And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?

MARK 9:11KJV
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Mark 9:11 (KJV)

What does Mark 9:11 mean?

Mark 9:11 records the disciples asking Jesus why the religious experts, called scribes, say that Elijah (Elias) must come before the Messiah arrives. The verse shows the disciples’ confusion about how prophecy fits with what they are witnessing in Jesus.

In this moment, Jesus is speaking with a few of his closest followers just after the Transfiguration, where they saw him in glory with Moses and Elijah. The disciples are trying to make sense of Jewish teachings about Elijah’s return, which the scribes taught as a necessary sign before God’s promised deliverer would appear. Their question shows they are wrestling with how Jesus’ mission fits with what they have been taught from the Scriptures.

The Greek behind Mark 9:11

  • Ἠλίας (Ēlias): This is the Greek form of "Elijah," the prophet expected to return before the Messiah. The disciples’ use of this name shows they are thinking about specific Old Testament prophecies, especially from Malachi.
  • δεῖ (dei): Translated as "must," this Greek word carries the sense of necessity or something that is required to happen. The disciples are asking about something they believe is a necessary step in God’s plan.
  • πρῶτον (prōton): Meaning "first," this word emphasizes the order of events the disciples expect—Elijah’s coming before anything else.

Why Mark 9:11 matters

  • Mark 9:11 highlights how Jesus’ followers were trying to understand him in light of traditional teachings and prophecies, showing their honest questions and confusion.
  • The verse connects the story of Jesus directly to Old Testament expectations, especially the prophecy in Malachi about Elijah’s return, helping readers see how the New Testament builds on earlier Scripture.
  • This question sets up Jesus’ explanation in the following verses, where he clarifies how prophecy is being fulfilled, which is key for understanding his identity and mission.

Where else these words appear

“Elias” Greek G2243 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
  • Mark 6:15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
  • Luke 4:26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.

“asked” Greek G1905 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
  • Mark 10:2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
  • Luke 9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

“first” Greek G4412 · used in 61 verses

  • Matthew 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
  • Luke 11:38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.
  • Romans 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

“scribes” Greek G1122 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 26:57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
  • Mark 15:31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.