Mark 9:25
When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
Original Language Analysis
ἰδὼν
saw
G1492
ἰδὼν
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 31
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 31
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 31
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐπισυντρέχει
came running together
G1998
ἐπισυντρέχει
came running together
Strong's:
G1998
Word #:
6 of 31
to hasten together upon one place (or a particular occasion)
ὄχλος
the people
G3793
ὄχλος
the people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
7 of 31
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἐπετίμησεν
he rebuked
G2008
ἐπετίμησεν
he rebuked
Strong's:
G2008
Word #:
8 of 31
to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
10 of 31
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀκαθάρτῳ
the foul
G169
ἀκαθάρτῳ
the foul
Strong's:
G169
Word #:
12 of 31
impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))
λέγων
saying
G3004
λέγων
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
13 of 31
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 31
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
Τὸ
G3588
Τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
16 of 31
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κωφὸν
deaf
G2974
κωφὸν
deaf
Strong's:
G2974
Word #:
20 of 31
blunted, i.e., (figuratively) of hearing (deaf) or speech (dumb)
ἐξ
out of
G1537
ἐξ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
25 of 31
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
26 of 31
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 #:
27 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 16:18And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.Mark 9:15And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.Matthew 17:18And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.Luke 9:42And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.
Historical Context
Ancient exorcism practices (Jewish and pagan) typically involved elaborate incantations, magical names, herbs, or amulets. The Testament of Solomon, Dead Sea Scrolls, and Greco-Roman magical papyri document complex exorcism rituals. Jesus' exorcisms were categorically different: simple, authoritative commands producing immediate results. This astonished witnesses (Mark 1:27)—'with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.' Jesus' command that the spirit 'enter no more' shows permanent deliverance, not temporary relief. This fulfills Isaiah 49:24-25—the Messiah would liberate captives from the mighty oppressor.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' simple, authoritative command contrast with religious rituals that seek power through formulas or techniques?
- What does the permanence of Jesus' deliverance ('enter no more') teach about the completeness of salvation from sin's bondage?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus 'rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him' (ἐπετίμησεν τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἀκαθάρτῳ λέγων αὐτῷ, Τὸ ἄλαλον καὶ κωφὸν πνεῦμα, ἐγώ σοι ἐπιτάσσω, ἔξελθε ἐξ αὐτοῦ καὶ μηκέτι εἰσέλθῃς εἰς αὐτόν). Jesus' command is authoritative and direct—no magical formulas, lengthy rituals, or invocation of higher powers. The verb 'I charge' (epitassō, ἐπιτάσσω) means 'I command with authority.' Jesus speaks with inherent divine authority, not borrowed power. The command 'enter no more' prevents the demon from returning. This contrasts with exorcisms where demons return (Matthew 12:43-45), showing Jesus' complete authority. The exorcism demonstrates the kingdom of God overthrowing Satan's kingdom (Mark 3:27).