Mark 9:33

Authorized King James Version

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And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἦλθεν he came G2064
ἦλθεν he came
Strong's: G2064
Word #: 2 of 18
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς to G1519
εἰς to
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 3 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Καπερναούμ· Capernaum G2584
Καπερναούμ· Capernaum
Strong's: G2584
Word #: 4 of 18
capernaum (i.e., caphanachum), a place in palestine
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 5 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐν by G1722
ἐν by
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 6 of 18
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
τῇ G3588
τῇ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκίᾳ the house G3614
οἰκίᾳ the house
Strong's: G3614
Word #: 8 of 18
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
γενόμενος being G1096
γενόμενος being
Strong's: G1096
Word #: 9 of 18
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἐπηρώτα he asked G1905
ἐπηρώτα he asked
Strong's: G1905
Word #: 10 of 18
to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek
αὐτούς them G846
αὐτούς them
Strong's: G846
Word #: 11 of 18
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
Τί What G5101
Τί What
Strong's: G5101
Word #: 12 of 18
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἐν by G1722
ἐν by
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 13 of 18
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
τῇ G3588
τῇ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδῷ the way G3598
ὁδῷ the way
Strong's: G3598
Word #: 15 of 18
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
πρὸς among G4314
πρὸς among
Strong's: G4314
Word #: 16 of 18
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,
ἑαυτοὺς yourselves G1438
ἑαυτοὺς yourselves
Strong's: G1438
Word #: 17 of 18
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
διελογίζεσθε was it that ye disputed G1260
διελογίζεσθε was it that ye disputed
Strong's: G1260
Word #: 18 of 18
to reckon thoroughly, i.e., (genitive case) to deliberate (by reflection or discussion)

Analysis & Commentary

What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? Jesus' question (τί ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ διελογίζεσθε, ti en tē hodō dielogizesthe) probes the disciples' hearts with penetrating omniscience. The verb διελογίζεσθε (dielogizesthe) means "to reason, debate, dispute"—they engaged in serious argument, not casual conversation. Jesus knows exactly what they discussed but asks to draw out confession and expose their worldly ambition.

The phrase "by the way" (ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, en tē hodō) has deeper meaning—ὁδός (hodos) throughout Mark represents the journey to the cross (8:27; 9:33-34; 10:32, 52). While Jesus walks toward crucifixion, explaining His coming suffering (9:30-32), the disciples quarrel about earthly greatness. This devastating irony exposes how completely they misunderstand messianic mission. Their silence in verse 34 reveals shame—they know their ambition contradicts Jesus' teaching about servant leadership.

Historical Context

This scene occurs in Capernaum, Peter's hometown and Jesus' ministry headquarters in Galilee (1:21; 2:1). The disciples had just witnessed the Transfiguration (9:2-13) and Jesus' second passion prediction (9:30-32). First-century Jewish messianic expectations centered on political restoration and earthly kingdom. The disciples' dispute about greatness reflects contemporary assumptions that Messiah's kingdom meant positions of power and honor, similar to Roman or Jewish hierarchies.

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