Mark 9:17

KJV

And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} one {G1520} of {G1537} the multitude {G3793} answered {G611} and said {G2036}, Master {G1320}, I have brought {G5342} unto {G4314} thee {G4571} my {G3450} son {G5207}, which hath {G2192} a dumb {G216} spirit {G4151};

Complete Jewish Bible

One of the crowd gave him the answer: "Rabbi, I brought my son to you because he has an evil spirit in him that makes him unable to talk.

Berean Standard Bible

Someone in the crowd replied, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a spirit that makes him mute.

American Standard Version

And one of the multitude answered him, Teacher, I brought unto thee my son, who hath a dumb spirit;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 9:17 captures a poignant moment immediately following Jesus' Transfiguration, as a desperate father approaches Jesus amidst a confused crowd. He reveals the profound suffering of his son, afflicted by a "dumb spirit," a demonic entity that has rendered the boy mute and caused severe physical manifestations. This verse sets the stage for a powerful demonstration of Jesus' unparalleled authority over spiritual forces and highlights the stark contrast between human inability and divine power, underscoring the father's desperate plea for the only one capable of delivering his son.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed in Mark's Gospel, immediately after the profound revelation of Jesus' divine glory on the Mount of Transfiguration ([Mark 9:2-8](/mark/9-2-8 "Mark 9:2-8 - The Transfiguration of Jesus")). The descent from this mountain-top experience of divine affirmation to the chaotic scene below creates a powerful literary contrast, emphasizing the reality of human suffering and spiritual oppression in the world Jesus came to redeem. The disciples who remained below had been unable to cast out the demon, leading to a dispute with the scribes ([Mark 9:14-16](/mark/9-14-16 "Mark 9:14-16 - Disciples' Inability to Heal")). The father's direct appeal to Jesus in verse 17 thus immediately precedes Jesus' confrontation with the spirit and His subsequent teaching on faith and prayer, forming a cohesive narrative unit that highlights Jesus' unique power and the disciples' limitations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the 1st-century Jewish world, the belief in demonic possession was widespread, and afflictions such as muteness, seizures, and other severe physical or mental illnesses were often attributed to the influence of evil spirits. While modern medicine offers different explanations, the people of that era understood these conditions through a spiritual lens. Exorcism was practiced by various individuals, including some Jewish exorcists, but often with limited or no success. The presence of scribes disputing with the disciples suggests a theological or practical debate over the disciples' inability to perform a healing that would have been expected from followers of a renowned healer like Jesus. The public nature of this encounter, surrounded by a "multitude," underscores the societal impact of such afflictions and the common expectation for divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 9:17 introduces and reinforces several critical themes within Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the **reality and malevolence of spiritual forces**, portraying them as active agents of suffering and oppression, as seen in the "dumb spirit" afflicting the boy. The father's desperate plea highlights the theme of **human brokenness and the need for divine intervention**, presenting a vivid example of humanity's inability to overcome such forces on its own. Furthermore, the father's direct address to Jesus as "Master" (Greek: _didáskalos_) subtly emphasizes **Jesus' unique authority and identity** as the supreme teacher and healer, setting the stage for a dramatic demonstration of His power over evil, a power that even His disciples had not yet fully grasped or wielded effectively, as detailed in [Mark 9:18](/mark/9-18 "Mark 9:18 - The Disciples' Failure"). This passage also implicitly introduces the theme of **faith as a prerequisite for healing and deliverance**, which Jesus directly addresses in the subsequent verses, particularly in [Mark 9:23-24](/mark/9-23-24 "Mark 9:23-24 - All Things Are Possible to Him Who Believes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Master (Greek, _didáskalos'_):** From διδάσκω, meaning "to teach." This term signifies an instructor, teacher, or doctor. The father's use of "Master" indicates his recognition of Jesus' authority and wisdom, acknowledging Him as a respected religious leader and one possessing unique knowledge and power. It's a title of respect and deference, reflecting the father's hope that Jesus, as a teacher of profound truth, would also possess the power to address his son's affliction.
* **dumb (Greek, _álalos'_):** From Α (as a negative particle) and λαλέω (to speak), meaning "mute" or "speechless." This word describes the primary symptom caused by the spirit, rendering the boy unable to speak. It emphasizes the specific nature of the demonic oppression, which directly attacked the boy's ability to communicate, isolating him and causing significant distress to him and his family.
* **spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** From πνέω (to blow), referring to a "current of air," "breath," or "breeze." In this context, it refers to a "superhuman" entity, specifically a demon. The "dumb spirit" is not a metaphor for a physical condition but a literal evil spiritual being that is causing the boy's muteness and other severe symptoms, affirming the biblical reality of demonic influence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one of the multitude answered and said,"**: This opening clause establishes the setting and the speaker. Jesus has just descended from the mountain, returning to a large crowd ("multitude"). The phrase "answered and said" (Greek: _apokrínomai_ and _épō_) suggests that this man's statement is a response, likely to Jesus' earlier question or observation about the commotion, or simply a desperate cry cutting through the general noise. It immediately draws attention to a specific individual's plight within the larger crowd.
* **"Master,"**: This is the father's direct address to Jesus, using the respectful title _didáskalos_. It signifies his recognition of Jesus' authority as a teacher and healer, and his hope that Jesus possesses the unique power needed to intervene. It sets a tone of reverence and desperate appeal.
* **"I have brought unto thee my son,"**: This phrase conveys the father's proactive and desperate action. He has gone to great lengths to bring his afflicted son to Jesus, indicating his profound distress and his belief that Jesus is his last and only hope. The directness of "unto thee" emphasizes that his faith and expectation are specifically placed in Jesus, not merely in the disciples.
* **"which hath a dumb spirit;"**: This final clause specifies the nature of the son's affliction. It is not merely a physical ailment but a spiritual one, caused by a "dumb spirit" (Greek: _pneuma alalon_). This identifies the root cause of the boy's muteness as a demonic entity, setting the stage for Jesus' confrontation with the spiritual realm and a powerful demonstration of His authority over evil.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 9:17 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as the father immediately singles out Jesus with the respectful title "Master," highlighting his singular focus and desperate hope. This creates a sense of **Pathos**, evoking deep sympathy for the father's plight and the suffering of his son, drawing the reader into the emotional intensity of the scene. Furthermore, the verse functions as a crucial piece of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent powerful exorcism and His teaching on faith and prayer. It implicitly contrasts the disciples' prior inability (revealed in the preceding verses) with Jesus' anticipated power, building anticipation for the demonstration of divine authority. The description of the "dumb spirit" also uses **Metonymy**, where the effect (muteness) stands for the cause (the spirit causing it), vividly portraying the specific manifestation of demonic oppression.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 9:17 serves as a powerful theological statement about the pervasive reality of spiritual evil and humanity's utter dependence on divine intervention. It underscores Jesus' unique authority not only as a healer of physical ailments but, more profoundly, as the sovereign Lord over all spiritual forces. The father's desperate act of bringing his son to Jesus illustrates the biblical principle of turning to God in our deepest need, acknowledging that some battles are beyond human capacity. This encounter foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over the powers of darkness, a victory secured through His death and resurrection, which disarmed and triumphed over all spiritual adversaries. It calls believers to recognize the spiritual dimension of suffering and to place their trust in Jesus' supreme power to deliver from all forms of bondage.

