And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

MARK 9:29KJV
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Mark 9:29 (KJV)

What does Mark 9:29 mean?

Mark 9:29 records Jesus telling his disciples that a certain kind of unclean spirit can only be driven out by prayer and fasting. This verse highlights that some spiritual challenges require a deeper dependence on God, not just ordinary effort or authority.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking privately to his disciples after they were unable to cast out a demon from a boy. The disciples had asked why they could not succeed, and Jesus responds by pointing to the need for prayer and fasting, suggesting that spiritual power is not automatic but comes through a close, humble relationship with God.

The Greek behind Mark 9:29

  • προσευχή (proseuchē, "prayer"): This word refers to direct communication with God. Jesus’ answer emphasizes that spiritual authority is rooted in ongoing prayer, not just technique or past experiences.
  • νηστεία (nēsteia, "fasting"): This word means abstaining from food for spiritual reasons. Its mention suggests that certain situations call for extra dedication and humility before God, beyond regular prayer.
  • γένος (genos, "kind"): This word points to a specific type or category, in this case, a particularly stubborn or powerful unclean spirit. Jesus is distinguishing between different levels of spiritual difficulty.

Why Mark 9:29 matters

  • Mark 9:29 clarifies that spiritual power is not automatic, even for Jesus’ closest followers; it depends on ongoing prayer and sometimes fasting.
  • This verse shows that Jesus recognized different levels of spiritual opposition, and not all can be addressed in the same way.
  • The verse connects to the broader theme in Mark 9 of faith, dependence on God, and the limits of human ability without divine help.

Where else these words appear

“fasting” Greek G3521 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
  • Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

“kind” Greek G1085 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 13:47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
  • Acts 7:19 The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

“prayer” Greek G4335 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
  • Acts 10:31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
  • Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

“but” Greek G1508 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • 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.
  • Romans 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.