Mark 9:15

KJV

And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to [him] saluted him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} straightway {G2112} all {G3956} the people {G3793}, when they beheld {G1492} him {G846}, were greatly amazed {G1568}, and {G2532} running to {G4370} him saluted {G782} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As soon as the crowd saw him, they were surprised and ran out to greet him.

Berean Standard Bible

As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were filled with awe and ran to greet Him.

American Standard Version

And straightway all the multitude, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 9:15 vividly captures the immediate and profound reaction of the multitude to Jesus as He descended from the Mount of Transfiguration. The verse portrays a scene of widespread astonishment and eager welcome, highlighting the compelling and awe-inspiring presence of Christ that drew people to Him with urgency and reverence, even as His disciples below struggled with spiritual powerlessness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition point in Mark's Gospel, immediately following the transformative event of the [Transfiguration of Jesus](/mark/9-2-8 "Mark 9:2-8 - The Transfiguration of Jesus"), where Peter, James, and John witnessed His divine glory on a high mountain. The descent from this mountain signifies Jesus' return from a moment of profound divine revelation to the mundane, yet spiritually challenging, reality of His earthly ministry. The narrative then immediately shifts to the disciples' inability to cast out a demon from a boy, a stark contrast to the divine power Jesus displayed and the awe He inspired in the crowd (as seen in [Mark 9:14-29](/mark/9-14-29 "Mark 9:14-29 - Jesus Heals a Demoniac Boy")). The crowd's reaction to Jesus' appearance thus sets the stage for demonstrating the chasm between human spiritual weakness and Christ's inherent authority.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Galilee, crowds frequently followed itinerant teachers and healers, especially those who performed miraculous signs. The sudden appearance of Jesus, perhaps still bearing a residual radiance or an overwhelming spiritual presence from His transfiguration, would have been highly unusual and impactful. Jewish culture, steeped in Old Testament narratives of divine encounters on mountains (e.g., [Moses on Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears on Mount Sinai")), would have been predisposed to interpret such a phenomenon with awe and reverence. The act of "saluting" (greeting) was a common cultural practice, but here it is elevated by the urgency and amazement, suggesting more than a mere customary welcome; it implies a recognition of extraordinary authority or divine favor.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 9:15 contributes significantly to several key themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **divine authority and captivating presence of Jesus**, demonstrating that His very appearance could evoke profound awe and immediate response from a large multitude. This complements the theme of Jesus' unique identity as the Son of God, which is central to Mark's narrative (e.g., [Mark 1:1](/mark/1-1 "Mark 1:1 - The Beginning of the Gospel")). Secondly, the "straightway" and "running to him" emphasize the **urgency and immediacy of response** that Jesus often elicited, contrasting with the slower understanding and occasional fear of His own disciples (as seen throughout [Mark's Gospel](/mark/1 "Mark 1 - The Gospel of Mark")). Finally, the verse subtly highlights the **contrast between divine power and human limitation**, setting up the subsequent narrative where the disciples' spiritual inadequacy is exposed, further magnifying Jesus' unique capabilities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **straightway (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** This adverb signifies immediacy, directly, or at once. Mark frequently uses this term to convey a sense of urgency, rapid progression, and the swift impact of Jesus' actions or presence. Here, it emphasizes the instantaneous nature of the crowd's reaction, indicating that their amazement and approach were not delayed but spontaneous.
* **greatly amazed (Greek, _ekthambéō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be utterly astonished or terrified," this verb describes an overwhelming sense of wonder, shock, or even fear. It's a strong term, often used by Mark to denote a profound, visceral reaction to the supernatural or awe-inspiring. It suggests that the crowd's amazement went beyond mere surprise, implying a deep, unsettling, yet compelling impact of Jesus' appearance.
* **saluted (Greek, _aspázomai'_):** This verb means "to enfold in the arms," and by implication, "to greet" or "to welcome." While it can refer to a simple greeting, in this context, combined with the crowd "running to" Jesus and their "amazement," it conveys an eager, reverent, and perhaps even deferential welcome, indicative of their recognition of His extraordinary nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And straightway all the people,"**: This opening clause establishes the suddenness and universality of the crowd's reaction. The use of "straightway" (euthéōs) is characteristic of Mark's fast-paced narrative, emphasizing the immediate and unhesitating response of the entire multitude present.
* **"when they beheld him,"**: This phrase identifies the catalyst for the crowd's reaction: their visual perception of Jesus. The verb "beheld" (eídō) implies not just seeing, but perceiving or recognizing, suggesting that there was something about Jesus' appearance or presence at that moment that was distinct and compelling, likely a residual glory from the Transfiguration.
* **"were greatly amazed,"**: This is the core emotional response. The strong Greek word (ekthambéō) indicates a profound astonishment, bordering on awe or even fear. It suggests that Jesus' appearance was so striking and unexpected that it produced a deep, visceral impact on the entire crowd, transcending mere surprise.
* **"and running to [him] saluted him."**: This final clause describes the physical manifestation of their amazement and eagerness. The crowd's act of "running to him" signifies their urgent desire to approach Jesus, driven by their profound reaction. Their "saluting" Him, while a customary greeting, in this context implies a reverent and eager welcome, acknowledging His unique and powerful presence.