* [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")
* [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 9:17 profoundly speaks to the human experience of helplessness in the face of overwhelming challenges, especially those that seem to defy all human solutions. The father's desperate plea, "Master, I have brought unto thee my son," is a timeless model for how we should approach Jesus with our deepest burdens and most intractable problems. In a world that often seeks answers in self-reliance or conventional wisdom, this verse reminds us that there are spiritual realities and afflictions that only Christ's divine power can address. It calls us to cultivate a radical dependence on Jesus, bringing our "dumb spirits"—whether they manifest as literal spiritual oppression, debilitating anxieties, addictions, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles—directly to Him. This passage invites us to lay bare our vulnerabilities and trust in His compassion and omnipotent authority, knowing that He is both willing and able to intervene where human efforts fail. It encourages us to look beyond the immediate symptoms to the spiritual root of many struggles and to seek the ultimate Physician and Deliverer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "dumb spirits" or seemingly insurmountable problems are you currently facing that you need to bring directly to Jesus?**
* **How does the father's desperate act of bringing his son to Jesus challenge your own approach to prayer and seeking help?**
* **In what ways might you be relying on human efforts or conventional solutions when a spiritual battle requires divine intervention?**
* **How does Jesus' immediate attention to the father's plea encourage you to trust in His compassion and willingness to help?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the father calling Jesus "Master"?**

