Mark 9:21

21 And he asked his father, How long is it, since this hath befallen to him [How much time is it, since this thing befelled to 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 And he answered to them, and said, A! thou generation out of belief [+The which answering to them said, O! thou generation unbelieveful], how long shall I be among you, how long shall I suffer you? Bring ye him to me.

20 And they brought him [to]. And when he had seen him, at once [anon] the spirit troubled him; and he was thrown down to the ground, and wallowed, and foamed [and he cast down into the earth, was wallowed foaming].

21 And he asked his father, How long is it, since this hath befallen to him [How much time is it, since this thing befelled to him]? And he said, From childhood;

22 and oft he hath put him into the fire, and into water, to destroy him [+and oft he hath sent him into the fire and into waters, that he should lose him]; but if thou mayest any thing, help us, and have mercy on us.

23 And Jesus said to him, If thou mayest believe, all things be possible to a man that believeth.