Mark 9:34

34 But they remained silent; for on the way they had debated with one another who was the chief of them.

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 They, however, did not understand what He meant, and were afraid to question Him.

33 So they came to Capernaum; and when in the house He asked them, "What were you arguing about on the way?"

34 But they remained silent; for on the way they had debated with one another who was the chief of them.

35 Then sitting down He called the Twelve, and said to them, "If any one wishes to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all."

36 And taking a young child He made him stand in their midst, then threw His arms round him and said,