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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/mark/9-33.htm" title="Mark 9:33">◄</a> Mark 9:34 <a href="/mark/9-35.htm" title="Mark 9:35">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/mark/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/mark/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/mark/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/mark/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/mark/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they were silent, for on the way they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/mark/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And they were silent, for along the road they had been discussing with one another which <i>was</i> greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/mark/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who <i>should be</i> the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/mark/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who <i>would be the</i> greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/mark/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which <i>of them was</i> the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/mark/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/mark/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which <i>of them was</i> the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/mark/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which <i>of them was</i> the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/mark/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But they kept quiet, because on the road they had discussed <i>and</i> debated with one another which one [of them] was the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/mark/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they were silent, because on the way they had been arguing with one another about who was the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/mark/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they were silent, because on the way they had been arguing with one another about who was the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/mark/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But they held their peace: for they had disputed one with another on the way, who was the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/mark/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They had been arguing about which one of them was the greatest, and so they did not answer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/mark/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But they held their peace: for they had disputed one with another in the way, who was the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/mark/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They were silent. On the road they had argued about who was the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/mark/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But they would not answer him, because on the road they had been arguing among themselves about who was the greatest. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/mark/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But they kept silent, because they had argued on the road with one another about who was the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/mark/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they were silent, for on the way they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/mark/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/mark/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But they were silent, for they had disputed one with another on the way about who was the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/mark/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/mark/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But they remained silent; for on the way they had debated with one another who was the chief of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/mark/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But they were silent, for they had disputed with one another on the way about who was the greatest. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/mark/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And they were silent, for they reasoned with one another in the way who is greater;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/mark/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And they were silent, for along the road they had been discussing with one another which <i>was</i> greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/mark/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and they were silent, for with one another they did reason in the way who is greater;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/mark/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they were silent; for they discussed to one another in the way, who the greatest.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/mark/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But they held their peace, for in the way they had disputed among themselves, which of them should be the greatest. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/mark/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But they were silent. For indeed, on the way, they had disputed among themselves as to which of them was greater.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/mark/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But they remained silent. They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/mark/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/mark/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But they kept silent, for on the road they had argued with one another, which was the greatest of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But they were silent, for they had been arguing on the road with one another who was the greatest among them.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/mark/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But they were silent. For they had been disputing with one another along the road which was greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/mark/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And they were silent: for they were disputing to one another in the way, who was the greater.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/mark/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But they held their peace. For they had been disputing with each other on the road, which was the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/mark/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />at which they were silent, for upon the road they had disputed about precedency.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/mark/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But they remained silent; for on the way they had debated with one another who was the chief of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/mark/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />But they were silent; for they disputed with one another in the way, who <i>was</i> the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/mark/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />But they held their peace; for they had been disputing with each other by the way who <i>should be</i> the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/mark/9-34.