Mark Chapter 9 · Verse 16

Authorized King James Version

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And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπηρώτησεν he asked G1905
ἐπηρώτησεν he asked
Strong's: G1905
Word #: 2 of 8
to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek
τοῦς G3588
τοῦς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραμματεῖς, the scribes G1122
γραμματεῖς, the scribes
Strong's: G1122
Word #: 4 of 8
a professional writer
Τί What G5101
Τί What
Strong's: G5101
Word #: 5 of 8
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
συζητεῖτε question ye G4802
συζητεῖτε question ye
Strong's: G4802
Word #: 6 of 8
to investigate jointly, i.e., discuss, controvert, cavil
πρὸς with G4314
πρὸς with
Strong's: G4314
Word #: 7 of 8
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτούς G846
αὐτούς
Strong's: G846
Word #: 8 of 8
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

Analysis & Commentary

Jesus asked the scribes, 'What question ye with them?' (Τί συζητεῖτε πρὸς αὐτούς;). This direct confrontation shifts focus from the disciples' inadequacy to Jesus' authority. By addressing the scribes publicly, Jesus protects His disciples and reasserts control of the situation. The verb sytzēteite (συζητεῖτε, 'question' or 'dispute') implies contentious argument. Jesus' question exposes the scribes' motives—they weren't genuinely seeking understanding but exploiting the disciples' failure to undermine Jesus' ministry. Throughout Mark, Jesus demonstrates authority over human opposition and demonic powers. His simple question silences scribal criticism and redirects attention to the real issue: human need for divine deliverance.

Historical Context

Rabbinic culture in first-century Judaism valued vigorous debate, but the scribes' questioning here was hostile, not scholarly. They represented religious establishment opposition to Jesus' authority. Earlier conflicts involved accusations of blasphemy (Mark 2:7), Sabbath-breaking (Mark 2:24), and demonic collusion (Mark 3:22). The scribes likely saw the exorcism failure as evidence that Jesus' movement lacked divine sanction. Jesus' direct question forced them to publicly articulate their criticism or remain silent. Ancient Mediterranean honor-shame culture made public confrontation significant—Jesus reasserted authority before witnesses.

Questions for Reflection