Mark 9:18

18 (9-17) Who, wheresoever he taketh him, dasheth him: and he foameth and gnasheth with the teeth and pineth away. And I spoke to thy disciples to cast him out: and they could not.

Mark 9:18 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 9:18

And wheresoever he taketh him
The spirit, or devil, whether it be near fire, or water, whatsoever danger, or dangerous place:

he teareth him;
or throws him into it, or dashes him against it; or inwardly racks, tortures, and convulses him:

and he foameth;
at the mouth, like one that is mad:

and gnasheth with his teeth;
through the excessive pain he is in:

and pineth away;
his flesh is withered, dried up, and consumed away. This was the sad deplorable case this child was in, who was his father's only child, and therefore his health and life were very desirable: now he further observes to Christ, saying,

and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out, and
they could not.
Christ being absent, he entreated the disciples, who had power against unclean spirits, to cast them out; that they would make use of it, and dispossess this dumb and evil spirit; and who did make trial to cast him out, but were not able to effect it; (See Gill on Matthew 17:16).

Mark 9:18 In-Context

16 (9-15) And he asked them: What do you question about among you?

17 (9-16) And one of the multitude, answering, said: Master, I have brought my son to thee, having a dumb spirit.

18 (9-17) Who, wheresoever he taketh him, dasheth him: and he foameth and gnasheth with the teeth and pineth away. And I spoke to thy disciples to cast him out: and they could not.

19 (9-18) Who answering them, said: O incredulous generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him unto me.

20 (9-19) And they brought him. And when he had seen him, immediately the spirit troubled him and being thrown down upon the ground, he rolled about foaming.