Mark 9:18
New International Version
Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”

New Living Translation
And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.”

English Standard Version
And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.”

Berean Standard Bible
Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked Your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable.”

Berean Literal Bible
and whenever it seizes him, it throws him down; and he foams and gnashes his teeth, and is withering away. And I spoke to Your disciples, that they might cast it out, and they had no power."

King James Bible
And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

New King James Version
And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.”

New American Standard Bible
and whenever it seizes him, it slams him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes stiff. And I told Your disciples so that they would cast it out, but they could not do it.

NASB 1995
and whenever it seizes him, it slams him to the ground and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth and stiffens out. I told Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not do it.”

NASB 1977
and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him to the ground and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth, and stiffens out. And I told Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not do it.”

Legacy Standard Bible
and whenever it seizes him, it slams him to the ground and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. I told Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not do it.”

Amplified Bible
and whenever it seizes him [intending to do harm], it throws him down, and he foams [at the mouth], and grinds his teeth and becomes stiff. I told Your disciples to drive it out, and they could not do it.”

Christian Standard Bible
Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I asked Your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”

American Standard Version
and wheresoever it taketh him, it dasheth him down: and he foameth, and grindeth his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast it out; and they were not able.

Contemporary English Version
Whenever the demon attacks my son, it throws him to the ground and makes him foam at the mouth and grit his teeth in pain. Then he becomes stiff. I asked your disciples to force out the demon, but they couldn't do it."

English Revised Version
and wheresoever it taketh him, it dasheth him down: and he foameth, and grindeth his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast it out; and they were not able.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Whenever the spirit brings on a seizure, it throws him to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes exhausted. I asked your disciples to force the spirit out, but they didn't have the power to do it."

Good News Translation
Whenever the spirit attacks him, it throws him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth, grits his teeth, and becomes stiff all over. I asked your disciples to drive the spirit out, but they could not."

International Standard Version
Whenever it brings on a seizure, it throws him to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes stiff. So I asked your disciples to drive the spirit out, but they didn't have the power."

Majority Standard Bible
Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked Your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable.”

NET Bible
Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they were not able to do so."

New Heart English Bible
and wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth, and wastes away. I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they weren't able."

Webster's Bible Translation
And wherever he taketh him, he teareth him; and he foameth and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away; and I spoke to thy disciples that they should cast him out, and they could not.

Weymouth New Testament
and wherever it comes upon him, it dashes him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth, and he is pining away. I begged your disciples to expel it, but they had not the power."

World English Bible
and wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they weren’t able.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and wherever it seizes him, it tears him, and he foams, and gnashes his teeth, and pines away; and I spoke to Your disciples that they may cast it out, and they were not able.”

Berean Literal Bible
and whenever it seizes him, it throws him down; and he foams and gnashes his teeth, and is withering away. And I spoke to Your disciples, that they might cast it out, and they had no power."

Young's Literal Translation
and wherever it doth seize him, it doth tear him, and he foameth, and gnasheth his teeth, and pineth away; and I spake to thy disciples that they may cast it out, and they were not able.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And wherever he overtakes him, he rends him: and he foams, and gnashes his teeth, and he is dried up: and I spake to thy disciples that they might cast him out; and they could not.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And whenever it takes hold of him, it throws him down, and he foams and gnashes with his teeth, and he becomes unconscious. And I asked your disciples to cast him out, and they could not.”

New American Bible
Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.”

New Revised Standard Version
and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And whenever it seizes him, it troubles him; and he foams, and gnashes his teeth, and gets worn out. And I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And whenever it comes upon him, it throws him and it beats him and he gnashes his teeth and he wastes away, and I spoke to your disciples that they might cast it out, and they were not able.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And wherever it seizes him, it throws him into convulsions; and he foams, and gnashes with his teeth, and pines away: and I spoke to your disciples to cast him out, and they were not able.

Godbey New Testament
And when he may take him, he lacerates him: and he froths, and gnashes his teeth, and pines away. And I said to thy disciples, that they should cast him out; and they were not able.

Haweis New Testament
and wherever he seizeth him, he throws him into strong convulsions: and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth, and pines away. And I spoke to thy disciples, that they should cast him out; and they were unable.

Mace New Testament
which no sooner comes on him, but it throws him down: then the child foams, gnashes his teeth, and grows meager.

Weymouth New Testament
and wherever it comes upon him, it dashes him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth, and he is pining away. I begged your disciples to expel it, but they had not the power."

Worrell New Testament
and wheresoever it seizes upon him, it tears him, and he foams, and gnashes his teeth, and pines away. And I spake to Thy disciples, that they should cast it out; and they were not able."

