Mark 9:22

And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

And {G2532} ofttimes {G4178} it hath cast {G906} him {G846} into {G2532}{G1519} the fire {G4442}, and {G2532} into {G1519} the waters {G5204}, to {G2443} destroy {G622} him {G846}: but {G235} if {G1536} thou canst {G1410} do any thing {G1536}, have compassion {G4697} on {G1909} us {G2248}, and help {G997} us {G2254}.

"and it often tries to kill him by throwing him into the fire or into the water. But if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us!"

“It often throws him into the fire or into the water, trying to kill him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

And oft-times it hath cast him both into the fire and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of a poignant narrative following Jesus's descent from the Mount of Transfiguration. While Jesus, Peter, James, and John were on the mountain, the other disciples had been unable to cast out a demon from a boy. The father brings his suffering son to Jesus, describing the demon's violent and destructive actions. His plea in verse 22 reflects a deep desperation, compounded by the previous failure of the disciples, leading to a wavering faith.

Key Themes

  • Extreme Suffering and Demonic Oppression: The description of the demon casting the boy "into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him" vividly portrays the severity and life-threatening nature of the affliction. It highlights the destructive power of spiritual evil and the intense suffering it can inflict.
  • A Father's Desperate Plea: The father's cry, "have compassion on us, and help us," is born out of prolonged anguish and a yearning for relief. It is a raw appeal for mercy from one who has exhausted all other options.
  • Wavering Faith and Doubt: The phrase "if thou canst do any thing" reveals the father's conditional faith. While he approaches Jesus, his hope is tinged with doubt, likely due to the demon's persistent violence and the disciples' inability to help. This sets the stage for Jesus's powerful response in Mark 9:23, challenging the father's "if."
  • Jesus's Compassion: The father's appeal to Jesus's compassion anticipates one of Christ's defining characteristics. Jesus often moved with deep pity for those who suffered, a theme evident throughout the Gospels.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase translated "if thou canst do any thing" (εἰ δύνῃ, *ei dynē*) truly captures the father's hesitant, conditional hope. It implies a questioning of Jesus's ability, reflecting the natural human tendency to doubt when faced with overwhelming circumstances. The word for "compassion" is from the Greek *splagchnizomai* (σπλαγχνίζομαι), which conveys a deep, visceral feeling of pity, as if from the gut, often prompting immediate action. This is the same word used to describe Jesus's profound empathy for the sick and the crowds.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Honest Prayer: It shows that we can bring our deepest struggles and even our doubts to Jesus. The father's imperfect faith did not disqualify him from receiving help.
  • Trust in Jesus's Power: Despite our limitations or the seemingly impossible nature of our circumstances, we are reminded that Jesus's power is absolute and transcends all human ability or spiritual opposition.
  • Appealing to His Compassion: When we are hurting or see others in pain, we can confidently appeal to Jesus's character, knowing He is full of compassion and always willing to help. This story highlights the reality of spiritual battles and the need for divine intervention in our lives and the lives of those around us.
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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

  • Mark 1:40

    ¶ And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

  • Mark 1:42

    And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

  • Matthew 14:31

    And immediately Jesus stretched forth [his] hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

  • Mark 5:19

    Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

  • Matthew 9:28

    And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

  • Matthew 20:34

    So Jesus had compassion [on them], and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

  • Matthew 8:2

    And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
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