Mark 9:31

KJV

For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} he taught {G1321} his {G846} disciples {G3101}, and {G2532} said {G3004} unto them {G846},{G3754} The Son {G5207} of man {G444} is delivered {G3860} into {G1519} the hands {G5495} of men {G444}, and {G2532} they shall kill {G615} him {G846}; and {G2532} after that he is killed {G615}, he shall rise {G450} the third {G5154} day {G2250}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because he was teaching his talmidim. He told them, "The Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of men who will put him to death; but after he has been killed, three days later he will rise."

Berean Standard Bible

because He was teaching His disciples. He told them, “The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill Him, and after three days He will rise.”

American Standard Version

For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered up into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he shall rise again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 9:31 presents Jesus' second explicit and profoundly significant prophecy to His disciples concerning His impending suffering, death, and triumphant resurrection. Delivered in a private setting, this declaration reveals the divine necessity of the Son of Man being "delivered" into human hands, subjected to execution, and then, remarkably, rising from the dead on the third day, laying bare the core components of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal pronouncement by Jesus occurs immediately after the profound event of the [Transfiguration](/mark/9-2-8 "Mark 9:2-8 - The Transfiguration of Jesus"), where His divine glory was unveiled to Peter, James, and John. Following this, Jesus and the three disciples rejoin the others, who are struggling to [cast out a demon from a boy](/mark/9-14-29 "Mark 9:14-29 - Healing of the Demoniac Boy"). Jesus successfully heals the boy, emphasizing the power of faith and prayer. It is in the wake of these powerful displays of His divine authority and miraculous power that Jesus once again turns His attention to the somber reality of His mission, reiterating a truth He had previously taught in [Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection"), which Peter famously rejected. The disciples' subsequent failure to grasp the meaning of this prophecy, as noted in [Mark 9:32](/mark/9-32 "Mark 9:32 - Disciples' Lack of Understanding"), highlights their ongoing struggle to reconcile their expectations of a conquering Messiah with the concept of a suffering servant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' ministry unfolded within a Jewish society deeply steeped in Messianic expectation, yet largely anticipating a political and military liberator who would overthrow Roman oppression and restore the Davidic kingdom. The concept of a suffering and dying Messiah was largely antithetical to prevailing Jewish interpretations of prophetic texts, which often emphasized the Messiah's glory and triumph (e.g., [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")). The Roman method of execution by crucifixion was a brutal and humiliating practice, reserved for the lowest criminals and rebels, making the idea of the Messiah enduring such a fate utterly scandalous. The disciples, being products of this cultural milieu, found it incredibly difficult to reconcile their deeply ingrained hopes with Jesus' repeated prophecies of suffering and death. Their understanding was further complicated by the common Jewish practice of reckoning a "day" inclusively, meaning "the third day" could refer to a period spanning parts of three calendar days, consistent with the timing of Jesus' resurrection.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that Jesus' death was not an accident or a tragic end, but a pre-ordained part of God's redemptive plan, fully known and embraced by Christ (cf. [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan")). Secondly, it develops the theme of **The Nature of the "Son of Man,"** a title Jesus frequently used for Himself, which simultaneously emphasizes His true humanity and His ultimate divine authority and future glory, as seen in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds"). In this context, however, it highlights the suffering dimension of His Messianic role, a concept difficult for the disciples to accept. Thirdly, the verse directly addresses the **Necessity of Suffering and Death** for the Messiah, which is central to the atoning work of Christ. Finally, the explicit promise, "he shall rise the third day," introduces the crucial theme of **Resurrection as the Cornerstone of Hope**, transforming the tragedy of the cross into the triumph of new life and the ultimate vindication of God's plan, which is foundational to Christian faith as articulated in [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **taught (Greek, _didáskō'_):** This verb signifies "to teach" in a broad application, implying systematic instruction. Here, it highlights Jesus' intentional and repeated efforts to educate His disciples about the true nature of His mission, despite their resistance to the message of suffering. It emphasizes that this was not a casual remark but a deliberate lesson.
* **delivered (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This word, from which we get "betray," means "to surrender," "to yield up," or "to intrust." In this context, it carries the profound implication of being handed over to an enemy or authority for judgment and execution. It foreshadows Judas's betrayal and the subsequent handing over of Jesus to the Jewish and Roman authorities, underscoring the active role of human agency in fulfilling God's predetermined plan.
* **rise (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** Meaning "to stand up" or "to raise up," this verb is used here to denote resurrection from the dead. It is the crucial counterpoint to the prophecy of death, signifying not merely a revival but a triumphant emergence from the grave, validating Jesus' claims and securing the hope of eternal life for believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he taught his disciples, and said unto them,"**: This opening clause establishes the context of Jesus' instruction. It emphasizes that this was a deliberate teaching moment, not a casual observation, directed specifically at those closest to Him, His learners or pupils. The "For" (G1063, _gár_) indicates that what follows is the content of His teaching, providing the reason or explanation for His actions.
* **"The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men,"**: Jesus refers to Himself by His preferred title, "Son of Man," which carries both human and divine connotations. The passive voice "is delivered" (G3860, _paradídōmi_) suggests a divine orchestration behind the events, even as human agents are involved. It speaks of a handing over, implying betrayal and surrender to hostile forces.
* **"and they shall kill him;"**: This is the stark and brutal reality of the prophecy. The "men" into whose hands He is delivered will execute Him. This directly confronts the disciples' expectations of a conquering Messiah, forcing them to grapple with the idea of a Messiah who suffers and dies.
* **"and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day."**: This final clause is the triumphant climax and the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It provides the crucial counterpoint to the death, promising resurrection. The specificity of "the third day" is significant, marking the precise timing of God's vindication and the ultimate victory over death, transforming the tragedy into triumph.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 9:31 employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is paramount, as Jesus explicitly predicts His death and resurrection, setting the stage for the Passion narrative that will unfold later in the Gospel. This repeated prophecy functions as a **motif**, appearing at critical junctures in Mark's narrative (cf. [Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - First Passion Prediction") and [Mark 10:33-34](/mark/10-33-34 "Mark 10:33-34 - Third Passion Prediction")), underscoring its central importance to Jesus' mission and the disciples' understanding. The use of the title "**Son of Man**" is a form of **self-designation** that carries rich theological weight, drawing on Old Testament prophecy while simultaneously reinterpreting it to include suffering. The stark contrast between "kill him" and "rise the third day" creates a powerful **juxtaposition**, highlighting the dramatic shift from ultimate defeat to ultimate victory, a central paradox of the Gospel message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 9:31 is a profound theological statement, revealing the heart of God's redemptive plan through the suffering, death, and resurrection of His Son. It underscores the divine necessity of the cross, not as a tragic accident, but as the predetermined means by which humanity's sin would be atoned for and God's righteousness upheld. The resurrection, explicitly prophesied here, is the divine seal of approval, validating Jesus' identity and work, and offering the promise of new life and victory over death to all who believe. This verse thus encapsulates the core of the Gospel message: Christ's substitutionary atonement and His triumph over the grave, providing the foundation for Christian hope and salvation.

