Mark 9:26
New International Version
The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.”

New Living Translation
Then the spirit screamed and threw the boy into another violent convulsion and left him. The boy appeared to be dead. A murmur ran through the crowd as people said, “He’s dead.”

English Standard Version
And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.”

Berean Standard Bible
After shrieking and convulsing him violently, the spirit came out. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He is dead.”

Berean Literal Bible
And having cried out, and having thrown him into many convulsions, it came out. And he became as if dead, so as for many to say that he was dead.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.”

New American Standard Bible
And after crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came out; and the boy became so much like a corpse that most of them said, “He is dead!”

NASB 1995
After crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came out; and the boy became so much like a corpse that most of them said, “He is dead!”

NASB 1977
And after crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came out; and the boy became so much like a corpse that most of them said, “He is dead!”

Legacy Standard Bible
And after crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came out; and the boy became so much like a corpse that most of them said, “He is dead!”

Amplified Bible
After screaming out and throwing him into a terrible convulsion, it came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse [so still and pale] that many [of the spectators] said, “He is dead!”

Berean Annotated Bible
After shrieking and convulsing him violently, the spirit came out. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He is dead.

Christian Standard Bible
Then it came out, shrieking and throwing him into terrible convulsions. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He’s dead.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then it came out, shrieking and convulsing him violently. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He’s dead.”

American Standard Version
And having cried out, and torn him much, he came out: and the boy became as one dead; insomuch that the more part said, He is dead.

Contemporary English Version
The spirit screamed and made the boy shake all over. Then it went out of him. The boy looked dead, and almost everyone said he was.

English Revised Version
And having cried out, and torn him much, he came out: and the child became as one dead; insomuch that the more part said, He is dead.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The evil spirit screamed, shook the child violently, and came out. The boy looked as if he were dead, and everyone said, "He's dead!"

Good News Translation
The spirit screamed, threw the boy into a bad fit, and came out. The boy looked like a corpse, and everyone said, "He is dead!"

International Standard Version
The spirit screamed, shook the child violently, and came out. The boy was like a corpse, and many said that he was dead.

NET Bible
It shrieked, threw him into terrible convulsions, and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He is dead!"

New Heart English Bible
Having screamed, and convulsed greatly, it came out of him. The boy became like one dead; so much that most of them said, "He is dead."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the spirit cried, and rent him severely, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; so that many said, He is dead.

Weymouth New Testament
So with a loud cry he threw the boy into fit after fit, and came out. The boy looked as if he were dead, so that most of them said he was dead;
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
After shrieking and convulsing him violently, the spirit came out. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He is dead.”

World English Bible
After crying out and convulsing him greatly, it came out of him. The boy became like one dead, so much that most of them said, “He is dead.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and having cried, and convulsed him much, it came forth, and he became as dead, so that many said that he was dead,

Berean Literal Bible
And having cried out, and having thrown him into many convulsions, it came out. And he became as if dead, so as for many to say that he was dead.

Young's Literal Translation
and having cried, and rent him much, it came forth, and he became as dead, so that many said that he was dead,

Smith's Literal Translation
And having cried and rent him much, it came forth, and he was as dead; so that many said, That he is dead.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And crying out, and greatly tearing him, he went out of him, and he became as dead, so that many said: He is dead.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And crying out, and convulsing him greatly, he departed from him. And he became like one who is dead, so much so that many said, “He is dead.”

New American Bible
Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!”

New Revised Standard Version
After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the epileptic cried out much, and was tortured, and the spirit went out; then the boy became as if dead, so that many could say, He is dead.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And that demon screamed greatly and pounded him and went out and he was like a dead man, so that many were saying, “He is dead.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And the spirit cried out, and threw him into strong convulsions, and came out of him; and he was like one dead, so that many said: He is dead.

Godbey New Testament
And crying out, and convulsing he came out. And he became like a corpse; so that many said, that, he is dead.

Haweis New Testament
And screaming, and convulsing him violently, it came out: and the child lay as if dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.

Mace New Testament
and the spirit came out of him, having made him roar, and thrown him into such agonies, that he became like one that was dead, and many were of opinion he actually was so.

Weymouth New Testament
So with a loud cry he threw the boy into fit after fit, and came out. The boy looked as if he were dead, so that most of them said he was dead;

Worrell New Testament
And, having cried out, and convulsed him much, it came out; and he became as one dead; so that many said, "He died!"

Worsley New Testament
And when he had rored and vehemently convulsed him, he came out of him: and the child was as one dead, so that many said, that he was dead.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Boy with an Evil Spirit
25When Jesus saw that a crowd had come running, He rebuked the unclean spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” He said, “I command you to come out and never enter him again.” 26After shrieking and convulsing him violently, the spirit came out. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He is dead.” 27But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up.…

Cross References
After shrieking and convulsing him violently,

Mark 1:26
At this, the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and came out with a loud shriek.

