Mark 9:20

20 They brought the boy to him; and as soon as the spirit saw him, it threw the boy into a convulsion.

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, grinds his teeth and becomes stiff all over. I asked your talmidim to drive the spirit out, but they couldn't do it."

19 "People without any trust!" he responded. "How long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to me!"

20 They brought the boy to him; and as soon as the spirit saw him, it threw the boy into a convulsion.

21 Yeshua asked the boy's father, "How long has this been happening to him?" "Ever since childhood," he said;

22 "and it often tries to kill him by throwing him into the fire or into the water. But if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us!"