Mark 9:34

34 And they remained silent, for by the way they had been reasoning with one another who [was] 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 understood not the saying, and feared to ask him.

33 And he came to Capernaum, and being in the house, he asked them, Of what were ye reasoning by the way?

34 And they remained silent, for by the way they had been reasoning with one another who [was] greatest.

35 And sitting down he called the twelve; and he says to them, If any one would be first, he shall be last of all, and minister of all.

36 And taking a little child he set it in their midst, and having taken it in his arms he said to them,

Footnotes

• [a]. See Note, Matt. 18.1.