Mark 9:18

18 and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so."

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 He asked them, "What are you arguing about with them?"

17 Someone from the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak;

18 and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so."

19 He answered them, "You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me."

20 And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth.