And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute.
English Standard Version (ESV)
When this father cries out to Jesus, he's not just asking for a miracle; he's implicitly highlighting the failure of Jesus' own disciples, who were unable to help. His plea, while desperate, also underscores a subtle but critical moment where the disciples' limitations are exposed, and the crowd witnesses a father's trust being tested.
And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just returned from the Mount of Transfiguration, only to find his disciples in a heated dispute with scribes and a crowd around them. Amidst this confusion, a desperate father steps forward, explaining that he brought his son to Jesus because a spirit has made him mute. This father had already appealed to the disciples, but they were unable to help.
Imagine the scene: a crowd, scribes arguing, and a father desperate for help. What does his approach reveal?
This father, though addressing Jesus as 'Teacher,' is clearly at his wit's end. He's tried Jesus' disciples and they've failed. His words, "I brought my son to you," carry the weight of his journey and his dashed hopes. It's a moment where faith is strained, and desperation mingles with a flicker of hope that Jesus might be the answer his disciples couldn't provide.
Notice the context: the scribes are there, questioning and likely mocking the disciples' inability to help. The disciples themselves are likely feeling exposed and inadequate. Amidst this, the father steps forward, not with a demand, but with a plea for his suffering son.
What does it mean for a spirit to be 'dumb'? It's more than just silence; it's a profound affliction.
The term 'dumb spirit' describes the effect of the possession on the son – he was rendered unable to speak.
This wasn't just a physical ailment; it was spiritual warfare. The demon actively oppressed the boy, stealing his voice and likely causing other severe distress as described later in the passage (like foaming, grinding teeth, and falling). The demon's power was evident in its ability to incapacitate the son's very ability to communicate, isolating him and intensifying his suffering.
Understand the original words
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didaskalos · Greek Noun
An authoritative instructor, specifically one recognized for teaching the Law and wisdom, often used as a title for Jesus by those who respected his authority.
pneuma · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, this refers to a demonic entity or an unclean spirit that possesses or oppresses a person, causing physical or mental affliction.
alalos · Greek Adjective
The inability to speak, often portrayed in the Gospels as a result of demonic influence, symbolizing the silencing of the human voice or a blockage in relationship with God.
This event unfolds against the backdrop of Jesus' rising fame and the growing opposition from religious leaders. The disciples' failure to heal the boy, juxtaposed with Jesus' immediate success, underscores the spiritual realities of the time and the unique authority Jesus possessed.
c. AD 28
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, teaching, healing, and calling disciples. This marks the start of a period of growing popularity and opposition.
c. AD 28
Transfiguration Event
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain where he is transfigured and appears with Moses and Elijah. This event immediately precedes the healing of the boy.
c. AD 28— this verse
Disciples Fail to Heal Boy
After Jesus' transfiguration, he returns to find his other disciples unable to cast out a demon from a boy. This highlights a moment of spiritual weakness among the disciples.
c. AD 28
Jesus Heals the Boy
Jesus rebukes the demon, casts it out, and heals the boy, demonstrating his divine authority over spiritual forces.
c. AD 28-29
Growing Opposition to Jesus
As Jesus' fame spreads, the religious authorities, particularly the scribes and Pharisees, intensify their opposition and plot against him.
This passage highlights the father's desperation and the boy's suffering, emphasizing 'my only son,' which deepens the emotional weight of the father's plea in Mark 9:17.
Matthew 17:14-15Matthew describes the boy as 'lunatic' and the father as 'kneeling,' adding layers to the description of the affliction and the father's posture of humility and desperation that complements Mark's account.
Mark 9:25This verse directly follows the incident in Mark 9:17 and reveals Jesus rebuking the 'deaf and dumb spirit,' directly linking the boy's condition described by the father to the spiritual oppression he faced.
Luke 9:42This verse describes the violent nature of the affliction as the spirit 'tore him' and Jesus rebuked it, underscoring the severity of the 'dumb spirit' mentioned in Mark 9:17 and the power needed to overcome it.
bengelMark 9:17: "And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;"
Mark 9:17 . Εἷς , one ) Neither the Scribes nor the disciples were venturing to speak.
expositorsMark 9:14-29: "And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them."
CHAPTER 9:14-29 (Mark 9:14-29)THE DEMONIAC BOY "And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great multitude about them, and scribes questioning with them. And straightway all the multitude, when they saw Him, were greatly amazed, and running to Him saluted Him. And He asked them, What question ye with them? And one of the multitude answered Him, Master, I brought un…
When this father cries out to Jesus, he's not just asking for a miracle; he's implicitly highlighting the failure of Jesus' own disciples, who were unable to help. His plea, while desperate, also underscores a subtle but critical moment where the disciples' limitations are exposed, and the crowd witnesses a father's trust being tested.
Jesus has just returned from the Mount of Transfiguration, only to find his disciples in a heated dispute with scribes and a crowd around them. Amidst this confusion, a desperate father steps forward, explaining that he brought his son to Jesus because a spirit has made him mute. This father had already appealed to the disciples, but they were unable to help.
Jesus has just returned from the Mount of Transfiguration, only to find his disciples in a heated dispute with scribes and a crowd around them. Amidst this confusion, a desperate father steps forward, explaining that he brought his son to Jesus because a spirit has made him mute. This father had already appealed to the disciples, but they were unable to help.
"And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute." — When this father cries out to Jesus, he's not just asking for a miracle; he's implicitly highlighting the failure of Jesus' own disciples, who were unable to help. His plea, while desperate, also u…
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Last reviewed October 2026