Mark 9:33
New International Version
They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?”

New Living Translation
After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?”

English Standard Version
And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?”

Berean Standard Bible
Then they came to Capernaum. While Jesus was in the house, He asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?”

Berean Literal Bible
And they came to Capernaum. And having been in the house, He was asking them, "What were you discussing on the way?"

King James Bible
And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

New King James Version
Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?”

New American Standard Bible
They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them: “What were you discussing on the way?”

NASB 1995
They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, “What were you discussing on the way?”

NASB 1977
And they came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, “What were you discussing on the way?”

Legacy Standard Bible
And they came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, “What were you discussing on the way?”

Amplified Bible
They arrived at Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He asked them, “What were you discussing and arguing about on the road?”

Christian Standard Bible
They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then they came to Capernaum. When He was in the house, He asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?”

American Standard Version
And they came to Capernaum: and when he was in the house he asked them, What were ye reasoning on the way?

Contemporary English Version
Jesus and his disciples went to his home in Capernaum. After they were inside the house, Jesus asked them, "What were you arguing about along the way?"

English Revised Version
And they came to Capernaum: and when he was in the house he asked them, What were ye reasoning in the way?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then they came to Capernaum. While Jesus was at home, he asked the disciples, "What were you arguing about on the road?"

Good News Translation
They came to Capernaum, and after going indoors Jesus asked his disciples, "What were you arguing about on the road?"

International Standard Version
Then they came to Capernaum. While Jesus was at home, he asked the disciples, "What were you arguing about on the road?"

Majority Standard Bible
Then Jesus came to Capernaum. While He was in the house, He asked them, ?What were you discussing among yourselves on the way??

NET Bible
Then they came to Capernaum. After Jesus was inside the house he asked them, "What were you discussing on the way?"

New Heart English Bible
He came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you arguing on the way?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house, he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

Weymouth New Testament
So they came to Capernaum; and when in the house He asked them, "What were you arguing about on the way?"

World English Bible
He came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing among yourselves on the way?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And He came to Capernaum, and being in the house, He was questioning them, “What were you reasoning in the way among yourselves?”

Berean Literal Bible
And they came to Capernaum. And having been in the house, He was asking them, "What were you discussing on the way?"

Young's Literal Translation
And he came to Capernaum, and being in the house, he was questioning them, 'What were ye reasoning in the way among yourselves?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What reasoned ye to yourselves in the way.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they came to Capharnaum. And when they were in the house, he asked them: What did you treat of in the way?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they went to Capernaum. And when they were in the house, he questioned them, “What did you discuss on the way?”

New American Bible
They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?”

New Revised Standard Version
Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they came to Capernaum; and when they entered the house, he asked them, What were you reasoning among yourselves on the road?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they came to Kapernahum and when they entered the house, he asked them, “What were you reasoning on the road among yourselves?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he came into Capernaum; and when he was in the house, he asked them: What were you disputing about among yourselves along the road?

Godbey New Testament
And He came into Capernaum. And He being in the house asked them, What were you disputing about to one another in the way?

Haweis New Testament
And he came to Capernaum: and when he was in the house, he asked them, What was the subject of your dispute among yourselves on the road?

Mace New Testament
At length, he arrived at Capernaum, where being in his own house, he asked his disciples, what were you disputing about by the way?

Weymouth New Testament
So they came to Capernaum; and when in the house He asked them, "What were you arguing about on the way?"

Worrell New Testament
And they came to Capernaum. And, when He was in the house, He asked them, "Concerning what were ye reasoning in the way?"

Worsley New Testament
And he came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He asked them, What were ye disputing about among yourselves by the way?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Greatest in the Kingdom
32But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him about it. 33Then they came to Capernaum. While Jesus was in the house, He asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34But they were silent, for on the way they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest.…

Cross References
Matthew 18:1-5
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” / Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. / “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ...

Luke 9:46-48
Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. / But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him. / And He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For whoever is the least among all of you, he is the greatest.”

Matthew 20:20-28
Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him. / “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.” / “You do not know what you are asking,” Jesus replied. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” the brothers answered. ...

Luke 22:24-27
A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them should be considered the greatest. / So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. ...

Matthew 23:11-12
The greatest among you shall be your servant. / For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Philippians 2:3-7
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. / Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: ...

James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5-6
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” / Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.

Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.

1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.

Ephesians 4:2-3
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, / and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Galatians 5:13
For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.

John 13:12-17
When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, “Do you know what I have done for you? / You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am. / So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. ...

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.


Treasury of Scripture

And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that you disputed among yourselves by the way?

he came.

Matthew 17:24
And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

What.

Mark 2:8
And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

Psalm 139:1-4
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me

John 2:25
And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

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Arguing Capernaum Caper'na-Um Discussing Disputed House Question Questioning Reasoning Road Talking Way Yourselves
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Arguing Capernaum Caper'na-Um Discussing Disputed House Question Questioning Reasoning Road Talking Way Yourselves
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.














