And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;

MARK 9:17KJV
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Mark 9:17 (KJV)

What does Mark 9:17 mean?

Mark 9:17 describes a man from the crowd speaking up and telling Jesus that he has brought his son, who is afflicted by a spirit that makes him unable to speak. The man addresses Jesus as "Master" and explains his son's condition, seeking help.

In this scene, Jesus is approached by someone from the gathered crowd right after he comes down from the mountain where the Transfiguration happened. The man’s son is suffering from a "dumb spirit," meaning the boy cannot speak because of a spiritual affliction. This sets the stage for the following verses, where Jesus responds to the father's plea and addresses the boy’s condition.

The Greek behind Mark 9:17

  • The word "Master" is διδάσκαλε (didaskale), which means "teacher." The man is showing respect and recognizing Jesus' authority as someone who instructs others.
  • The phrase "dumb spirit" uses the Greek word ἄλαλον (alalon) for "dumb" or "mute," and πνεῦμα (pneuma) for "spirit." This highlights that the boy’s inability to speak is attributed to a spiritual cause, not just a physical one.
  • The verb ἤνεγκα (ēnenka), translated "I have brought," shows the father’s initiative and desperation in seeking Jesus’ help directly.

Why Mark 9:17 matters

  • Mark 9:17 clarifies that the boy’s inability to speak is not just a medical issue but is understood in the story as caused by a spiritual force.
  • The verse emphasizes the father’s faith and determination, as he brings his son to Jesus despite the crowd and the disciples’ earlier inability to help.
  • This moment introduces a key miracle in Mark’s Gospel, highlighting both the reality of suffering and the hope people placed in Jesus’ power to heal and restore.

Where else these words appear

“dumb” Greek G216 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 7:37 And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.
  • Mark 9:25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

“Master” Greek G1320 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 8:19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
  • Mark 12:19 Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
  • Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

“brought” Greek G5342 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 14:11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
  • John 2:8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
  • Acts 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.