Mark 9:19

KJV

He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.

KJV (with Strong's)

He answereth {G611} him {G846}, and {G1161} saith {G3004}, O {G5599} faithless {G571} generation {G1074}, how long {G2193}{G4219} shall I be {G2071} with {G4314} you {G5209}? how long {G2193}{G4219} shall I suffer {G430} you {G5216}? bring {G5342} him {G846} unto {G4314} me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"People without any trust!" he responded. "How long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to me!"

Berean Standard Bible

“O unbelieving generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to Me.”

American Standard Version

And he answereth them and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I bear with you? bring him unto me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 9:19 captures Jesus' profound exasperation and lament upon descending from the Mount of Transfiguration, where He found His disciples unable to cast out a demon from a boy. His words, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me," serve as a sharp rebuke to the pervasive spiritual dullness and unbelief evident in both His followers and the surrounding crowd, culminating in a decisive command that underscores His supreme authority and power over all spiritual forces.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately after the glorious [Transfiguration of Jesus](/mark/9-2-13 "Mark 9:2-13 - The Transfiguration of Jesus") (Mark 9:2-13), where Peter, James, and John witnessed His divine glory. Descending from the mountain, Jesus re-enters a chaotic scene: a large crowd, scribes disputing with the remaining disciples, and a boy suffering from severe demonic possession (Mark 9:14-18) whom the disciples had failed to heal. Jesus' words in Mark 9:19 are His immediate, emotionally charged response to this stark contrast between heavenly glory and earthly spiritual impotence. The verse sets the stage for Jesus' powerful intervention (Mark 9:20-27) and His subsequent private teaching to the disciples on the necessity of prayer and fasting for such spiritual battles (Mark 9:28-29).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is likely in or near the region of Caesarea Philippi, a predominantly Gentile area, though the presence of scribes and a Jewish crowd indicates interaction with Jewish communities. Demon possession was a recognized and feared affliction in ancient Jewish society, often attributed to evil spirits and sometimes associated with physical ailments like epilepsy, as described in this narrative. The scribes, as religious authorities, often challenged Jesus' authority and teachings, contributing to the atmosphere of spiritual opposition and skepticism. The "generation" Jesus addresses refers not merely to a chronological age group but to the prevailing spiritual disposition of the people of that time, characterized by a lack of faith despite the overwhelming evidence of God's presence and power in Jesus' ministry.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 9:19 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark. The most prominent is the theme of **Faith vs. Unbelief**, highlighting the spiritual deficiency that hinders divine power. Jesus' rhetorical questions underscore His weariness with their inability to grasp spiritual truths and exercise the authority He had given them, echoing the broader struggle with unbelief seen throughout His ministry, as when He marveled at the unbelief in His hometown in [Mark 6:6](/mark/6-6 "Mark 6:6 - Jesus Marveled at Their Unbelief"). Another crucial theme is **Jesus' Supreme Authority**, which is powerfully contrasted with the disciples' impotence. Despite their failure to cast out the demon (Mark 9:18), Jesus' immediate command, "bring him unto me," asserts His unique and unquestionable power over all spiritual forces. Finally, the verse reveals the **Challenges of Discipleship**, exposing the spiritual immaturity and ongoing struggles of even those closest to Jesus in understanding and applying the principles of the Kingdom of God. This struggle is further elaborated in the subsequent dialogue where Jesus explains the need for prayer and fasting in [Mark 9:29](/mark/9-29 "Mark 9:29 - Prayer and Fasting").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **faithless (Greek, _ápistos'_):** From G571, meaning "disbelieving, i.e., without Christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)." In this context, it primarily denotes an active lack of belief or trust in God's power, particularly in the face of spiritual challenges. It describes a spiritual state of skepticism and doubt, rather than merely an absence of knowledge.
* **generation (Greek, _geneá'_):** From G1074, meaning "a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)." Here, it is not limited to a specific age group but encompasses the spiritual character and disposition of the people of that era, including the disciples themselves, who were failing to exhibit the necessary faith. It refers to a collective spiritual condition.
* **suffer (Greek, _anéchomai'_):** From G430, meaning "to hold oneself up against, i.e. (figuratively) put up with; bear with, endure, forbear." This word conveys Jesus' profound endurance and patience despite the spiritual dullness, resistance, and persistent unbelief He encountered. It expresses a weariness born of long-suffering, not of impatience or anger.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He answereth him, and saith,"**: This introduces Jesus' immediate and direct verbal response to the situation. The "him" refers to the father of the demon-possessed boy, who had just explained the disciples' failure, but Jesus' answer quickly broadens to address the wider spiritual problem.
* **"O faithless generation,"**: This is a powerful, lamenting address. Jesus is not merely speaking to the disciples or the father, but to the entire spiritual climate of the people present, including the scribes and the crowd. It is an indictment of a pervasive lack of trust in God's power and a spiritual dullness that characterized the era.
* **"how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you?"**: These are rhetorical questions expressing Jesus' profound weariness and exasperation. They are not questions seeking information, but rather conveying a deep emotional state—a lament over the persistent unbelief and spiritual immaturity He continually encountered despite His presence, teachings, and miraculous works. They highlight the burden of their spiritual blindness and resistance.
* **"bring him unto me."**: This is a decisive, authoritative command. It shifts the focus from the disciples' impotence and the general spiritual deficiency to Jesus' singular power and authority. It is an invitation to bring the impossible to the One who can accomplish it, demonstrating that ultimate deliverance comes only through Him.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 9:19 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent are **Rhetorical Questions**, "how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you?" These are not posed to elicit information but to convey Jesus' deep emotional state of exasperation, lament, and weariness with the persistent unbelief and spiritual dullness of those around Him. This technique emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the depth of His frustration. There is also a strong element of **Direct Address** or **Apostrophe** in "O faithless generation," where Jesus directly addresses a collective spiritual state, giving His words a prophetic and indicting tone. This collective address highlights the pervasive nature of the spiritual problem. Furthermore, the passage employs **Contrast**, setting the glorious scene of the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13) against the spiritual darkness and impotence found on the plain below, where the disciples failed. This stark contrast underscores the power of Christ versus the weakness of human faith. Finally, the overall tone conveys **Lament** and **Exasperation**, revealing a compassionate yet burdened Messiah who longs for His people to grasp the spiritual realities and power available through faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 9:19 serves as a poignant theological statement on the nature of faith, divine power, and the challenges inherent in discipleship. Jesus' lament over the "faithless generation" underscores that unbelief is not merely an intellectual deficiency but a spiritual condition that hinders God's work and grieves the heart of the Son. His exasperation is not a sign of impatience, but of a divine desire for humanity to embrace the transformative power available through trust in Him. This passage powerfully asserts Jesus' unique authority over all spiritual forces, demonstrating that while human efforts may fail, His power is absolute and unfailing. It also highlights the ongoing need for spiritual growth and dependence on Christ for His followers, revealing that even those closest to Him must continually deepen their faith.

