ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Mark 9

Mark 9:1 Some standing here who will not taste death probably refers to the three disciples who will accompany Jesus to the Mount of Transfiguration. They will see the kingdom of God . . . come with power. The transfiguration is a “preview” of the glory of Christ in his return (Dan. 7:13–27; Mark 13:26–27). See note on Matt. 16:28.

Mark 9:2 high mountain. Probably Mount Hermon (see note on Matt. 17:1).

Mark 9:3 On white as heavenly brightness, compare Dan. 7:9; Luke 24:4; Acts 1:10; Rev. 1:14.

Mark 9:4 Jesus is greater than both Moses, who represents the Law, and Elijah, who represents the Prophets. Jesus thus fulfills both the Law and the Prophets (see Matt. 5:17). Luke adds the detail that they discuss Jesus’ imminent “departure” (Luke 9:31).

Mark 9:5 Peter sees Jesus merely as someone similar to Moses and Elijah and wishes to raise tents for them, perhaps because he wants to prolong the experience. Peter does not know what he is saying, for he is speaking impulsively, out of fear (v. 6).

Mark 9:7 The voice . . . out of the cloud echoes Ex. 24:15–16. This is my beloved Son; listen to him. Jesus, with all his claims, is endorsed by the Father (see Ps. 2:7; Isa. 42:1; Mark 1:11). “Listen to him” echoes Deut. 18:15, 18, where Moses is shown to be a leader-prophet.

Mark 9:9 tell no one. See note on Matt. 8:4. Jesus commands silence in order to avoid a popular movement that would make him into a political “freedom fighter” (see John 6:15). Such a political role would interfere with his purpose of suffering and dying to save his people.

Mark 9:10 questioning what this rising from the dead might mean. The disciples expected only the resurrection of all mankind at the end of this age, after the coming of Elijah (see Dan. 12:2).

Mark 9:12 John the Baptist restored all things by preparing the way for the coming of the ultimate Restorer (see Mal. 3:1; Luke 1:17; Acts 3:21). On John the Baptist as Elijah, see notes on Mal. 4:4–6; Matt. 11:14. be treated with contempt. See Isa. 53:3.

Mark 9:13 Referring to John the Baptist, Jesus states that Elijah has come. See Luke 1:17. Jesus thus contradicted popular expectations (Mark 9:11), which hoped for the literal return of Elijah.

Mark 9:19 O faithless generation. Jesus’ burdened expression echoes that of the prophets (e.g., Deut. 32:5, 20; Isa. 6:11; Jer. 5:21–22; see note on Mark 8:12).

Mark 9:22b–24 The father is merely seeking a miracle from Jesus (if you can do anything), but Jesus calls on him to put his trust in God.

Mark 9:28–29 “Why could we not cast it out?” The disciples lack the ability to fully carry out their commission from Jesus (see 6:7; 13; 9:18).

Mark 9:30–31 he did not want anyone to know. Jesus seeks privacy in order to continue teaching his disciples about his impending suffering in Jerusalem (see note on Matt. 8:4).

Mark 9:32 The disciples do not understand that Jesus, the Messiah, must die; rather, they expect the Messiah to be a political liberator. Nor do they understand the idea of individual resurrection; they expect only the resurrection of all mankind at the last judgment (see Dan. 12:2). Yet they understand enough of what Jesus is saying that they are afraid to ask him anything more. Perhaps they remember that, when Peter expressed disapproval of Jesus’ predictions of suffering, Jesus rebuked him (Mark 8:33).

Mark 9:33 in the house. Jesus instructs the disciples in the privacy of the home (see 4:10; 34; 7:17; 9:28; 10:10).

Mark 9:34 who was the greatest. Because they thought the Messiah would be a political liberator, the disciples dream of status, honor, and power.

Mark 9:35 he sat down. Teachers often sat as they taught.

Mark 9:36–37 Jesus shows the disciples that, instead of seeking greater status (v. 34), they should be willing to take on lowly, often unnoticed tasks. They should care for those who have little status in the world, such as a little child. receives not me. See note on Luke 9:48.

Mark 9:40 the one who is not against us is for us. Compare Phil. 1:17–18. For a contrasting but equally true statement, see Matt. 12:30.

Mark 9:41 will by no means lose his reward. God notices the smallest of deeds.

Mark 9:42 Any who cause other believers, especially the lowly or powerless, to sin will receive severe punishment from God.

Mark 9:43–48 Jesus uses hyperbole (intentional overstatement) to show the seriousness of sin: nothing, even important things such as a hand, foot, or eye, can be more important than God. Of course, Jesus does not mean that people should literally cut off those body parts, for the literal removal of them cannot remove the root of sin in the heart (see 7:20–23; 9:45).

Mark 9:49 Everyone will be salted with fire is a puzzling statement that occurs only in Mark. In view of Lev. 2:13, “with all your offerings you shall offer salt,” perhaps the best interpretation is that believers are being offered to God (compare Rom. 12:1), and the fire with which they will be “salted” is purification by the “fire” of suffering and hardship.

Mark 9:50 lost its saltiness. See note on Luke 14:34.