Mark 9:34

34 And they were still; for they disputed among them[selves] in the way, who of them should be [the] greatest.

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 And they knew not the word, and dreaded to ask him.

33 And they came to Capernaum. And when they were in the house, he asked them, What treated ye in the way?

34 And they were still; for they disputed among them[selves] in the way, who of them should be [the] greatest.

35 And he sat, and called the twelve, and said to them [and saith to them], If any man will be the first among you, he shall be the last of all, and the minister of all [and minister, or servant, of all].

36 And he took a child, and set him in the middle of them [in the midst of them]; and when he had embraced him, he said to them,