Worsley New Testament
and wherever it seizeth him, it convulseth him; and he fometh, and gnasheth his teeth, and thus he pineth away: and I desired thy disciples to cast him out, and they could not.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Boy with an Evil Spirit
17Someone in the crowd replied, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked Your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable.” 19“O unbelieving generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to Me.”…

Cross References
Matthew 17:14-18
When they came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus and knelt before Him. / “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. / I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not heal him.” ...

Luke 9:37-42
The next day, when they came down from the mountain, Jesus was met by a large crowd. / Suddenly a man in the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, for he is my only child. / A spirit keeps seizing him, and he screams abruptly. It throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It keeps mauling him and rarely departs from him. ...

Matthew 12:22
Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed the man so that he could speak and see.

Mark 1:23-26
Suddenly a man with an unclean spirit cried out in the synagogue: / “What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” / But Jesus rebuked the spirit. “Be silent!” He said. “Come out of him!” ...

Luke 11:14
One day Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. And when the demon was gone, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowds were amazed,

Matthew 9:32-33
As they were leaving, a demon-possessed man who was mute was brought to Jesus. / And when the demon had been driven out, the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!”

Mark 5:2-8
As soon as Jesus got out of the boat, He was met by a man with an unclean spirit, who was coming from the tombs. / This man had been living in the tombs and could no longer be restrained, even with chains. / Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him. ...

Luke 8:27-33
When Jesus stepped ashore, He was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothing or lived in a house, but he stayed in the tombs. / When the man saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before Him, shouting in a loud voice, “What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You not to torture me!” / For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and been driven by the demon into solitary places. ...

Acts 16:16-18
One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl with a spirit of divination, who earned a large income for her masters by fortune-telling. / This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!” / She continued this for many days. Eventually Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” And the spirit left her at that very moment.

Matthew 15:22-28
And a Canaanite woman from that region came to Him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.” / But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came and urged Him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” / He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” ...

Mark 7:25-30
Instead, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit soon heard about Jesus, and she came and fell at His feet. / Now she was a Greek woman of Syrophoenician origin, and she kept asking Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. / “First let the children have their fill,” He said. “For it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” ...

Luke 4:33-35
In the synagogue there was a man possessed by the spirit of an unclean demon. He cried out in a loud voice, / “Ha! What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” / But Jesus rebuked the demon. “Be silent!” He said. “Come out of him!” At this, the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without harming him.

Acts 19:13-16
Now there were some itinerant Jewish exorcists who tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those with evil spirits. They would say, “I command you by Jesus, whom Paul proclaims.” / Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. / But one day the evil spirit responded, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” ...

Isaiah 35:5-6
Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. / Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.

Isaiah 42:7
to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.


Treasury of Scripture

And wherever he takes him, he tears him: and he foams, and gnashes with his teeth, and pines away: and I spoke to your disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

teareth him.

Mark 9:26
And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.

Matthew 15:22
And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

Luke 9:39
And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.

he foameth.

Mark 9:20
And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.

Jude 1:13
Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

gnasheth.

Job 16:9
He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.

Psalm 112:10
The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.

Matthew 8:12
But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

and they.

Mark 9:28,29
And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? …

Mark 11:23
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

2 Kings 4:29-31
Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child…

Jump to Previous
Able Begged Cast Dashes Disciples Drive Expel Foameth Foams Gnashes Gnasheth Goes Ground Lips Mouth Pain Pineth Pining Power Puts Request Seizes Stiffens Streaming Strength Teareth Tears Teeth Throws Twisted Violently Wastes Weren't Whenever Wheresoever Wherever
Jump to Next
Able Begged Cast Dashes Disciples Drive Expel Foameth Foams Gnashes Gnasheth Goes Ground Lips Mouth Pain Pineth Pining Power Puts Request Seizes Stiffens Streaming Strength Teareth Tears Teeth Throws Twisted Violently Wastes Weren't Whenever Wheresoever Wherever
Mark 9
1. Jesus is transfigured.
11. He instructs his disciples concerning the coming of Elijah;
14. casts forth a deaf and mute spirit;
30. foretells his death and resurrection;
33. exhorts his disciples to humility;
38. bidding them not to prohibit such as are not against them,
42. nor to give offense to any of the faithful.














Whenever it seizes him
The phrase "whenever it seizes him" indicates the unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of the affliction. The Greek word for "seizes" is "katalambanō," which can mean to take hold of or to overpower. This suggests a forceful and dominating influence, reflecting the spiritual battle between good and evil. In a broader scriptural context, it highlights the pervasive and relentless nature of demonic oppression, which can only be overcome by divine intervention.

it throws him to the ground
The action of being "thrown to the ground" signifies the violent and destructive intent of the demonic force. The Greek word "rhiptō" is used here, meaning to cast or hurl with force. This imagery evokes the chaos and disorder that sin and evil bring into the world, contrasting with the peace and order that Christ offers. Historically, such manifestations were understood as signs of spiritual warfare, emphasizing the need for spiritual vigilance and reliance on God's power.