Then they came to Capernaum.
Capernaum was a significant location in Jesus' ministry, often serving as His base of operations in Galilee. Situated on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, it was a bustling fishing village and trade center. Archaeological excavations have uncovered a synagogue and what is believed to be the house of Peter, indicating its importance in early Christian history. Capernaum's frequent mention in the Gospels highlights its role as a backdrop for many of Jesus' teachings and miracles, such as healing the centurion's servant and Peter's mother-in-law. This setting underscores the transition from public ministry to more intimate teaching moments with His disciples.

While Jesus was in the house,
The phrase "in the house" suggests a private setting, likely Peter's home, where Jesus often stayed. This intimate environment allowed for personal instruction and reflection away from the crowds. In Jewish culture, the home was a place of learning and hospitality, where rabbis would teach their disciples. This setting emphasizes the shift from public discourse to private mentorship, highlighting the importance of personal relationship and instruction in discipleship.

He asked them,
Jesus often used questions to provoke thought and self-examination among His disciples. This method of teaching was common among rabbis, encouraging students to engage deeply with the subject matter. By asking questions, Jesus not only addressed immediate issues but also guided His disciples toward greater spiritual understanding and maturity.

“What were you discussing on the way?”
This question reveals Jesus' awareness of His disciples' conversations and concerns. The journey to Capernaum likely involved discussions about the events they had witnessed, including the Transfiguration and Jesus' predictions of His death and resurrection. The disciples' discussions often reflected their misunderstandings and ambitions, such as debates about who among them was the greatest. This question serves as a catalyst for Jesus to address issues of pride and humility, leading to teachings on servanthood and the nature of true greatness in the Kingdom of God. It also connects to other scriptural themes, such as the last being first and the call to childlike faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is the teacher and leader of the disciples, guiding them in understanding the Kingdom of God.

2. The Disciples
Followers of Jesus who are learning from Him and are often depicted as struggling to fully grasp His teachings.

3. Capernaum
A town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, often serving as a base for Jesus' ministry.

4. The House
Likely a private residence in Capernaum where Jesus and His disciples could gather away from the crowds.

5. The Discussion
The disciples were discussing who among them was the greatest, revealing their misunderstanding of Jesus' teachings on humility and service.
Teaching Points
Humility Over Ambition
Jesus challenges the worldly view of greatness, emphasizing that true greatness in His Kingdom is marked by humility and service to others.

Self-Reflection
The question Jesus asks the disciples encourages self-reflection on their motives and desires. Believers are called to examine their hearts and align their ambitions with God's will.

Community and Accountability
The setting in a house suggests a private, intimate environment where honest discussions can occur. Believers should seek community and accountability to grow in their faith.

Childlike Faith
In the broader context, Jesus teaches that entering the Kingdom requires a childlike faith, characterized by trust, dependence, and humility.

Servant Leadership
Jesus models servant leadership, calling His followers to lead by serving others, not by seeking power or status.(33-37) And he came to Capernaum.--See Notes on Matthew 18:1-5. The arrival at Capernaum is given by St. Matthew in connection with the narrative of the didrachma or tribute money, which in his Gospel immediately precedes that now before us. St. Mark alone records the previous dispute of the disciples, and the question which brought that dispute as into the light of day.

Verses 33, 34. - They have now reached Capernaum. And when he was in the house - the house, that is, which he frequented when staying in Capernaum - he asked them, What were ye reasoning in the way? The words "among yourselves," of the Authorized Version, are not found in the best authorities. St. Matthew (Matthew 18:1) does not record this question of our Lord, which brings to light the fact that they had been disputing by the way which of them should be the greatest. The Greek is (τίς μείζων) who was greater, that is, than the rest. It has been well noticed that this passage, given in substance in all the synoptic Gospels, is a striking evidence of the truthfulness and impartiality of the disciples. This dispute of theirs might easily have been suppressed as scarcely creditable to them. But in writing the Gospels the evangelists thought more of what exalted the Savior than what abased themselves. This dispute of the disciples shows how thoroughly they realized the nearness of his kingdom, and at the same time how much they had yet to learn as to the qualifications necessary for admission to it. It is not unlikely that the preference given by our Lord to Peter, James, and John may have given occasion for his contention.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Then
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

they came
ἦλθον (ēlthon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

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

Capernaum.
Καφαρναούμ (Kapharnaoum)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2584: Capernaum, a town of Galilee. Of Hebrew origin; Capernaum, a place in Palestine.

While [Jesus] was
γενόμενος (genomenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

house,
οἰκίᾳ (oikia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3614: From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family.

He asked
ἐπηρώτα (epērōta)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1905: To interrogate, question, demand of. From epi and erotao; to ask for, i.e. Inquire, seek.

them,
αὐτούς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
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.

“What
Τί (Ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

were you discussing
διελογίζεσθε (dielogizesthe)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1260: To reason (with), debate (with), consider. From dia and logizomai; to reckon thoroughly, i.e. to deliberate.

on
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

way?”
ὁδῷ (hodō)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3598: A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.


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NT Gospels: Mark 9:33 He came to Capernaum and when he (Mar Mk Mr)
Mark 9:32
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