Question 1

What does Mark 9:12 mean?

Accepted Answer

Mark 9:12 records Jesus telling his disciples that Elijah (“Elias” in the King James Version) truly comes first and restores all things, but also points out that the Scriptures say the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected. Jesus is explaining that both Elijah’s coming and the suffering of the Messiah are part of God’s plan as written in Scripture. In this scene, Jesus is responding to his disciples’ question after they have seen him transfigured and heard talk about Elijah. The disciples are confused about how Elijah fits into the coming of the Messiah. Jesus affirms that Elijah’s role is important but shifts their focus to the suffering that the “Son of Man” (a title Jesus uses for himself) must endure, highlighting that restoration and suffering are both part of what has been foretold.

Question 2

The Greek behind Mark 9:12

Accepted Answer

Ἠλίας (Ēlias): This is the Greek form of “Elijah,” the Old Testament prophet. Jesus refers to Elijah’s expected return, which many Jews believed would happen before the Messiah appeared. ἀποκαθίστησιν (apokathistēsin): Translated “restoreth,” this word means to set things back in order or return them to their proper state. Jesus says Elijah’s role is to restore, suggesting a spiritual renewal or preparation. πολλὰ (polla): This word means “many things” and is used here to describe the extent of the suffering the Son of Man must endure. It emphasizes that the suffering is not minor or incidental, but significant and varied. ἐξουδενηθῇ (exoudenēthē): Translated “be set at nought,” this word means to be despised, regarded as nothing, or utterly rejected. Jesus is pointing out that the Messiah’s rejection is not a surprise but something already written in Scripture.

Question 3

Why Mark 9:12 matters

Accepted Answer

Mark 9:12 clarifies that the coming of Elijah and the suffering of the Messiah are not contradictory but both are part of the prophetic story found in Scripture. This verse helps correct the common expectation among Jews of the time that the Messiah would only come in glory and victory, by showing that suffering and rejection are also essential parts of the Messiah’s mission. Mark 9:12 connects the disciples’ confusion about prophecy with Jesus’ own path, helping readers see how Jesus interprets and fulfills Old Testament expectations in ways that were not widely understood.

Mark 9:12 (KJV)