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.

MARK 9:25KJV
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Mark 9:25 (KJV)

What does Mark 9:25 mean?

Mark 9:25 describes Jesus commanding a spirit that made a boy unable to speak or hear to leave the boy and never return, after seeing a crowd quickly gathering. Jesus directly addresses the spirit, showing his authority and care for the boy’s well-being, insisting the spirit leave for good.

In this moment, Jesus is responding to a situation where a boy has been suffering from a spirit that causes muteness and deafness. Jesus acts as the crowd draws near, firmly rebuking the spirit and making it clear that it can no longer harm the boy. This verse highlights Jesus’ power over spiritual forces and his concern for the individual in need.

The Greek behind Mark 9:25

  • The word "rebuked" (ἐπετίμησεν, epetimēsen) means to strongly warn or command. In this context, it shows Jesus’ authority as he confronts the spirit, not just asking but commanding it to leave.
  • The phrase "dumb and deaf spirit" (τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἄλαλον καὶ κωφόν, to pneuma to alalon kai kōphon) uses Greek words for "unable to speak" (ἄλαλον, alalon) and "unable to hear" (κωφόν, kōphon), making clear the specific effects this spirit had on the boy.
  • The verb "I charge thee" (ἐπιτάσσω, epitassō) is a strong command, often used for giving orders. Jesus is not negotiating; he is issuing a direct order that must be obeyed.
  • The command "enter no more into him" (μηκέτι εἰσέλθῃς εἰς αὐτόν, mēketi eiselthēs eis auton) is a permanent instruction, not just a temporary fix, showing Jesus’ intention for lasting freedom for the boy.

Why Mark 9:25 matters

  • Mark 9:25 clarifies that Jesus’ authority over spirits is immediate and public, not hidden or hesitant, as he acts before a gathering crowd.
  • The verse emphasizes that Jesus’ intervention is complete—he commands the spirit never to return, underlining the lasting nature of his help.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage by showing Jesus’ unique power where others (like the disciples) had failed, highlighting both his compassion and his divine authority.

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 9:17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;

“charge” Greek G2004 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 1:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
  • Luke 4:36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.
  • Luke 14:22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.

“deaf” Greek G2974 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 9:32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
  • Matthew 12:22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.
  • 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.

“more” Greek G3371 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
  • Acts 4:17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
  • Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;