Mark 9:21

21 And he asked his father, How long a time is it that it has been like this with him? And he said, From childhood;

Mark 9:21 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 9:21

And he asked his father
As he lay rolling about in this miserable condition, that the length and stubbornness of his disorder might be known, and so the cure the more remarkable, and appear the more expressive of his divine power and goodness:

how long is it ago since this came unto him?
since this evil spirit entered into him, and these disorders have attended him?

and he said of a child;
or "from his infancy"; so that it was not for any actual sin that he had committed, that this sore affiction came upon him; and yet he could not be without sin, since it was not agreeable to the justice, mercy, and goodness of God, to afflict, or suffer to be afflicted, one that is innocent; and therefore must be tainted with original sin, which is the source and spring of all afflictions, calamities and judgments.

Mark 9:21 In-Context

19 But he answering them says, O unbelieving generation! how long shall I be with you? how long shall I bear with you? bring him to me.

20 And they brought him to him. And seeing him the spirit immediately tore him; and falling upon the earth he rolled foaming.

21 And he asked his father, How long a time is it that it has been like this with him? And he said, From childhood;

22 and often it has cast him both into fire and into waters that it might destroy him: but if thou couldst [do] anything, be moved with pity on us, and help us.

23 And Jesus said to him, The 'if thou couldst' is [if thou couldst] believe: all things are possible to him that believes.