Mark 9:22
New International Version
“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

New Living Translation
The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”

English Standard Version
And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

Berean Standard Bible
“It often throws him into the fire or into the water, trying to kill him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

Berean Literal Bible
And often it casts him both into fire and into waters, that it might destroy him. But if You are able to do anything, having compassion on us, help us."

King James Bible
And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

New King James Version
And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

New American Standard Bible
It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to kill him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!”

NASB 1995
“It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!”

NASB 1977
“And it has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!”

Legacy Standard Bible
And it has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!”

Amplified Bible
The demon has often thrown him both into fire and into water, intending to kill him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!”

Christian Standard Bible
“And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

American Standard Version
And oft-times it hath cast him both into the fire and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.

Contemporary English Version
The demon has often tried to kill him by throwing him into a fire or into water. Please have pity and help us if you can!"

English Revised Version
And oft-times it hath cast him both into the fire and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The demon has often thrown him into fire or into water to destroy him. If it's possible for you, put yourself in our place, and help us!"

Good News Translation
"Many times the evil spirit has tried to kill him by throwing him in the fire and into water. Have pity on us and help us, if you possibly can!"

International Standard Version
The spirit has often thrown him into fire and into water to destroy him. But if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us!"

Majority Standard Bible
?It often throws him into the fire or into the water, trying to kill him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.?

NET Bible
It has often thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if you are able to do anything, have compassion on us and help us."

New Heart English Bible
And it has often cast him both into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us, and help us."

Webster's Bible Translation
And often it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

Weymouth New Testament
"and often it has thrown him into the fire or into pools of water to destroy him. But, if you possibly can, have pity on us and help us."

World English Bible
Often it has cast him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and many times it also cast him into fire, and into water, that it might destroy him; but if You are able to do anything, help us, having compassion on us.”

Berean Literal Bible
And often it casts him both into fire and into waters, that it might destroy him. But if You are able to do anything, having compassion on us, help us."

Young's Literal Translation
and many times also it cast him into fire, and into water, that it might destroy him; but if thou art able to do anything, help us, having compassion on us.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And many times also it cast him into fire, and into water, that it might destroy him; but if thou canst anything, help us, having had compassion upon us.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And oftentimes hath he cast him into the fire and into waters to destroy him. But if thou canst do any thing, help us, having compassion on us.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And often it casts him into fire or into water, in order to destroy him. But if you are able to do anything, help us and take pity on us.”

New American Bible
It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

New Revised Standard Version
It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And many times it has thrown him into the fire and into the water to destroy him; but whatever you can do, help me, and have mercy on me.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And many times it has thrown him into fire and into water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, help me, and have mercy on me!”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And often it throws him into the fire, and into the water, to destroy him. But if you are able to do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

Godbey New Testament
and frequently he cast him into the fire and into the waters, in order that he may destroy him: but if you are able to do anything, assist us, being moved with compassion towards us.

Haweis New Testament
And often it hath cast him into the fire, and into water, to destroy him: but if thou art able, have compassion upon us, and help us.

Mace New Testament
it has frequently thrown him into the fire, and into the water, to the hazard of his life; if therefore you can do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

Weymouth New Testament
"and often it has thrown him into the fire or into pools of water to destroy him. But, if you possibly can, have pity on us and help us."

Worrell New Testament
And oft-times it cast him both into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but, if Thou canst do anything, having compassion on us, help us!"

Worsley New Testament
And it has often thrown him both into the fire and into the waters to destroy him. But if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us and help us.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Boy with an Evil Spirit
21Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has this been with him?” “From childhood,” he said. 22 It often throws him into the fire or into the water, trying to kill him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23“If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible to him who believes!”…

Cross References
Matthew 17:14-20
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 9:37-43
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 8:16
When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to Jesus, and He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.

Matthew 15:28
“O woman,” Jesus answered, “your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

Luke 8:50
But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”

John 4:48
Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.”

Matthew 9:23-26
When Jesus entered the house of the synagogue leader, He saw the flute players and the noisy crowd. / “Go away,” He told them. “The girl is not dead, but asleep.” And they laughed at Him. / After the crowd had been put outside, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. ...

Luke 7:12-15
As He approached the town gate, He saw a dead man being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. / When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, “Do not weep.” / Then He went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. “Young man,” He said, “I tell you, get up!” ...

John 11:40
Jesus replied, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

Matthew 21:21
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.

James 5:15
And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

2 Kings 5:14
So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child, and he was clean.

2 Kings 20:5
“Go back and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. I will surely heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the house of the LORD.

Isaiah 53:4
Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.


Treasury of Scripture

And often it has cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if you can do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

if.

Mark 1:40-42
And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean…

Matthew 8:2,8,9
And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean…

Matthew 9:28
And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

have.

