Mark 9:34

34 But they were silent, for on the way they had been arguing about which of them was 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 But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him about it.

33 Then they came to Capernaum. While Jesus was in the house, He asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?”

34 But they were silent, for on the way they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest.

35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.”

36 Then He had a little child stand among them. Taking the child in His arms, He said to them,