Mark Chapter 9 · Verse 24
And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κράξας
cried out
G2896
κράξας
cried out
Strong's:
G2896
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατὴρ
the father
G3962
πατὴρ
the father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
5 of 16
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παιδίου
of the child
G3813
παιδίου
of the child
Strong's:
G3813
Word #:
7 of 16
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἔλεγεν
and said
G3004
ἔλεγεν
and said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Πιστεύω·
I believe
G4100
Πιστεύω·
I believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
11 of 16
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
κύριε
Lord
G2962
κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 16
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
Luke 17:5And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Ephesians 2:8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:2 Thessalonians 1:11Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:2 Thessalonians 1:3We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;Philippians 1:29For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;Psalms 126:5They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Historical Context
Context disciples could not cast out demon. Father brought boy to Jesus. I believe help my unbelief captures Christian experience. Genuine faith coexists with doubts struggles. Not that doubt is good but honest confession opens way to help. Jesus did not rebuke doubt but healed boy anyway. Grace meets imperfect faith. Many believers struggle with assurance doubt. This passage comforts struggling believers. Faith is not perfection but direction. Looking to Christ amid doubts. Early church provided assurance to doubting believers. Modern church should do likewise helping strugglers not condemning them.
Questions for Reflection
- What does I believe help my unbelief teach about nature of faith coexisting with doubt?
- How should church respond to believers who struggle with doubts rather than condemning them?
Analysis & Commentary
Straightway father child cried out with tears Lord I believe help thou my unbelief. Straightway immediately. Father patēr loving parent. Cried out ekraxen urgent plea. With tears meta dakryōn emotional desperation. Lord kyrie acknowledges authority. I believe pisteuō affirm faith. Help boēthei assist. My unbelief tē apistia lack of faith. Honest confession mixed faith doubt. Faith is not perfect unwavering always but trust despite doubt. Father wants son healed but struggles with unbelief after disciples failure. Jesus compassion meets imperfect faith. Reformed theology affirms sanctification is progressive faith grows imperfect this life. God meets us where we are.