Mark 5:19
Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

Matthew 15:22-28
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…

Matthew 20:34
So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

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Cast Compassion Destroy Destruction Fire Frequently Help Kill Moved Often Ofttimes Oft-Times Pity Pools Possibly Thrown Times Water Waters
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Cast Compassion Destroy Destruction Fire Frequently Help Kill Moved Often Ofttimes Oft-Times Pity Pools Possibly Thrown Times Water Waters
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.














It often throws him into the fire or into the water, trying to kill him.
This phrase describes the severe and destructive nature of the demon's possession of the boy. In the biblical context, demonic possession was understood as a real and present danger, often manifesting in physical harm. The mention of fire and water highlights the extremity of the situation, as both elements were common in daily life and essential for survival, yet here they become instruments of potential death. This reflects the destructive intent of demonic forces, which aligns with the broader biblical narrative of Satan as a destroyer (John 10:10). The cultural understanding of the time was that such afflictions were beyond human control, necessitating divine intervention.

But if You can do anything,
The father's plea reveals a mixture of desperation and doubt. His use of "if" indicates uncertainty about Jesus' ability to heal, which contrasts with the faith that Jesus often commends in others (e.g., the centurion in Matthew 8:5-13). This reflects a common human struggle with faith, especially when faced with prolonged suffering. Theologically, this moment underscores the importance of faith in Jesus' power and willingness to heal, a recurring theme in the Gospels. It also sets the stage for Jesus' response, which emphasizes belief as a prerequisite for divine action.

have compassion on us and help us.
The request for compassion highlights the father's understanding of Jesus' character. Compassion is a key attribute of Jesus, frequently mentioned in the Gospels (e.g., Matthew 9:36, Mark 1:41). This appeal to Jesus' compassion is significant, as it acknowledges His ability to empathize with human suffering. The plea for help is both personal and communal ("us"), indicating that the boy's affliction affects the entire family. This reflects the interconnectedness of individuals within the family unit in ancient Jewish culture, where one's suffering was shared by all. Theologically, it points to the broader theme of Jesus as the helper and healer of humanity, fulfilling prophecies of the Messiah who would bear the burdens of His people (Isaiah 53:4).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is approached by a desperate father seeking healing for his son. Jesus' response highlights His power and the importance of faith.

2. The Father
A man whose son is possessed by a spirit. He approaches Jesus with a mixture of faith and doubt, seeking help for his son who has been suffering greatly.

3. The Son
The boy afflicted by a spirit that causes him to have seizures and puts him in life-threatening situations. His condition is a source of great distress for his father.

4. The Disciples
Although not directly mentioned in verse 22, they are part of the broader account. Earlier, they were unable to cast out the spirit, which sets the stage for the father's plea to Jesus.

5. The Crowd
A group of onlookers who witness the interaction between Jesus, the father, and the disciples. They are often present in Jesus' ministry, observing His miracles and teachings.
Teaching Points
The Power of Faith
Jesus emphasizes that "all things are possible to him who believes" (Mark 9:23). This teaches us that faith is a key component in experiencing God's power in our lives.

Honest Prayer
The father's cry, "I do believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24), shows that we can come to God with our doubts and struggles, seeking His help to strengthen our faith.

Jesus' Authority
This passage demonstrates Jesus' authority over evil and His compassion for those who suffer. It reassures us of His power to intervene in our lives.

The Role of Community
The presence of the disciples and the crowd reminds us of the importance of community in our faith journey. We are called to support one another in times of doubt and struggle.

Perseverance in Faith
Despite the disciples' initial failure, Jesus' intervention shows that perseverance in faith and reliance on Him can lead to victory over challenges.(22) If thou canst do any thing.--The words are spoken almost in the accents of despair. Could He, the Master, prevail where the disciples had failed?



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“It often throws
ἔβαλεν (ebalen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 906: (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.

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.

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

[the] fire
πῦρ (pyr)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4442: Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; 'fire'.

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

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

[the] water,
ὕδατα (hydata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5204: Water. And genitive case, hudatos, etc. From the base of huetos; water literally or figuratively.

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

to kill
ἀπολέσῃ (apolesē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 622: From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.

him.
αὐτόν (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.

But
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

if
εἴ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

You can [do]
δύνῃ (dynē)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

anything,
τι (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

have compassion
σπλαγχνισθεὶς (splanchnistheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4697: To feel compassion, have pity on, be moved.

on
ἐφ’ (eph’)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

us
ἡμᾶς (hēmas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

[and] help
βοήθησον (boēthēson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 997: To come to the rescue of, come to help, help. From boethos; to aid or relieve.

us.”
ἡμῖν (hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Gospels: Mark 9:22 Often it has cast him both into (Mar Mk Mr)
Mark 9:21
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