And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?

MARK 9:28KJV
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Mark 9:28 (KJV)

What does Mark 9:28 mean?

Mark 9:28 describes how, after Jesus and his disciples entered a house, the disciples privately asked Jesus why they had been unable to cast out an unclean spirit from a boy. The verse shows the disciples seeking understanding from Jesus about their failure in a moment when they were alone with him.

The setting is just after Jesus healed a boy whom his disciples could not help. The disciples wait until they are inside, away from the crowds, to question Jesus about why they could not perform the exorcism. This private conversation highlights their confusion and desire to learn more from Jesus about spiritual authority and power.

The Greek behind Mark 9:28

  • The word "privately" comes from two Greek words: κατά (kata, "according to") and ἴδιος (idios, "one’s own" or "private"). Together, they stress that the disciples asked Jesus in a setting away from others, emphasizing the personal and confidential nature of their question.
  • The Greek word ἐπηρώτων (epērōtōn, "asked") suggests more than a casual question; it often carries the sense of inquiring or seeking an explanation, showing the disciples’ genuine desire to understand.

Why Mark 9:28 matters

  • Mark 9:28 clarifies that the disciples did not immediately understand why they failed, showing their humility and willingness to learn from Jesus rather than pretending to know the answer.
  • The verse sets up Jesus’ following explanation, which addresses faith, prayer, and dependence on God, making this private question an important turning point in the story.
  • This moment highlights the difference between public ministry and private teaching, showing that Jesus often explained deeper truths to his closest followers in a more intimate setting.

Where else these words appear

“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?

“cast” Greek G1544 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
  • Mark 1:12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.
  • Luke 11:14 And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.

“house” Greek G3624 · used in 106 verses

  • Matthew 9:6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins,(then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
  • Luke 10:38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
  • Acts 11:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

“privately” Greek G2398 · used in 109 verses

  • Matthew 9:1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
  • John 19:27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
  • Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.