Mark 9:34
But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐσιώπων·
they held their peace
G4623
ἐσιώπων·
they held their peace
Strong's:
G4623
Word #:
3 of 12
to be dumb (but not deaf also, like 2974 properly); figuratively, to be calm (as quiet water)
πρὸς
among
G4314
πρὸς
among
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 12
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,
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
διελέχθησαν
they had disputed
G1256
διελέχθησαν
they had disputed
Strong's:
G1256
Word #:
7 of 12
to say thoroughly, i.e., discuss (in argument or exhortation)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδῷ
the way
G3598
ὁδῷ
the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
10 of 12
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
Historical Context
Ancient Mediterranean culture was intensely honor-focused. Social status determined seating at banquets, synagogue positions, public recognition. The disciples' assumption that Messiah's kingdom meant elevated social positions reflected this culture. Jewish apocalyptic literature depicted righteous Israelites ruling with Messiah over nations (Daniel 7:27; Psalms of Solomon 17-18). The Twelve likely expected positions corresponding to Israel's twelve tribes, ruling from Jerusalem.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Jesus allow the disciples to feel the full weight of their shame rather than immediately correcting them?
- How does the contrast between Jesus' path to crucifixion and the disciples' debate about greatness expose the radical difference between kingdom values and worldly values?
- What contemporary 'greatness disputes' occur in Christian circles—competition over church size, influence, positions, or recognition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But they held their peace (οἱ δὲ ἐσιώπων, hoi de esiōpōn)—the imperfect tense indicates they kept silent, remained speechless. Their silence expresses shame and conviction. They recognize the shameful contrast between Jesus' teaching about His impending death (9:31) and their selfish debate about status.
For by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest (διελέχθησαν...τίς μείζων, dielechthēsan...tis meizōn). The verb διελέχθησαν (dielechthēsan) means "debated, argued"—this was contentious discussion, not friendly conversation. The question "who is greatest" (τίς μείζων) uses the comparative form meaning "greater, more important." They argued about relative rank in the coming kingdom, revealing how thoroughly worldly ambition infected even Jesus' closest followers. This dispute anticipates James and John's request in 10:35-45 and illustrates the human heart's persistent craving for status and recognition.