Mark 9:1-50 King James Bible KJV

The Transfiguration, Jesus Heals Boy with Unclean Spirit, Jesus Predicts His Own Death Again, The Salted with Fire

Mark 9:1-50 King James Bible KJV. Mark 9:1–50 is a significant chapter in the Gospel of Mark. It is rich with teachings on the nature of Jesus and discipleship. The transfiguration reveals Jesus’ divine glory and foreshadows his resurrection, while the healing of the boy with the unclean spirit stresses the necessity of faith and prayer. Jesus’ prediction of his death reinforces the theme that the path to glory is through suffering, which the disciples continue to struggle to understand.

The teachings on greatness, humility, inclusion, and personal holiness show that discipleship involves serving others, accepting those who do God’s work in different ways, and taking radical action to avoid sin. Together, these passages challenge believers to fully embrace the radical call to follow Jesus in faith, humility, and commitment to God’s purposes.

Mark 9:1-50 King James Bible KJV
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The Transfiguration – verses 1-13
This section begins with Jesus’ statement that some standing with him will not taste death before seeing the kingdom of God come in power. Six days later, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to a mountain where he is transfigured, his appearance becoming dazzling white, and he is seen talking with Moses and Elijah. A voice from heaven declares, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” The disciples are terrified and confused, especially regarding the resurrection Jesus mentions afterward.

The transfiguration reveals Jesus’ divine glory and his fulfillment of the Law (represented by Moses) and the Prophets (represented by Elijah). It points to Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and prefigures his resurrection, giving the disciples a glimpse of the coming kingdom in its power. The event affirms that Jesus is the one to whom they must listen and follow, elevating him above all other voices, including those of the greatest figures in Israel’s history.

Jesus Heals a Boy with an Unclean Spirit – verses 14-29
When Jesus and the three disciples return to the others, they find a large crowd and a boy possessed by an unclean spirit that causes violent seizures. The disciples had been unable to cast out the demon. The boy’s father expresses both doubt and faith when he says, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Jesus heals the boy, rebuking the unclean spirit, and later explains to the disciples that such spirits can only be cast out through prayer.

This passage emphasizes the necessity of faith and prayer. The father’s plea for help with his unbelief reflects the human struggle between faith and doubt, and Jesus’ response shows the power of faith, even when it’s mixed with uncertainty. Jesus also teaches that certain spiritual battles require deep dependence on God through prayer, highlighting the importance of a life centered on communion with God.

Jesus Again Predicts His Death and Resurrection – verses 30-32
For the second time, Jesus predicts his death and resurrection. However, the disciples do not understand what he means, and they are afraid to ask him for clarification.

The disciples’ fear and confusion highlight their ongoing struggle to comprehend Jesus’ mission of suffering. They are still expecting a triumphant, political Messiah and cannot yet grasp that the path to glory is through suffering and sacrifice. This section continues the theme of misunderstanding and gradual revelation that runs through the Gospel.

Who is the Greatest? – verses 33-37
On the way to Capernaum, the disciples argue about who among them is the greatest. Jesus responds by teaching them that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in humility and service. He places a child before them, symbolizing the need to receive and serve others with the simplicity and humility of a child.

Jesus flips the cultural understanding of greatness, teaching that it is not about status, power, or position, but about humility and service to others, especially to those who are vulnerable or considered insignificant (symbolized by the child). To follow Jesus means embracing a life of selfless service rather than seeking personal glory or recognition.

Whoever is Not Against Us is For Us – verses 38-41
John tells Jesus that they tried to stop someone from casting out demons in Jesus’ name because he wasn’t part of their group. Jesus rebukes this attitude, saying that anyone who is not against them is for them. He affirms that those who act in his name, even in small ways like giving a cup of water, will not lose their reward.

Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is inclusive and that his followers should not be territorial or jealous of others who are also doing God’s work, even if they are not part of the same group. God’s work is bigger than the immediate circle of disciples. The passage highlights humility, cooperation, and an openness to others who are aligned with God’s purposes, even if they operate outside the traditional boundaries.

Warnings Against Causing Others to Sin – versus 42-50
Jesus gives a series of warnings about causing others to sin (especially the “little ones,” meaning those who are vulnerable or new in faith). He uses strong language, saying it would be better to have a millstone hung around one’s neck and be thrown into the sea than to cause someone to stumble. He goes on to emphasize personal responsibility in dealing with sin, using hyperbolic language about cutting off a hand, foot, or eye if it causes one to sin, indicating the seriousness of sin. Jesus concludes by talking about being “salted with fire” and encourages the disciples to live in peace with one another.

• The seriousness of leading others into sin or stumbling in one’s own spiritual life is emphasized. Jesus calls for radical measures to avoid sin and protect the integrity of one’s faith.
• The “salted with fire” reference points to both the purifying trials that disciples face and the preserving nature of a life devoted to God. Salt represents the character and purity that should mark a disciple’s life, while fire can symbolize both judgment and refinement.
• Jesus’ closing call to peace highlights that, alongside vigilance against sin, believers must maintain unity and peace within the community.

Mark 8:1-38 King James Bible KJV

1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
6 For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.
7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
8 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.
9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.
10 And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.
11 And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?
12 And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.
13 But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

14 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.
16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?
17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.
22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
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.
26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.
28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?
29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

30 And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.
31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.
32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.
33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.
35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,
37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
40 For he that is not against us is on our part.
41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not
quenched.
45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.
50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.