* [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant")
* [Luke 24:46-47](/luke/24-46-47 "Luke 24:46-47 - The Necessity of Christ's Suffering and Resurrection")
* [Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus Delivered for Our Sins, Raised for Our Justification")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 9:31 serves as a powerful reminder that God's ways are often profoundly different from our own expectations. Just as the disciples struggled to comprehend a suffering Messiah, we too may find ourselves confronted with circumstances or divine plans that seem counterintuitive, painful, or contrary to our desires for ease and immediate triumph. This verse calls us to cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereign wisdom, even when the path He lays before us involves sacrifice, difficulty, or a period of apparent defeat. It challenges us to look beyond the immediate hardship to the ultimate promise of resurrection and vindication. Our faith is not in a God who prevents all suffering, but in a God who redeems suffering and transforms death into life, ensuring that His purposes will ultimately prevail. This truth encourages perseverance in trials, knowing that even in the darkest valleys, the light of resurrection hope shines brightest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do my expectations of God's plan for my life align or conflict with the reality of suffering and sacrifice, as seen in Jesus' prophecy?**
* **In what areas of my life am I struggling to trust God's sovereignty when circumstances seem contrary to my hopes?**
* **How does the promise of resurrection, even after death, impact my perspective on current difficulties or losses?**
* **What does Jesus' deliberate teaching of this difficult truth reveal about His commitment to preparing His disciples, and me, for reality?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus repeatedly tell His disciples about His death and resurrection if they didn't understand?**

Answer: Jesus' repeated prophecies (e.g., [Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - First Passion Prediction"), [Mark 9:31](/mark/9-31 "Mark 9:31 - Second Passion Prediction"), [Mark 10:33-34](/mark/10-33-34 "Mark 10:33-34 - Third Passion Prediction")) served several crucial purposes, even if the disciples initially struggled to grasp them. Firstly, they demonstrated His divine foreknowledge and control over events, proving He was not a victim of circumstances but intentionally fulfilling God's plan. Secondly, these prophecies prepared the disciples, albeit imperfectly, for the traumatic events of the Passion. While they didn't fully understand at the time, these words would later resonate and provide clarity after the resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (cf. [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit Will Teach All Things")). Thirdly, the repetition underscored the central importance of His death and resurrection as the core of His mission, emphasizing that His suffering was not a deviation but the very purpose of His coming.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 9:31 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, making it a profoundly Christ-centered passage. The "Son of Man" who is "delivered into the hands of men" is none other than Jesus, the incarnate God, who willingly submitted to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His being "delivered" speaks not only of Judas's betrayal but also of God the Father "delivering" His Son for the sins of the world (cf. [Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Did Not Spare His Own Son")). The prophecy "they shall kill him" was tragically fulfilled on Calvary, where Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, bore the full weight of humanity's sin, offering Himself as the perfect atoning sacrifice (cf. [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins in His Body")). Yet, the profound darkness of the crucifixion is utterly transformed by the glorious promise: "he shall rise the third day." This resurrection, historically attested and foundational to Christian faith, is the ultimate vindication of Jesus' identity as the Son of God, His victory over sin and death, and the guarantee of eternal life for all who believe (cf. [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection") and [1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). Thus, Mark 9:31 encapsulates the very essence of the Gospel: Christ's sacrificial death for our sins and His powerful resurrection for our justification and new life.

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

Matthew 16:21

¶ From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Mark 9:12

And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.

Mark 8:31

And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and [of] the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Matthew 20:18

Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,

Matthew 20:19

And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify [him]: and the third day he shall rise again.

Luke 24:44

And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me.

Luke 24:46

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: