Mark 9:6

KJV

For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} he wist {G1492} not {G3756} what {G5101} to say {G2980}; for {G1063} they were sore {G2258} afraid {G1630}.

Complete Jewish Bible

(He didn't know what to say, they were so frightened.)

Berean Standard Bible

For they were all so terrified that Peter did not know what else to say.

American Standard Version

For he knew not what to answer; for they became sore afraid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 9:6 captures Peter's disoriented and terrified state during the Transfiguration, explaining why he made a seemingly irrational suggestion in the preceding verse. Faced with the overwhelming manifestation of Jesus' divine glory and the appearance of Moses and Elijah, Peter and the other disciples were profoundly overwhelmed, unable to process or articulate a coherent response, experiencing a deep and paralyzing fear in the presence of the holy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the breathtaking event of the [Transfiguration of Jesus](/mark/9-2-4 "Mark 9:2-4 - The Transfiguration of Jesus"), where Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus' divine glory on a high mountain, accompanied by Moses and Elijah. Peter's spontaneous, somewhat illogical suggestion to build three tabernacles (tents) in [Mark 9:5](/mark/9-5 "Mark 9:5 - Peter's Suggestion") is directly explained by his state of mind in verse 6. The verse serves as a crucial explanatory clause, providing the psychological backdrop for Peter's utterance. It also sets the stage for the dramatic intervention of God the Father in [Mark 9:7](/mark/9-7 "Mark 9:7 - The Voice from the Cloud"), whose authoritative voice then redirects the disciples' focus from their own reactions to the singular importance of listening to Jesus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of a "high mountain" (cf. [Mark 9:2](/mark/9-2 "Mark 9:2 - Jesus Transfigured")) often signifies a place of divine encounter and revelation in biblical narratives, reminiscent of Moses receiving the Law on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Mount Sinai Revelation")). Peter's suggestion to build "tabernacles" (σκηνάς, _skēnas_) likely alludes to the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), a Jewish festival commemorating God's provision and presence during the wilderness wanderings, and looking forward to the messianic age. However, in this context, Peter's proposal is ill-timed and misdirected, revealing a human attempt to contain or ritualize a divine event that transcends human categories. The profound fear experienced by the disciples is a common biblical response to direct encounters with God's manifest glory, echoing the reactions of prophets and patriarchs throughout scripture (e.g., [Genesis 28:17](/genesis/28-17 "Genesis 28:17 - Jacob's Fear at Bethel"), [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Vision and Fear")).
* **Key Themes:** [Mark 9:6](/mark/9-6 "Mark 9:6 - Peter's Fear") powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is the **human reaction to divine glory**, illustrating the inadequacy of human words and reason when confronted with the overwhelming presence of God. This leads to the theme of **fear and awe**, emphasizing a profound, almost paralyzing terror that is distinct from mere fright, signifying a deep reverence and recognition of God's immense power and majesty. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **limited human understanding** of divine revelation, even among devoted disciples like Peter. His fear clouded his judgment, demonstrating that even those closest to Jesus could struggle to comprehend the profound significance of His unique identity and mission, a recurring motif in the disciples' journey throughout [Mark's Gospel](/mark/1 "The Gospel of Mark").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **For (Greek, _gár_):** This particle serves as an explanatory conjunction, introducing the reason or cause for Peter's preceding statement in [Mark 9:5](/mark/9-5 "Mark 9:5 - Peter's Suggestion"). It indicates that Peter's inability to know what to say and the disciples' overwhelming fear are the direct explanations for his impulsive and misguided proposal to build tabernacles. It signals to the reader that the subsequent clause provides the rationale for the preceding action.
* **wist (Greek, _eídō_):** Derived from a primary verb meaning "to see" (literally or figuratively), this word, used here in its perfect tense, carries the implication "to know." Peter "wist not" (οὐκ ᾔδει, _ouk ēdei_) means he "did not know" or "was not aware" of what to say. This emphasizes his complete disorientation and mental incapacitation in the face of the divine manifestation. It's not merely that he couldn't find the right words, but that his cognitive faculties were overwhelmed, leaving him without any coherent thought or appropriate response.
* **to say (Greek, _laléō_):** This verb signifies "to talk," "utter words," or "speak." In conjunction with "wist not what," it underscores Peter's inability to articulate anything meaningful or appropriate. His mind was so overwhelmed by the divine glory that he lost the capacity for coherent speech, highlighting the inadequacy of human language in the presence of the transcendent.
* **sore afraid (Greek, _ékphobos_):** This compound adjective, formed from _ek_ (out of) and _phobos_ (fear), literally means "frightened out of one's wits" or "exceedingly afraid." The prefix _ek-_ intensifies the meaning of fear, indicating an overwhelming, externalized, and profound terror that left the disciples bewildered and paralyzed. This was not a simple fright but a deep, existential dread in the face of the holy, a common and appropriate response to direct divine encounter in biblical narratives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he wist not what to say":** This clause explains Peter's preceding suggestion. His mind was so utterly overwhelmed by the divine glory of the Transfiguration—the radiant appearance of Jesus, the presence of Moses and Elijah, and the luminous cloud—that he was incapable of coherent thought or rational speech. His words in [Mark 9:5](/mark/9-5 "Mark 9:5 - Peter's Suggestion") were not born of clear understanding or theological insight, but from a state of profound disorientation and mental incapacitation. He literally "did not know what to say" because his senses and intellect were flooded by the extraordinary reality before him.
* **"for they were sore afraid":** This second explanatory clause clarifies the reason for Peter's state and extends the experience to all three disciples present (Peter, James, and John). The term "sore afraid" conveys an intense, almost paralyzing terror, a fear that goes beyond mere apprehension to a deep, visceral dread. This profound fear was a natural and understandable reaction to encountering the unmediated glory of God, a common biblical motif that emphasizes human frailty and the awe-inspiring power of the divine. Their fear was not a sign of unbelief, but of a deeply felt recognition of the holy and transcendent.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 9:6 employs several literary devices to convey the disciples' experience. The primary device is the **Explanatory Clause**, introduced by the repeated "for" (Greek, _gar_). This structure immediately provides the reader with the reason for Peter's seemingly illogical utterance in the previous verse, clarifying that his words were a product of extreme emotional and cognitive distress rather than reasoned thought. The phrase "sore afraid" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and overwhelming nature of the disciples' terror; it's not just fear, but a fear that drives one "out of one's wits." This intense description vividly portrays the impact of divine glory on human beings. Furthermore, the disciples' bewildered reaction and inability to comprehend or respond appropriately can be seen as **Foreshadowing** the ongoing struggle of the disciples throughout Mark's Gospel to grasp the true nature of Jesus' identity and mission, particularly His path to suffering and glory. Their fear here is a precursor to their later incomprehension and even abandonment of Jesus in His passion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 9:6 powerfully illustrates the profound and often overwhelming impact of encountering divine glory on human beings. It underscores the theme of human inadequacy in the face of the transcendent, reminding us that God's majesty often leaves us speechless and awestruck. This is not merely a physical fear, but a holy dread, a recognition of the vast chasm between human finitude and divine infinitude. The disciples' reaction mirrors the experiences of many biblical figures who encountered God's manifest presence, highlighting a universal human response to the holy. It teaches us that true reverence involves a deep sense of awe and humility, acknowledging that God's ways and being are far beyond our full comprehension or control.

* [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah's Vision and Confession of Unworthiness")
* [Daniel 8:17](/daniel/8-17 "Daniel's Fear and Weakness Before the Angel")
* [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "John's Reaction to the Glorified Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 9:6 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us of the proper posture before God's majesty. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility and awe, recognizing that our understanding of God will always be partial and that His presence can be overwhelming. When we encounter God's truth or power, whether through scripture, prayer, or divine intervention, our natural response should be one of reverence and profound respect, not necessarily immediate comprehension or articulate response. Peter's experience also offers grace: God uses imperfect people who, at times, may not know how to react appropriately to His presence or His plans. Our confusion or fear in the face of overwhelming divine realities does not disqualify us from His service. Ultimately, this verse redirects our focus from our own reactions to the central importance of listening to and obeying Jesus, as commanded by the Father in the very next verse. Our awe should lead to deeper devotion and obedience to Christ, rather than attempting to control or rationalize the divine.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically react when confronted with moments of profound spiritual truth or divine mystery?**
* **What does "fear of the Lord" mean to you, and how does it differ from ordinary fear?**
* **In what ways might our own attempts to "build tabernacles" (i.e., control, categorize, or ritualize God's work) prevent us from truly listening to Jesus?**
* **How does Peter's human imperfection in this moment encourage you in your own walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why was Peter so afraid during the Transfiguration?**

