Mark 9:1

Authorized King James Version

PDF

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

Original Language Analysis

Καὶ And G2532
Καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγω I say G3004
λέγω I say
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 2 of 27
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς unto them G846
αὐτοῖς unto them
Strong's: G846
Word #: 3 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Ἀμὴν Verily G281
Ἀμὴν Verily
Strong's: G281
Word #: 4 of 27
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω I say G3004
λέγω I say
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 5 of 27
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὑμῖν unto you G5213
ὑμῖν unto you
Strong's: G5213
Word #: 6 of 27
to (with or by) you
ὅτι That G3754
ὅτι That
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 7 of 27
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
εἰσίν there be G1526
εἰσίν there be
Strong's: G1526
Word #: 8 of 27
they are
τινες some G5100
τινες some
Strong's: G5100
Word #: 9 of 27
some or any person or object
τῶν G3588
τῶν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 10 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὧδε here G5602
ὧδε here
Strong's: G5602
Word #: 11 of 27
in this same spot, i.e., here or hither
ἑστηκότων of them that stand G2476
ἑστηκότων of them that stand
Strong's: G2476
Word #: 12 of 27
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
οἵτινες which G3748
οἵτινες which
Strong's: G3748
Word #: 13 of 27
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
οὐ G3756
οὐ
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 14 of 27
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
μὴ G3361
μὴ
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 15 of 27
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
γεύσωνται shall G1089
γεύσωνται shall
Strong's: G1089
Word #: 16 of 27
to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience (good or ill)
θανάτου of death G2288
θανάτου of death
Strong's: G2288
Word #: 17 of 27
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
ἕως till G2193
ἕως till
Strong's: G2193
Word #: 18 of 27
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
ἂν G302
ἂν
Strong's: G302
Word #: 19 of 27
whatsoever
ἴδωσιν they have seen G1492
ἴδωσιν they have seen
Strong's: G1492
Word #: 20 of 27
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 21 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείαν the kingdom G932
βασιλείαν the kingdom
Strong's: G932
Word #: 22 of 27
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 23 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ of God G2316
θεοῦ of God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 24 of 27
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐληλυθυῖαν come G2064
ἐληλυθυῖαν come
Strong's: G2064
Word #: 25 of 27
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἐν with G1722
ἐν with
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 26 of 27
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
δυνάμει power G1411
δυνάμει power
Strong's: G1411
Word #: 27 of 27
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

Analysis & Commentary

Jesus' promise 'some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power' (οὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου ἕως ἂν ἴδωσιν τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ ἐληλυθυῖαν ἐν δυνάμει) has sparked interpretive debate. The phrase 'taste of death' (geusōntai thanatou) is a Hebraic idiom for experiencing death. Reformed interpreters traditionally understand this as referring to the Transfiguration (occurring six days later, Mark 9:2), where Peter, James, and John witness Christ's glory—a preview of kingdom power. Others see fulfillment in Christ's resurrection, Pentecost, or the destruction of Jerusalem (AD 70) vindicating Christ's claims. The phrase 'come with power' (elelythuian en dynamei) suggests a decisive demonstration of God's sovereign rule. The kingdom comes 'already but not yet'—inaugurated in Christ's ministry, demonstrated at Transfiguration and resurrection, advancing through the Spirit, consummated at Christ's return.

Historical Context

This statement followed Peter's confession (Mark 8:29) and Jesus' first passion prediction (Mark 8:31), creating tension between messianic glory and suffering. First-century Jews expected the Messiah to establish visible, political kingdom immediately. Jesus' teaching about suffering and death seemed to contradict kingdom hopes. His promise that some would see the kingdom 'come with power' before death reassured disciples that kingdom reality transcended political expectations. The Transfiguration (six days later) provided visible confirmation—Moses and Elijah appeared, Jesus shone with divine glory, and the Father affirmed His Son. Early church fathers (Origen, Chrysostom, Augustine) debated whether this referred to Transfiguration, resurrection, or Pentecost.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources

Bible Stories