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.

MARK 9:1KJV
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Mark 9:1 (KJV)

What does Mark 9:1 mean?

Mark 9:1 records Jesus telling some of his listeners that they would not die before they saw the kingdom of God come with power. This means that certain people present with Jesus would witness a powerful arrival or display of God's kingdom during their lifetime.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples and possibly a wider group after predicting his suffering and teaching about following him. The statement sets up an expectation that something significant related to God's reign—often understood as a powerful event or change—would happen soon, not in a distant future. This verse connects closely to the following story, where some disciples witness the Transfiguration, a dramatic revelation of Jesus' glory.

The Greek behind Mark 9:1

  • "taste" (γεύσωνται, geusōntai): In Greek, this word means to experience something directly, not just to sample it. Here, it emphasizes that some will not experience death itself before seeing God's kingdom come.
  • "kingdom" (βασιλεία, basileia): This word refers to God's rule or reign, not just a physical place. In this context, it points to a powerful demonstration of God's authority.
  • "come with power" (ἐληλυθυῖαν ἐν δυνάμει, elēlythuian en dynamei): The phrase means arriving or appearing with might or force. It highlights that the coming of God's kingdom will be unmistakable and marked by divine strength.

Why Mark 9:1 matters

  • Mark 9:1 helps clear up confusion about when God's kingdom would be revealed, showing that Jesus expected a powerful display in the near future, not only at the end of time.
  • The verse prepares readers for the Transfiguration in the next passage, where Jesus' divine nature is revealed to a few disciples, fitting his promise that "some" would see the kingdom's power.
  • It emphasizes that God's kingdom is not just a distant hope but something that began to break into the world during Jesus' ministry, witnessed by people who were actually there.

Where else these words appear

“shall” Greek G1089 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
  • John 2:9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was:(but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
  • Colossians 2:21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;

“here” Greek G5602 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • Mark 9:5 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.
  • Luke 23:5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

“not” Greek G3364 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
  • John 13:38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

“death” Greek G2288 · used in 106 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
  • Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.