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=2981" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/mark/9.htm">The Greatest in the Kingdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33</span>Then they came to Capernaum. While Jesus was in the house, He asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” <span class="reftext">34</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4623.htm" title="4623: esiōpōn (V-IIA-3P) -- To keep silence, be silent, either voluntarily or involuntarily. From siope; to be dumb; figuratively, to be calm.">they were silent,</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">for</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">on</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3598.htm" title="3598: hodō (N-DFS) -- A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.">way</a> <a href="/greek/1256.htm" title="1256: dielechthēsan (V-AIP-3P) -- To converse, address, preach, lecture; I argue, reason. Middle voice from dia and lego; to say thoroughly, i.e. Discuss.">they had been arguing about</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward."></a> <a href="/greek/240.htm" title="240: allēlous (RecPro-AMP) -- One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another."></a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">which of them was</a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: meizōn (Adj-NMS-C) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">the greatest.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">35</span>Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Matthew 18:1-4</a></span><br />At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” / Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. / “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-46.htm">Luke 9:46-48</a></span><br />Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. / But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him. / And He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For whoever is the least among all of you, he is the greatest.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/20-20.htm">Matthew 20:20-28</a></span><br />Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him. / “What do you want?” He inquired. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.” / “You do not know what you are asking,” Jesus replied. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” the brothers answered. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-24.htm">Luke 22:24-27</a></span><br />A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them should be considered the greatest. / So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-11.htm">Matthew 23:11-12</a></span><br />The greatest among you shall be your servant. / For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a></span><br />Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-1.htm">James 4:1-3</a></span><br />What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? / You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask. / And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5-6</a></span><br />Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” / Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Romans 12:10</a></span><br />Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">1 Corinthians 1:10-12</a></span><br />I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction. / My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. / What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">1 Corinthians 3:3-4</a></span><br />for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man? / For when one of you says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a></span><br />The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-2.htm">Ephesians 4:2-3</a></span><br />with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, / and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-10.htm">Proverbs 13:10</a></span><br />Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a></span><br />Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.</p><p class="hdg">they had.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Matthew 18:1</a></b></br> At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/20-21.htm">Matthew 20:21-24</a></b></br> And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/9-46.htm">Luke 9:46-48</a></b></br> Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/21-25.htm">Argued</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-9.htm">Argument</a> <a href="/mark/8-31.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/matthew/21-25.htm">Debated</a> <a href="/mark/8-16.htm">Discussed</a> <a href="/mark/9-33.htm">Disputed</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Greatest</a> <a href="/mark/3-6.htm">Held</a> <a href="/mark/9-10.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/mark/5-34.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/mark/6-31.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/mark/8-17.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/mark/9-33.htm">Reasoning</a> <a href="/mark/6-51.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/mark/9-10.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/mark/9-33.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/11-31.htm">Argued</a> <a href="/mark/12-28.htm">Argument</a> <a href="/mark/10-33.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/mark/11-31.htm">Debated</a> <a href="/mark/11-31.htm">Discussed</a> <a href="/john/6-52.htm">Disputed</a> <a href="/mark/12-31.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/mark/12-28.htm">Greatest</a> <a href="/mark/11-32.htm">Held</a> <a href="/mark/10-20.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/mark/9-50.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/mark/10-48.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/mark/10-7.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/mark/11-31.htm">Reasoning</a> <a href="/mark/14-61.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/mark/10-26.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/mark/9-41.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/9-1.htm">Jesus is transfigured.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/9-11.htm">He instructs his disciples concerning the coming of Elijah;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/9-14.htm">casts forth a deaf and mute spirit;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/9-30.htm">foretells his death and resurrection;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/9-33.htm">exhorts his disciples to humility;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/9-38.htm">bidding them not to prohibit such as are not against them, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">42. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/9-42.htm">nor to give offense to any of the faithful.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/mark/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But they were silent</b><br>The disciples' silence indicates a sense of shame or guilt. This reaction suggests they were aware that their discussion was inappropriate. Silence in the presence of Jesus often signifies a recognition of His authority and the disciples' own shortcomings. This moment reflects the human tendency to seek self-promotion, even among those closest to Jesus.