Mark 9:20

20 So they brought him, and seeing Jesus, the spirit immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming 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 it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked Your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable.”

19 “O unbelieving generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to Me.”

20 So they brought him, and seeing Jesus, the spirit immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has this been with him?” “From childhood,” he said.

22 “It often throws him into the fire or into the water, trying to kill him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”