Bible Strands
Mark 9:34
But they were silent, for on the way they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus questions the Twelve in a house in Capernaum after their journey. The disciples remain quiet because their travel was occupied by a dispute over their own status.
The words — The verb διελέχθησαν (dielechthēsan) literally means "they had been discussing," denoting an ongoing conversation. The verb ἐσιώπων· (esiōpōn) translates to "they were silent," recording their immediate, unspoken response to Jesus' inquiry.
The thread — The same argument about greatness appears in Luke 9:46 and Luke 22:24. Mark 9:50 follows this passage by commanding the group to maintain unity through salt.
Why it lands — The text reports that the disciples hid their competitive ranking when confronted by Jesus. Interpreters note that this silence exposes the futility of status-seeking and prepares the ground for Jesus' definition of leadership as servanthood in Mark 9:35.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.
Cross-references
- Mark 9:50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
- Luke 9:46 Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.
- Luke 22:24 A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them should be considered the greatest.
- Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
- Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
- 1 Peter 5:3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
- 3 John 1:9 I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.
- Matthew 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
- Matthew 20:21 “What do you want?” He inquired. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.”