<p><b>for on the way</b><br>The phrase "on the way" indicates that this conversation took place during their travels. Jesus and His disciples were often on the move, journeying through Galilee and other regions. This setting highlights the itinerant nature of Jesus' ministry and the informal teaching moments that occurred during these travels. The road was a place of learning and revelation, as seen in other instances such as the road to Emmaus (<a href="/luke/24-13.htm">Luke 24:13-35</a>).<p><b>they had been arguing</b><br>The disciples' argument reveals their misunderstanding of Jesus' teachings about the Kingdom of God. Despite witnessing Jesus' miracles and hearing His teachings, they still grappled with worldly concepts of power and status. This argument is a reflection of human nature's inclination towards competition and self-interest, which Jesus consistently challenged.<p><b>about which of them was the greatest</b><br>This discussion about greatness underscores the disciples' lack of comprehension regarding the nature of true greatness in the Kingdom of God. Jesus later addresses this by teaching that true greatness comes from humility and servanthood (<a href="/mark/9-35.htm">Mark 9:35</a>). This theme is consistent throughout Scripture, as seen in Jesus' washing of the disciples' feet (<a href="/john/13.htm">John 13:1-17</a>) and His teaching that the last shall be first (<a href="/matthew/20-16.htm">Matthew 20:16</a>). The disciples' focus on personal status contrasts sharply with Jesus' example of self-sacrifice and service.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>The central figure in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is the teacher and leader of the disciples, guiding them in understanding the Kingdom of God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a></b><br>The followers of Jesus who are learning from Him. In this passage, they are caught in a moment of human weakness, arguing about their own status.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_way.htm">The Way</a></b><br>This refers to the journey Jesus and His disciples are taking, both physically towards Jerusalem and spiritually towards understanding His mission.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_over_ambition.htm">Humility Over Ambition</a></b><br>The disciples' argument reveals a common human tendency to seek personal greatness. Jesus teaches that true greatness in His Kingdom is marked by humility and service to others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/silence_and_reflection.htm">Silence and Reflection</a></b><br>The disciples' silence when confronted by Jesus suggests an opportunity for self-reflection. In our own lives, moments of silence can be powerful for introspection and spiritual growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_path_of_discipleship.htm">The Path of Discipleship</a></b><br>Following Jesus involves a journey of transformation. As we walk "on the way" with Him, we are called to leave behind worldly measures of success and embrace His values.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_unity.htm">Community and Unity</a></b><br>Arguments about status can disrupt community. Jesus calls His followers to unity and mutual respect, focusing on collective growth rather than individual accolades.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_mark_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Mark 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_the_greatest_in_the_kingdom.htm">Who is the greatest in the kingdom?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_messianic_secret.htm">What is the concept of the Messianic Secret?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_aren't_prayers_always_answered.htm">Why aren't prayers always answered?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where_does_your_hope_come_from.htm">How can I find strength and courage in faith?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/mark/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(34) <span class= "bld">Who should be the greatest.</span>--Better, more simply, <span class= "ital">who was the greatest.</span><p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/mark/9-34.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">But</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they were silent,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐσιώπων</span> <span class="translit">(esiōpōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4623.htm">Strong's 4623: </a> </span><span class="str2">To keep silence, be silent, either voluntarily or involuntarily. From siope; to be dumb; figuratively, to be calm.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="grk">γὰρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῇ</span> <span class="translit">(tē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">way</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁδῷ</span> <span class="translit">(hodō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3598.htm">Strong's 3598: </a> </span><span class="str2">A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they had been arguing</span><br /><span class="grk">διελέχθησαν</span> <span class="translit">(dielechthēsan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1256.htm">Strong's 1256: </a> </span><span class="str2">To converse, address, preach, lecture; I argue, reason. Middle voice from dia and lego; to say thoroughly, i.e. Discuss.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="grk">πρὸς</span> <span class="translit">(pros)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> </span><span class="str2">To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">each other</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλήλους</span> <span class="translit">(allēlous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_240.htm">Strong's 240: </a> </span><span class="str2">One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">which [of them was]</span><br /><span class="grk">τίς</span> <span class="translit">(tis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] greatest.</span><br /><span class="grk">μείζων</span> <span class="translit">(meizōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> </span><span class="str2">Large, great, in the widest sense. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/9-34.htm">Mark 9:34 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/mark/9-34.htm">Mark 9:34 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/mark/9-34.htm">Mark 9:34 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/mark/9-34.htm">Mark 9:34 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/mark/9-34.htm">Mark 9:34 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/9-34.htm">Mark 9:34 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/9-34.htm">Mark 9:34 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/9-34.htm">Mark 9:34 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/mark/9-34.htm">Mark 9:34 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/mark/9-34.htm">Mark 9:34 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/mark/9-34.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 9:34 But they were silent for they had (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/9-33.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 9:33"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 9:33" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/9-35.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 9:35"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 9:35" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>