack of faith and prayer, as Jesus later explains in [Mark 9:29](/mark/9-29 "Mark 9:29 - Jesus on Faith and Prayer"). This scene underscores the disciples' limitations and their need for Jesus' direct intervention and empowering presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 9:14, though seemingly a simple narrative transition, profoundly points to Christ's essential role as the ultimate solution to human brokenness and spiritual impotence. The scene of the disciples overwhelmed by a "great multitude" and "scribes questioning with them" starkly illustrates humanity's inability to overcome the forces of darkness and intellectual opposition without divine intervention. Jesus' descent from the mount of Transfiguration to this chaotic valley is a powerful metaphor for His incarnation—the divine entering human chaos to bring order and salvation. He is the one who "saw" the dire situation, not just physically, but with divine discernment, and immediately stepped in to confront the spiritual stronghold and human inadequacy. This foreshadows His ultimate mission: to confront and defeat the powers of sin and death that hold humanity captive, as prophesied in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium") and fulfilled through His sacrificial death and resurrection ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated"), [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Just as He brought peace and power to this specific chaotic scene, He is the one who brings true peace to the human heart ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Peace")) and empowers His followers to overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")). The disciples' failure highlights the universal need for Christ's power, reminding us that all true victory and spiritual authority flow directly from Him, the triumphant Son of God.

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 9:37

¶ And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.

Luke 9:42

And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare [him]. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

Luke 11:53

And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge [him] vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:

Luke 11:54

Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

Matthew 17:14

¶ And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a [certain] man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

Matthew 17:20

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Mark 12:14

And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?