Mark 9:20

20 They brought the boy to him. As soon as the spirit saw Jesus, it threw the boy into convulsions. He fell on the ground, rolled around, and foamed at the mouth.

Mark 9:20 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 9:20

And they brought him unto him
The father of the child, and those that were with him, brought the child to Jesus, into his presence, before him:

and when he saw him,
that is, either when Jesus saw the child, or the child saw Jesus; or the evil spirit in him, and by him which were all at once:

straightway the spirit tare him;
threw him into a violent fit, shook him, and convulsed him in a dreadful manner; knowing his time was short, and being filled with indignation and rage, that he should be obliged, as he knew he must, to leave the child very speedily; and was therefore resolved to do all the mischief, and put him to all the pain he could:

and he fell on the ground;
at the feet of Jesus, not being able to stand, through the violent motions and convulsions he threw him into:

and wallowed, foaming;
rolled about from side to side, foaming at the mouth, and in the most exquisite rack and torture.

Mark 9:20 In-Context

18 Whenever the spirit brings on a seizure, it throws him to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes exhausted. I asked your disciples to force the spirit out, but they didn't have the power to do it."

19 Jesus said to them, "You unbelieving generation! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to me!"

20 They brought the boy to him. As soon as the spirit saw Jesus, it threw the boy into convulsions. He fell on the ground, rolled around, and foamed at the mouth.

21 Jesus asked his father, "How long has he been like this?" The father replied, "He has been this way since he was a child.

22 The demon has often thrown him into fire or into water to destroy him. If it's possible for you, put yourself in our place, and help us!"