Mark 9:18

18 When the spirit attacks him, it throws him on the ground. Then my son foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes very stiff. I asked your followers to force the evil spirit out, but they couldn't."

Mark 9:18 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 9:18

And wheresoever he taketh him
The spirit, or devil, whether it be near fire, or water, whatsoever danger, or dangerous place:

he teareth him;
or throws him into it, or dashes him against it; or inwardly racks, tortures, and convulses him:

and he foameth;
at the mouth, like one that is mad:

and gnasheth with his teeth;
through the excessive pain he is in:

and pineth away;
his flesh is withered, dried up, and consumed away. This was the sad deplorable case this child was in, who was his father's only child, and therefore his health and life were very desirable: now he further observes to Christ, saying,

and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out, and
they could not.
Christ being absent, he entreated the disciples, who had power against unclean spirits, to cast them out; that they would make use of it, and dispossess this dumb and evil spirit; and who did make trial to cast him out, but were not able to effect it; (See Gill on Matthew 17:16).

Mark 9:18 In-Context

16 Jesus asked, "What are you arguing about?"

17 A man answered, "Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has an evil spirit in him that stops him from talking.

18 When the spirit attacks him, it throws him on the ground. Then my son foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes very stiff. I asked your followers to force the evil spirit out, but they couldn't."

19 Jesus answered, "You people have no faith. How long must I stay with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."

20 So the followers brought him to Jesus. As soon as the evil spirit saw Jesus, it made the boy lose control of himself, and he fell down and rolled on the ground, foaming at the mouth.