Mark 9:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?”

NIV: What are you arguing with them about?' he asked.

NASB: And He asked them, 'What are you disputing with them?'

CSB: He asked them, "What are you arguing with them about? "

NLT: What is all this arguing about?' Jesus asked.

KJV: And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?

NKJV: And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?”

We aren't told exactly what the scribes and disciples are arguing about, but it's not a unique event. Especially in the beginning of Jesus' ministry, the scribes and Pharisees tried to subvert His mission by casting doubt in His followers. When Jesus ate with tax collectors and other sinners, the religious leaders questioned the disciples (Mark 2:15–16). When the disciples ignored the extra-Scriptural customs on fasting and the Sabbath, the Pharisees confronted Jesus (Mark 2:18, 24; 7:5).

We also know that the scribes from Jerusalem claim Jesus' miraculous power came from Satan (Mark 3:22). Jesus later empowers the disciples to perform miracles of their own (Mark 6:7–13). So, when the scribes witness the disciples' unsuccessful attempts at exorcising a demon from a boy (Mark 9:18), the scribes apparently see their chance to assert their authority and try to draw the disciples back into their legalistic fold. It's likely that the scribes are insisting that the disciples cannot save the boy because they are not empowered by God.

The wording here is a bit confusing. We don't know whom Jesus is addressing. The other accounts (Matthew 17:14–20; Luke 9:37–43) aren't any help, as they dive directly into the father's plea. Whether Jesus is speaking to the scribes or the disciples, His question doesn't mean He doesn't know what is going on. Both He (Matthew 26:40) and God the Father (Genesis 3:9, 13) are known to use a question to take control of the situation and direct people's attention.

Mark 9:14–29 follows the transfiguration, where Peter, James, and John went up a mountain with Jesus and saw a display of His glory as God. They also saw Moses and Elijah and heard God affirm Jesus as His Son. Now the three disciples and Jesus return from the mountain and find the remaining disciples arguing with Jewish scribes. The disciples have tried to expel a dangerous demon from a young boy but have been unable despite having performed exorcisms before (Mark 6:7–13). Jesus explains that to do God's work, we need faith in Him and to be empowered by Him. This section is parallel to Matthew 17:14–20 and Luke 9:37–43.

Mark chapter 9 contains an account of Jesus' transfiguration, where three of the disciples witness Him in a glorified form. In this passage, Jesus also heals a demon-possessed boy. His teachings in this section include a prediction of His death and resurrection, and corrections to the disciples' errors on questions of pride and temptation.

Mark 9 continues Jesus' efforts to teach the disciples who He is, what He has come to do, and what their role is in His mission. The chapter begins with the transfiguration, where Peter, James, and John catch a glimpse of Jesus' glory, and ends back in Capernaum. Jesus spends most of that time teaching. Although the disciples do quarrel with the scribes, the misconceptions and errors Jesus addresses come from the disciples, themselves, not outsiders. In the next chapter, He will leave Galilee and travel toward Jerusalem and the cross.

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes both Jesus' servanthood and His role as the promised Messiah: the Son of God. This is done through a concise, action-packed style. Mark provides relatively few details, instead focusing on actions and simple statements. This relates to the Gospel's authorship, which is believed to be based on the memories of the apostle Peter. These include many of Jesus' miracles, in contrast to other Gospels which include many more of Jesus' teachings and parables. Mark also makes frequent mention of Jesus' ministry being misunderstood by others.