Mark 9:26

And [the spirit] cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.

And {G2532} the spirit cried {G2896}, and {G2532} rent {G4682} him {G846} sore {G4183}, and came out of him {G1831}: and {G2532} he was {G1096} as {G5616} one dead {G3498}; insomuch {G5620} that {G3754} many {G4183} said {G3004}, He is dead {G599}.

Shrieking and throwing the boy into a violent fit, it came out. The boy lay there like a corpse, so that most of the people said he was dead.

After shrieking and convulsing him violently, the spirit came out. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He is dead.”

And having cried out, and torn him much, he came out: and the boy became as one dead; insomuch that the more part said, He is dead.

Commentary

Commentary on Mark 9:26 (KJV)

Mark 9:26 vividly describes the dramatic departure of a demonic spirit from a young boy, a powerful event that underscores Jesus' supreme authority over spiritual forces. This verse is the climax of a narrative detailing the boy's severe affliction and the disciples' inability to cast out the demon, leading to Jesus' direct intervention.

Context

This verse is part of a larger account in Mark 9:14-29. Jesus, Peter, James, and John had just descended from the Mount of Transfiguration, only to find the other disciples struggling to deliver a boy afflicted by a deaf and mute spirit. The father, desperate, brings his son to Jesus, explaining the spirit's violent attacks, which often threw the boy into fire or water. The disciples' failure highlighted their need for greater faith and understanding, prompting Jesus' famous declaration in Mark 9:23, "All things are possible to him that believeth."

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Unquestionable Authority: The violent reaction of the spirit—crying out, convulsing the boy, and then departing—demonstrates that even the most stubborn and destructive spiritual entities are subject to Jesus' command. This highlights Jesus' divine power over evil, a recurring theme in the Gospels (e.g., Mark 1:27).
  • Severity of Demonic Oppression: The description of the spirit "renting him sore" (Greek: sparasso, meaning to tear, convulse, or throw into spasms) and leaving the boy "as one dead" emphasizes the devastating and life-threatening nature of demonic influence. The boy's near-death state after the exorcism illustrates the extent of his suffering and the immediate, profound physical impact of the spirit's departure.
  • The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: This passage vividly portrays the spiritual battle that exists, showing that evil forces are real and can cause significant harm. Jesus' victory offers hope and demonstrates His power to deliver from such oppression.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "rent him sore" translates the Greek word sparasso (σπαράσσω), which conveys a strong sense of tearing, convulsion, or violent spasms. It vividly describes the intense physical distress the boy endured as the demon was expelled, underscoring the spirit's malicious nature and its final, desperate attempt to harm its victim. The subsequent description, "and he was as one dead," is not hyperbole but an accurate portrayal of the boy's condition—lifeless and still—so much so that bystanders concluded he had died. This emphasizes the profound and immediate physical change brought about by the demon's expulsion.

Practical Application

Mark 9:26 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Hope in Desperate Situations: Just as the boy appeared lifeless, there are times in life when situations seem beyond hope or human help. This verse reminds us that Jesus has the power to bring life and healing even from the brink of death or utter despair.
  • The Power of Christ Endures: The same authority Jesus demonstrated over evil spirits nearly two millennia ago remains available today. Believers can find comfort and strength in Christ's ability to overcome all forms of spiritual and physical oppression.
  • Understanding Spiritual Realities: This passage encourages us to acknowledge the reality of spiritual forces and battles, while firmly trusting in Jesus' ultimate victory and power over them.
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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 9:20

    And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.

  • Mark 1:26

    And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.

  • Exodus 5:23

    For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.

  • Mark 9:18

    And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

  • Revelation 12:12

    ¶ Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
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