He foams at the mouth
"Foams at the mouth" describes a physical manifestation of the spiritual affliction. The Greek word "aphros" refers to froth or foam, often associated with severe distress or agitation. This symptom underscores the totality of the boy's suffering, affecting both body and spirit. It serves as a reminder of the holistic nature of Christ's healing, which addresses both physical and spiritual needs.

gnashes his teeth
The phrase "gnashes his teeth" conveys intense pain and torment. The Greek "trizō" means to grind or gnash, often used in scripture to depict anguish or anger. This expression of suffering highlights the destructive impact of sin and evil, which Christ came to conquer. It also serves as a metaphor for the spiritual agony experienced by those separated from God, pointing to the hope of restoration through faith in Christ.

and becomes rigid
"Becomes rigid" describes the paralysis and helplessness caused by the demonic influence. The Greek word "xērainō" means to dry up or wither, suggesting a loss of vitality and life. This condition reflects the spiritual desolation that results from separation from God, emphasizing the need for Christ's life-giving power to restore and renew.

I asked Your disciples to drive it out
The father's plea, "I asked Your disciples to drive it out," reveals his desperation and hope for deliverance. The Greek "ekballō" means to cast out or expel, indicating the authority needed to overcome demonic forces. This request highlights the disciples' role in continuing Christ's ministry, yet also their limitations without faith and reliance on God's power. It serves as a call for believers to seek divine strength in spiritual battles.

but they were unable
The admission "but they were unable" points to the disciples' lack of faith or understanding at that moment. The Greek "ischuō" means to have strength or power, suggesting that their failure was not due to a lack of authority given by Christ, but rather a deficiency in faith or spiritual readiness. This moment serves as a teaching opportunity, emphasizing the necessity of faith, prayer, and dependence on God to overcome the challenges posed by evil. It inspires believers to cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ to access His power and authority in their lives.

Verse 18. - Wheresoever it taketh him (καταλάβη); literally, it seizeth hold of him. This is the Greek word from which comes our "catalepsy," the active form of "epilepsy." It teareth him (ῤήσσει). This is doubtless the literal meaning. But there is much evidence to show that it means here "it striketh or throweth him down." This is the reudering of the Peshito Syriac, and of the Vulgate. The same interpretation is also given by Hesychius as one of the meanings of the word. St. Luke (Luke 9:39) describes the symptoms thus: "A spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out, and it teareth him (σπαράσσει αὐτὸν) that he foameth (μετὰ ἀφροῦ), and it hardly departeth from him, bruising him sorely." This it will be remembered is the record of one who was himself a physician. He grindeth his teeth, and pineth away (ξηραίνεται), as though the springs of his life were dried up. The father of the boy is here minutely describing the symptoms when the fit was upon him. He seems here to express the stiffness and rigidity of the body in the approaches of the malady. And I spake to thy disciples that they should cast it out; and they were not able. They had tried and failed. This failure is attributed by our Lord (see Matthew 17:20) to their want of faith; or rather to their "little faith (διὰ τὴν ὀλιγοπιστίαν ὑμῶν)."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Whenever
ὅπου (hopou)
Adverb
Strong's 3699: Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.

it seizes
καταλάβῃ (katalabē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2638: From kata and lambano; to take eagerly, i.e. Seize, possess, etc.

him,
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

it throws him to the ground.
ῥήσσει (rhēssei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4486: To rend, break asunder; I break forth (into speech); I throw or dash down.

He foams at the mouth,
ἀφρίζει (aphrizei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 875: To foam (at the mouth), froth. From aphros; to froth at the mouth.

gnashes
τρίζει (trizei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5149: To grate, gnash (as the teeth). Apparently a primary verb; to creak, i.e. to grate the teeth.

his teeth,
ὀδόντας (odontas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3599: A tooth. Perhaps from the base of esthio; a 'tooth'.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

becomes rigid.
ξηραίνεται (xērainetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3583: To dry up, parch, be ripened, wither, waste away. From xeros; to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature.

I asked
εἶπα (eipa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

Your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

disciples
μαθηταῖς (mathētais)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

drive it out,
ἐκβάλωσιν (ekbalōsin)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1544: To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.

but
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

they were unable.”
ἴσχυσαν (ischysan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2480: To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force.


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NT Gospels: Mark 9:18 And wherever it seizes him it throws (Mar Mk Mr)
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