Mark 9:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Mark 9:10
10 And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.
Chapter Context
Mark 9 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, sacrifice, judgment. Written during the mid first century CE (c. 65-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Composed during or just after Nero's persecution when eyewitnesses were disappearing.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-50: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Mark and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Mark 9:10
10 And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.
Analysis
The disciples 'kept that saying' (τὸν λόγον ἐκράτησαν), obeying Jesus' command but 'questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean' (πρὸς ἑαυτοὺς συζητοῦντες τί ἐστιν τὸ ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῆναι). Their confusion reveals that resurrection was incomprehensible before its occurrence. Jews believed in general resurrection at history's end (Daniel 12:2; Martha's confession, John 11:24), but individual resurrection of the Messiah before the eschaton was foreign. Jesus repeatedly predicted His resurrection (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34), yet disciples couldn't grasp it. This demonstrates human inability to comprehend divine revelation apart from Spirit illumination. Even witnessing the transfiguration's glory didn't enable them to understand resurrection. Only after Easter did Scripture and Jesus' words make sense (Luke 24:25-27, 44-45; John 2:22). Reformed theology emphasizes that natural human reason cannot grasp spiritual truth (1 Corinthians 2:14)—revelation requires both objective word and subjective Spirit illumination.
Historical Context
First-century Jewish resurrection belief varied: Pharisees affirmed bodily resurrection at the end of the age (Acts 23:8), Sadducees denied it (Mark 12:18), apocalyptic literature described it (2 Maccabees 7). However, none anticipated the Messiah rising from the dead in the middle of history. The concept of dying-and-rising deities existed in pagan mystery religions (Osiris, Tammuz, Adonis), but Jewish monotheism rejected such myths. Jesus' resurrection was categorically different—historical event verified by witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:3-8), not cyclical nature myth. The disciples' confusion demonstrates they weren't predisposed to resurrection belief; their later testimony came from overwhelming empirical evidence, not wishful thinking or theological invention.
Reflection
- What does the disciples' inability to understand resurrection despite Jesus' teaching reveal about human spiritual blindness apart from divine revelation?
- How does the resurrection's utter unexpectedness to first-century Jews strengthen the evidence for its historical reality?
Word Studies
- Word: λόγος (Logos) G3056 - Word, reason, message
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Acts 17:18