What is the meaning of Mark 9:6? For they were all • The “they” points back to Peter, James, and John on the mountain with Jesus (Mark 9:2–5). • All three had just witnessed Jesus’ face shine “like the sun” and His clothes become “dazzling white” (cf. Matthew 17:2). • Such shared experience underscores that this terror was unanimous, not merely Peter’s personal reaction—similar unanimity appears when Israel trembled at Sinai (Exodus 20:18–19). so terrified • Terror is the natural human response when sinful people meet the unveiled glory of God. Isaiah cried, “Woe is me!” (Isaiah 6:5), and the shepherds were “terrified” at the angelic glory (Luke 2:9). • The fear here is not merely awe but a deep instinct of self-preservation in the presence of holiness (Revelation 1:17). • This reminds us that God’s glory is not casual; it rightly shakes us to our core. that Peter • True to character, Peter becomes the spokesman (Mark 8:29; 14:29). • His leadership impulse is genuine but often impulsive—he jumps out of boats (Matthew 14:28–30) and swings swords (John 18:10). • Even in holy fear, Peter feels compelled to say something, revealing both courage and weakness. did not know • The text highlights Peter’s lack of understanding. Earlier he grasped Jesus as Messiah yet rebuked Him for speaking of the cross (Mark 8:31–33). • Spiritual experiences can outpace comprehension; the disciples later “did not understand” the resurrection until after it happened (John 12:16). • Heaven’s revelation often exceeds what our minds can process in the moment (1 Corinthians 13:12). what else to say • Peter’s proposal to build three shelters (Mark 9:5) was well-intended but misplaced; divine glory needs no human shelter. • Scripture warns, “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God… let your words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:1–2). • When God’s greatness overwhelms us, silence can be the most faithful response (Job 40:4–5). summary Mark 9:6 shows that even devoted disciples are overwhelmed by God’s manifested glory. Their unanimous terror reveals the holiness of Christ; Peter’s confused speech exposes human limitation. The verse calls us to reverent awe, humble silence, and reliance on God’s revelation rather than our own impulsive ideas. |
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