Answer: Peter, along with James and John, was "sore afraid" because they were confronted with an overwhelming manifestation of divine glory. Jesus' appearance was transformed, radiant with heavenly light, and He was accompanied by two of the most revered figures in Jewish history, Moses and Elijah. This direct encounter with the supernatural and the holy was awe-inspiring and terrifying, a common human reaction to the unmediated presence of God in biblical accounts. It was a profound recognition of God's immense power and majesty, which naturally evokes a sense of dread and humility in finite human beings.

**What does "he wist not what to say" mean in modern language?**

Answer: The phrase "he wist not what to say" uses the archaic English verb "wist," which is a past tense of "wit," meaning "to know." Therefore, it means "he did not know what to say" or "he was at a loss for words." It emphasizes Peter's complete disorientation and mental incapacitation in the face of the divine manifestation. His mind was so overwhelmed that he couldn't formulate a coherent or appropriate response, leading to his impulsive and misguided suggestion to build tabernacles in [Mark 9:5](/mark/9-5 "Mark 9:5 - Peter's Suggestion").

**What is the significance of the disciples' fear in this passage?**

Answer: The disciples' profound fear is highly significant. Firstly, it underscores the **transcendence and holiness of God**. Their reaction validates the extraordinary nature of the event—it was a genuine encounter with divine glory, not a mere vision. Secondly, it highlights **human inadequacy and humility** in the face of the divine. It reminds us that God is utterly other and beyond our full comprehension or control. Thirdly, it sets the stage for the Father's command in [Mark 9:7](/mark/9-7 "Mark 9:7 - The Father's Command"), "This is my beloved Son: hear him." Their fear, though natural, needed to be redirected from their own overwhelmed state to the singular authority and unique identity of Jesus. Their awe should lead to obedience and deeper understanding of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 9:6, with its depiction of Peter's bewildered fear, serves as a poignant backdrop for the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment revealed in the Transfiguration. While the disciples were "sore afraid" and Peter "wist not what to say," their human inadequacy stands in stark contrast to the perfect revelation of God in Jesus Christ. The Transfiguration itself is a profound Christological moment, prefiguring Jesus' resurrection glory and His ultimate return in power ([Mark 13:26](/mark/13-26 "Mark 13:26 - The Son of Man Coming in Glory")). Peter's fear highlights the limitations of human perception and response, but the subsequent divine voice from the cloud in [Mark 9:7](/mark/9-7 "Mark 9:7 - The Father's Declaration") cuts through the confusion: "This is my beloved Son: hear him." This command is the heart of the Christ-centered fulfillment, shifting the focus from human reaction to divine declaration. Jesus is not merely another prophet like Moses or Elijah; He is the unique Son of God, the one to whom all should listen and obey. He is the ultimate revelation of God, the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), through whom God has spoken definitively to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Thus, Mark 9:6, though depicting human frailty, ultimately points to the supreme authority and divine identity of Christ, who alone is worthy of all worship and obedience, and in whom God's glory is perfectly revealed without overwhelming us, for He is God *with* us ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")).

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

Daniel 10:15

And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.

Daniel 10:19

And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace [be] unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

Revelation 1:17

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Mark 16:5

And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

Mark 16:8

And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any [man]; for they were afraid.