Mark 9:31 (KJV)

What does Mark 9:31 mean?

Mark 9:31 records Jesus teaching his disciples that he, referring to himself as the "Son of man," will be handed over to people who will kill him, but after being killed, he will rise again on the third day. This verse is a clear prediction by Jesus of his coming death and resurrection.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking privately to his closest followers, preparing them for what will soon happen to him in Jerusalem. The phrase "delivered into the hands of men" shows that his suffering and death will come through human actions, but the promise that he will "rise the third day" points to hope beyond his death. This is one of several times in Mark where Jesus tries to help his disciples understand the path he must take.

The Greek behind Mark 9:31

• "Son of man" (υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, huios tou anthrōpou): This phrase is how Jesus often refers to himself, drawing on Old Testament imagery of a human figure with a special role from God. Here, it emphasizes both his humanity and his unique mission.
• "Delivered" (παραδίδωμι, paradidōmi): The Greek word means to hand over or betray. It suggests that Jesus’ suffering will involve being given up by others, possibly hinting at betrayal by someone close.
• "Rise" (ἀνίστημι, anistēmi): This verb means to stand up or rise again. In this context, it points directly to Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, not just a metaphorical rising.
• "Third day" (τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ, tritē hēmera): The phrase marks a specific time frame, showing that Jesus’ resurrection is not an open-ended hope but something he says will happen soon after his death.

Why Mark 9:31 matters

• Mark 9:31 clears up that Jesus’ death was not an accident or a surprise, but something he knew about and willingly faced.
• The verse highlights that Jesus’ suffering and resurrection are central to his mission, not just a tragic ending but part of a larger plan.
• This prediction connects to the wider themes in Mark where the disciples often struggle to understand what Jesus means about suffering and rising again, showing how different God’s plan is from what they expected.