Mark Chapter 9 · Verse 15
And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλος
the people
G3793
ὄχλος
the people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
5 of 12
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἰδὼν
when they beheld
G1492
ἰδὼν
when they beheld
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
6 of 12
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 12
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προστρέχοντες
running to
G4370
προστρέχοντες
running to
Strong's:
G4370
Word #:
10 of 12
to run towards, i.e., hasten to meet or join
Historical Context
The Greek verb exethambēthēsan appears only in Mark's Gospel, describing intense astonishment at Jesus' person and works (Mark 9:15; 14:33; 16:5-6). The crowd's reaction suggests they recognized something extraordinary about Jesus' arrival. Ancient Near Eastern customs of greeting honored persons included running to meet them (Luke 15:20) and respectful salutation. The crowd's eager greeting contrasts with the scribes' hostile questioning, illustrating divided responses to Jesus—some receive Him gladly, others oppose. This pattern continues throughout Mark and reflects human response to divine revelation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the crowd's amazement at Jesus' arrival teach about recognizing divine providence in timely provision?
- How does the contrast between the crowd's eager greeting and the scribes' hostile questioning reflect the divided human response to Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
When the multitude saw Jesus, 'they were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him' (εὐθὺς πᾶς ὁ ὄχλος ἰδὼν αὐτὸν ἐξεθαμβήθησαν). The verb exethambēthēsan (ἐξεθαμβήθησαν) indicates astonishment or awe. Some commentators speculate that Jesus' face still reflected transfiguration glory (like Moses, Exodus 34:29-35), though Mark doesn't state this explicitly. More likely, the crowd's amazement stemmed from Jesus' timely arrival to resolve the disciples' crisis—divine providence manifest. Their running to Him and greeting Him (ēspazonto, ἠσπάζοντο) shows eager reception and respect. This contrasts with the scribes' antagonism. Jesus' presence transforms the situation—from contentious debate about the disciples' failure to demonstration of God's power over demons (vv. 25-27).