#### Literary Devices
Mark employs several **literary devices** in this concise verse to convey its profound impact. The most prominent is **Emphasis**, achieved through the strategic placement of the adverb "straightway" (euthéōs) at the beginning of the action, immediately signaling the urgency and spontaneity of the crowd's response. This word, a hallmark of Mark's Gospel, propels the narrative forward and underscores the immediate effect of Jesus' presence. Furthermore, the use of the strong verb "greatly amazed" (ekthambéō) heightens the sense of wonder and awe, suggesting a reaction far beyond simple surprise. This **hyperbole** effectively communicates the overwhelming nature of Jesus' appearance. There is also a subtle **irony** at play: while the "people" (óchlos) are immediately and profoundly amazed by Jesus, the disciples who were just with Him on the mountain (Peter, James, and John) are not mentioned as sharing this public amazement, and the remaining disciples below are about to be revealed as spiritually impotent, unable to cast out a demon. This contrast underscores Jesus' unique divine authority in comparison to human limitations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 9:15 profoundly illustrates the magnetic and divine presence of Jesus, a presence so powerful it elicits immediate and overwhelming awe from a large multitude. This spontaneous and collective amazement, coupled with their eager approach, serves as a testament to Jesus' inherent glory and authority, even when not overtly displaying miraculous power. Theologically, it points to the truth that Jesus' very being radiates divinity, drawing humanity to Him in reverence and wonder. This spontaneous recognition by the crowd stands in stark contrast to the often-misguided perceptions of the religious leaders and even the slow understanding of His own disciples, underscoring the unique spiritual discernment that God grants to those who truly "behold" Him.

* [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")
* [Luke 5:26](/luke/5-26 "Luke 5:26 - Amazement at Jesus' Power")
* [Matthew 14:33](/matthew/14-33 "Matthew 14:33 - Disciples Worship Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Mark 9:15 offers a powerful mirror for our own spiritual lives. The crowd's immediate and profound amazement at Jesus, leading them to run and greet Him, challenges us to examine the nature of our own encounter with Christ. Do we approach Him with similar urgency and awe, recognizing the unique and divine presence He offers? In a world filled with distractions and competing voices, this verse calls us to cultivate a posture of eager anticipation and reverent wonder in our relationship with Jesus. It reminds us that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a heartfelt, visceral response to the living Christ, compelling us to draw near to Him with a sense of His extraordinary glory and authority. Our "salute" to Him should be one of genuine welcome and submission, acknowledging Him as the One who alone commands such a profound and immediate response.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the crowd's "great amazement" at Jesus reveal about His inherent nature, and how does this inspire awe in your own heart?**
* **How does the "straightway" and "running to him" challenge your own spiritual urgency in seeking and approaching Christ?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a more profound sense of awe and reverence for Jesus in your daily life and worship?**

### FAQ

**Why were the people "greatly amazed" when they saw Jesus descending from the mountain?**

Answer: The text implies that their amazement (Greek: _ekthambéō_) was a profound, almost fearful astonishment, suggesting something extraordinary about Jesus' appearance. While the Bible doesn't explicitly state He was still glowing from the Transfiguration, the immediate context (descending from the mountain where He was glorified, as described in [Mark 9:2-8](/mark/9-2-8 "Mark 9:2-8 - The Transfiguration of Jesus")) strongly suggests a residual divine radiance or an overwhelming spiritual presence that was perceptible to the crowd. This was not a typical encounter; it was a visible manifestation of His unique, divine authority that evoked a deep, visceral reaction from everyone present. Their reaction underscores the reality of Jesus' divine nature, which could not be hidden even in His human form.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 9:15, with its depiction of the crowd's immediate and profound awe at Jesus' appearance, foreshadows the ultimate and universal recognition of Christ's glory. While the crowd's amazement here is a response to a glimpse of His transfigured glory, it points to a future where "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The eagerness with which the people "running to him saluted him" prefigures the eager welcome and worship that the redeemed will offer to the Lamb of God, who is "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical account but a prophetic glimpse into the universal adoration and spiritual amazement that Jesus, the Christ, will command from all creation, a moment when "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him" ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Jesus' Return")). The immediate, awe-filled response of the crowd in Mark 9:15 is a microcosm of the ultimate, Christ-centered fulfillment of all things, where His glory will be fully revealed and universally acknowledged.

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

Mark 9:2

And after six days Jesus taketh [with him] Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

Mark 9:3

And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

Exodus 34:30

And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.