Mark 9:34

34 But they would not answer him, because on the road they had been arguing among themselves about who was the greatest. ¹

Mark 9:34 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 9:34

But they held their peace
Fearing a reprimand, for their vanity and affectation of worldly grandeur:

for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who [should be]
the greatest;
that is, who should be advanced to the highest post, and have the greatest place of authority, honour, and dignity, in the temporal kingdom of the Messiah, they expected would be in a little time set up; for notwithstanding what Christ had said to them, concerning his being given up to the power of men, and concerning his death and resurrection, they still retained their former principle, to which they knew not how to reconcile his dying; and therefore chose rather to leave his meaning in suspense, and remain ignorant about it, than quit so darling a notion: and doubtless this dispute was occasioned by what Christ had said to them; who afterwards, getting by themselves, talked about it, which led on to a warm contest, about precedence in his kingdom.

Mark 9:34 In-Context

32 But they did not understand what this teaching meant, and they were afraid to ask him.

33 They came to Capernaum, and after going indoors Jesus asked his disciples, "What were you arguing about on the road?"

34 But they would not answer him, because on the road they had been arguing among themselves about who was the greatest.

35 Jesus sat down, called the twelve disciples, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must place himself last of all and be the servant of all."

36 Then he took a child and had him stand in front of them. He put his arms around him and said to them,

Cross References

• 1. 9.34Luke 22.24.