* [Matthew 17:19-20](/matthew/17-19-20 "Matthew 17:19-20 - The Power of Faith Like a Mustard Seed")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Without Faith It Is Impossible to Please God")
* [Luke 17:5](/luke/17-5 "Luke 17:5 - The Apostles Ask for More Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 9:19 offers a profound and challenging mirror for believers today, prompting us to critically examine the depth and consistency of our own faith. Do we, like the "faithless generation," inadvertently limit God's power in our lives through our doubts, spiritual apathy, or a tendency to rely on our own strength rather than His? Are there "impossible" situations—personal struggles, relational brokenness, societal injustices—that we have resigned ourselves to, rather than bringing them to the feet of Jesus with expectant faith? This passage calls us to a radical reorientation: to shift our focus from our own inadequacy or the world's overwhelming problems to the absolute authority and limitless power of Christ. His command, "bring him unto me," remains a timeless invitation to surrender our burdens and battles to the One who truly has the power to deliver. Our growth in faith is not about mustering more human effort, but about cultivating a deeper, more profound reliance on His presence and power, allowing Him to work through us to accomplish what is humanly impossible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I tend to operate with a "faithless generation" mentality, doubting God's ability or willingness to intervene?**
* **What "impossible" or overwhelming situations am I currently trying to manage in my own strength, rather than bringing them fully to Jesus?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a deeper, more consistent faith that trusts in Christ's authority and power, even when circumstances seem bleak or beyond hope?**

### FAQ
**Question?** Why did Jesus call them a "faithless generation" and not just the disciples?

Answer: Jesus' address to "this faithless generation" (Mark 9:19) is a comprehensive indictment, encompassing not only the struggling disciples but also the scribes, the crowd, and indeed, the broader spiritual climate of Israel at that time. While the disciples had been given authority to cast out demons (Mark 6:7), their failure in this instance highlighted a pervasive spiritual dullness and unbelief that extended beyond them. It underscores a general lack of spiritual perception and trust in God's power among those who should have recognized and embraced the Messiah. This broader indictment serves to emphasize the depth of spiritual blindness Jesus encountered, even among those who claimed to follow God or His law.

**Question?** Does Jesus' frustration mean He was impatient or lacked love?

Answer: Jesus' expression of frustration, "how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you?" (Mark 9:19), does not indicate a lack of patience or love, but rather a righteous indignation born from His deep desire for humanity's spiritual flourishing. It reflects the divine weariness with persistent unbelief and spiritual dullness, especially among those who had witnessed His miracles and heard His teachings. This frustration is akin to a loving parent's exasperation with a child who repeatedly fails to grasp essential lessons, not out of malice, but out of a longing for their growth and well-being. It highlights the profound gap between humanity's spiritual capacity and its actual faith, even in the presence of the Son of God, and underscores His yearning for them to fully embrace the truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 9:19, with Jesus' lament over a "faithless generation" and His decisive command, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus as the one true Deliverer and the embodiment of perfect faith. His exasperation, "how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you?", foreshadows His impending departure and the profound spiritual cost of human unbelief that He would bear. This lament points to the very reason for His incarnation: to endure and ultimately overcome the pervasive spiritual blindness and demonic oppression that humanity could not conquer on its own. The command, "bring him unto me," is a microcosm of the gospel invitation, revealing Jesus as the sole source of healing and liberation from all forms of spiritual bondage, echoing His later declaration that [all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). He is the one who, through His sinless life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, has utterly defeated the powers of darkness and triumphed over the "faithless generation" by providing the means for true faith and spiritual freedom. His righteous frustration is a testament to His passionate love for humanity, a love that compels Him to suffer for our unbelief and ultimately to empower His followers, through the gift of the [Holy Spirit](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit"), to live lives of faith that overcome the world, just as He overcame it (cf. [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming 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

Numbers 14:11

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?

Mark 16:14

¶ Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

John 20:27

Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust [it] into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

Numbers 14:27

How long [shall I bear with] this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.

Numbers 14:22

Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;

Luke 9:41

And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.

Psalms 106:21

They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;