Answer: The father's use of "Master" (Greek: _didáskalos_) is highly significant. It signifies his recognition of Jesus as a respected teacher, a figure of authority, and someone possessing unique wisdom and insight. While not explicitly acknowledging Jesus' full divine identity at this point, it demonstrates a profound level of trust and deference. The father is not merely seeking a healer but someone he believes holds the key to understanding and overcoming his son's mysterious and debilitating affliction. It's a title of hope, indicating that he sees Jesus as the ultimate authority in a situation where others (including Jesus' disciples) have failed.

**What does "dumb spirit" mean, and how does it relate to demonic possession?**

Answer: The term "dumb spirit" (Greek: _pneuma alalon_) refers to a demonic entity that caused the boy to be mute or speechless. It's important to understand that in the biblical worldview, particularly in the Gospels, physical afflictions like muteness, blindness, or seizures were sometimes attributed to the direct influence of evil spirits. So, the "dumb spirit" is not a metaphor for a physical condition, but a literal demon whose presence and activity directly resulted in the boy's inability to speak. This passage, along with others like [Mark 1:23-26](/mark/1-23-26 "Mark 1:23-26 - Jesus Casts Out an Unclean Spirit"), clearly affirms the reality of demonic possession and Jesus' power over these malevolent spiritual forces.

**Why did the father bring his son to Jesus specifically, and not just to the disciples?**

Answer: The context of [Mark 9:14-16](/mark/9-14-16 "Mark 9:14-16 - The Disciples' Failure to Heal") reveals that the disciples who remained with the crowd had already attempted to cast out the demon but failed. This failure led to a dispute between them and the scribes. Therefore, the father, having witnessed or heard of the disciples' inability, brought his son directly to Jesus upon His return from the Mount of Transfiguration. His action underscores his faith in Jesus' unique and unparalleled authority and power, recognizing that only Jesus possessed the ability to deliver his son where others had fallen short. It highlights a desperate, yet discerning, faith that sought the ultimate source of help.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 9:17, though a cry of human desperation, powerfully foreshadows and participates in the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "dumb spirit" represents the pervasive dominion of evil and the spiritual bondage that humanity experiences apart from Christ. Jesus' immediate response to the father's plea, and the subsequent miraculous deliverance of the boy, vividly demonstrate His ultimate authority over all the powers of darkness. This encounter is not merely an isolated act of healing but a microcosm of Christ's broader mission: to destroy the works of the devil and liberate humanity from sin and its consequences. The father's bringing of his son to Jesus anticipates the universal invitation for all who are weary and burdened to come to Christ for rest and deliverance ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Ultimately, Jesus' victory over this "dumb spirit" points forward to His decisive triumph on the cross, where He disarmed the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), and to His resurrection, which confirms His absolute sovereignty over death, sin, and every spiritual foe. He is the true Master, the one to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority in Heaven and on Earth")), and through Him, we find freedom from every form of spiritual oppression.

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 11:14

¶ And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.

Mark 9:25

When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, [Thou] dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

Luke 9:38

And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.

Matthew 12:22

¶ Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

Mark 10:13

¶ And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and [his] disciples rebuked those that brought [them].

Matthew 17:15

Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

Mark 7:26

The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.