Mark 9:24

Authorized King James Version

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εὐθὲως

G2112

straightway

directly, i.e., at once or soon

κράξας

G2896

cried out

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατὴρ

G3962

the father

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παιδίου

G3813

of the child

a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

μετὰ

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

δακρύων

G1144

tears

a tear

#10

ἔλεγεν

G3004

and said

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#11

Πιστεύω·

G4100

I believe

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

#12

κύριε

G2962

Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#13

βοήθει

G997

help thou

to aid or relieve

#14

μου

G3450

mine

of me

#15

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

ἀπιστίᾳ

G570

unbelief

faithlessness, i.e., (negatively) disbelief (lack of christian faith), or (positively) unfaithfulness (disobedience)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Mark Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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

People

The Twelve Apostles

Study Resources

Parables of Jesus