9:1 those standing here who will never experience death See note on Matt 16:28.

9:2 after six days Recalls Moses’ six-day waiting period prior to ascending Mount Sinai to encounter God (Exod 24:16–18).

a high mountain Their proximity to Caesarea Philippi (Mark 8:27) suggests that Mark refers to Mount Hermon, which dwarfs all other mountains in the vicinity. See note on Matt 17:1.

he was transfigured The Greek term used here, metamorphoō, means His appearance was changed, suggesting that Jesus changed into the form of heavenly glory.

9:3 his clothing became radiant Echoes Moses’ appearance when he descended from Mount Sinai (Exod 34:29).

Theophany in the Old Testament

9:4 Elijah appeared to them together with Moses Both men encountered God on mountains (Exod 19–34; 1 Kgs 19). In the context of Mark’s Gospel, Moses may represent the law, and Elijah the prophets (compare Mal 4:4–6).

they were talking with Jesus This connects earlier stages of God’s revelation—the law and the prophets—with the present revelation, the Son, as God the Father affirms (Mark 9:7).

9:5 three shelters Peter may be thinking of the biblical festival of Sukkot (Tabernacles), when Israel lived in temporary booths to commemorate the exodus (Lev 23:42–43). Later Jewish tradition associated these booths with the shelter of God’s presence, which protected Israel through the wilderness to the promised land in the form of a cloud (e.g., Exodus Rabbah 34.3; Canticles Rabbah 2.6).

9:7 a voice came from the cloud Echoes Moses’ encounter with God at Sinai (Exod 24:15–18) and Elijah’s encounter at Horeb (1 Kgs 19:8–18). This heavenly declaration, recalling Jesus’ baptism (Mark 1:11), reveals Jesus’ identity to His closest confidants—this parallels Peter’s earlier affirmation that Jesus is the Messiah (8:29).

9:9 risen from the dead Once again affirming that Jesus’ death and resurrection is forthcoming (compare 8:31).

9:11 scribes See note on 1:22

Elijah must come first Many Jews expected that Elijah would come before the Messiah, based on Mal 4:5 (see note on Mark 6:15).

9:12 Elijah indeed does come first Jesus is referring to John the Baptist, who came in the spirit of Elijah (Matt 11:13–14).

and restores all things Jesus seems to be referencing the deuterocanonical text Sirach (also called Ben Sira), which speaks of Elijah coming again to restore the tribes of Jacob (Israel; Sirach 48:10). John the Baptist fulfills this role in convincing many Jewish people to repent from their sins, consequently preparing the way for Jesus (see Mark 1:1–8; note on 1:4). He restores people to relationship with God the Father, so that they may receive the kingdom of God and the inaugurator of that kingdom, Jesus.

written concerning the Son of Man that he should suffer Although no ot text explicitly says that the Son of Man would suffer, Jesus is making a connection between the messianic prophecy about the Son of Man in Dan 7 and the messianic prophecy about the Suffering Servant of Isa 52:13–53:12.

Jesus’ Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy Table

9:13 whatever they wanted An allusion to the execution of John the Baptist (6:14–29).

just as it is written about him It is not clear which ot text Jesus has in mind here; any number of passages about suffering could be applied in this context, although none directly speak about Elijah’s suffering or death.

9:17 I brought to you The man is referring to bringing the boy to Jesus’ disciples—he had expected to see Jesus but encountered the disciples first.

9:19 O unbelieving generation Jesus’ remark appears to be directed at the crowds and perhaps His disciples as well (compare 8:38).

9:20 the spirit immediately convulsed him As in Jesus’ previous encounters with unclean spirits, the demon causes a commotion within its host when Jesus appears (e.g., 5:6).

9:23 for the one who believes Jesus’ response redirects the conversation from the question of His ability to the need for faith.

9:29 except by prayer This seems to refer to the prayer of the petitioner—the father in this instance (v. 24) rather than the exorcist. Although it is possible that the disciples were attempting to exorcise the demon without praying—just using a command.

9:34 who was greatest The disciples’ inability to comprehend Jesus’ destiny, or perhaps its significance, matches their distorted understanding of their own futures (vv. 38; 10:35–37).

Humility Devotional

9:35 servant Echoes the words of Isa 52:13–53:12, which Jesus will fulfill (compare note on Mark 9:12). Jesus demonstrates this principle by sacrificing His own life.

9:38 he was not following us The apostles apparently believe that they are the only authorized agents of Jesus.

9:41 he will never lose his reward Alludes to the day of final judgment and the expectations that Jesus’ followers treat all people with love and kindness. This distinguishes them from those who do not follow Jesus (compare Matt 25:31–46).

9:42 these little ones In Jesus’ analogy, this refers most directly to children (Mark 9:36–37), but the implication is that God will deal with those who mislead other people (compare 10:24).

9:43 cut it off Jesus’ hyperbolic language here and in His similar descriptions in vv. 43–47 shows the drastic effects of sin—that it only produces death and destruction.

life Refers to eternal life, continuing the theme of final judgment (v. 41).

hell The Greek term used here, geenna, is a transliteration of the Hebrew phrase for the “Valley of Hinnom.” This valley, located near Jerusalem, was associated with idolatrous sacrifices in Israel’s past (e.g., 2 Chr 33:6). In Jesus’ time it was used as a metaphor for God’s wrath.

unquenchable fire This and Mark 9:48 could imply that those who perpetually and unrepentantly turn from Jesus will experience eternal punishment for their sin. It could also be an affirmation that God’s decision to vanquish sin from the earth—and consequently eliminate unrepentant sinners—cannot be undone (see note on 2 Pet 3:7; note on 2 Pet 3:9). Either way, God must ultimately bring final judgment for there to be peace on earth, because sin is what causes disharmony with God’s good purposes.

9:45 better for you It is unlikely that Jesus intends for His followers to cut off their appendages. Rather, He indicates the seriousness of sin and the exceeding worth of the life He offers.

9:47 enter into the kingdom of God Focuses on the eternal aspects of God’s kingdom. Jesus is referring here to entering God’s presence after bodily death or final judgment.

9:48 where their worm does not die Jesus alludes to Isaiah’s description of the ultimate fate of the unrepentant wicked (see Isa 66:24 and note).

fire is not extinguished See note on Mark 9:43; note on Isa 66:24.

9:49 everyone will be salted with fire In the previous verses, Jesus associates fire with judgment for unrepentant sinners, suggesting that here Jesus is referring to everyone being judged. Those who choose Jesus experience eternal life (Mark 9:43; compare note on 2 Pet 3:7; Rev 20:11–15).

9:50 Salt is good See note on Matt 5:13.

be at peace with one another Recalls the disciples’ earlier argument (Mark 9:34).