Luke 9:42
Even while the boy was approaching, the demon slammed him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.

Luke 4:35
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.
the spirit came out.

Matthew 17:18
Then Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.

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,

Mark 7:29-30
Then Jesus told her, “Because of this answer, you may go. The demon has left your daughter.” / And she went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon was gone.
The boy became like a corpse,

2 Kings 4:32-37
When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his bed. / So he went in, closed the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the LORD. / Then Elisha got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eye to eye, and hand to hand. As he stretched himself out over him, the boy’s body became warm. …

1 Kings 17:17-24
Later, the son of the woman who owned the house became ill, and his sickness grew worse and worse, until no breath remained in him. / “O man of God,” said the woman to Elijah, “what have you done to me? Have you come to remind me of my iniquity and cause the death of my son?” / But Elijah said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. …

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!” …
so that many said, “He is dead.”

Mark 5:35
While He was still speaking, messengers from the house of Jairus arrived and said, “Your daughter is dead; why bother the Teacher anymore?”

Luke 8:49
While He was still speaking, someone arrived from the house of the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he told Jairus. “Do not bother the Teacher anymore.”

John 11:14
So Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead,
Mark 5:7-8
And he shouted in a loud voice, “What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You before God not to torture me!” / For Jesus had already declared, “Come out of this man, you unclean spirit!”

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.

Acts 16:18
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.

Acts 19:15-16
But one day the evil spirit responded, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” / Then the man with the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. The attack was so violent that they ran out of the house naked and wounded.


Treasury of Scripture

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

cried.

Mark 9:18,20
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…

Mark 1:26
And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.

Exodus 5:23
For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.

Jump to Previous
Boy Child Convulsed Convulsing Convulsions Corpse Cried Cry Crying Dead Fit Forth Greatly He's Insomuch Loud Part Rent Severely Shaking Sore Spirit Terrible Terribly Threw Throwing Violently
Jump to Next
Boy Child Convulsed Convulsing Convulsions Corpse Cried Cry Crying Dead Fit Forth Greatly He's Insomuch Loud Part Rent Severely Shaking Sore Spirit Terrible Terribly Threw Throwing Violently
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.












After shrieking and convulsing him violently,
This phrase describes the final struggle of the unclean spirit as it leaves the boy. The shrieking and convulsing are manifestations of the spirit's resistance to Jesus' authority. In biblical times, demonic possession was often associated with physical symptoms, and the violent reaction here underscores the power struggle between the spirit and the divine command. This scene echoes other instances in the Gospels where Jesus confronts demonic forces, such as in Mark 1:26, where a similar reaction occurs. The convulsions can be seen as the spirit's last attempt to harm the boy, highlighting the destructive nature of evil.

the spirit came out.
This signifies the triumph of Jesus' authority over demonic forces. The expulsion of the spirit is a testament to Jesus' divine power and his mission to liberate those oppressed by evil. This act fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1, which speaks of setting captives free, and it prefigures the ultimate victory over Satan through Jesus' death and resurrection. The departure of the spirit also serves as a sign of the coming Kingdom of God, where evil will be fully vanquished.

The boy became like a corpse,
The boy's appearance as a corpse indicates the severity of the spiritual and physical ordeal he endured. This imagery may remind readers of the resurrection theme, as the boy's lifeless state precedes his restoration to life, similar to Jesus' own death and resurrection. The comparison to a corpse also emphasizes the totality of the spirit's departure, leaving the boy in a state of apparent death, which sets the stage for a miraculous recovery.

so that many said, “He is dead.”
The reaction of the onlookers reflects their limited understanding of Jesus' power. Their assumption that the boy is dead highlights the human tendency to perceive situations through a natural lens, rather than a spiritual one. This moment parallels other instances in the Gospels where Jesus' actions defy human expectations, such as when he raises Jairus' daughter in Mark 5:39-42. The crowd's declaration of death contrasts with the life-giving power of Jesus, who often turns situations of despair into opportunities for demonstrating God's glory.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
- The central figure in the Gospel of Mark, who performs the exorcism.

2. The Boy
- A young boy possessed by an unclean spirit, causing him great harm.

3. The Unclean Spirit
- A malevolent entity causing the boy's afflictions, which Jesus commands to leave.

4. The Disciples
- Followers of Jesus who were unable to cast out the spirit themselves.

5. The Crowd
- Onlookers who witness the event and initially believe the boy has died.
Teaching Points
Authority of Jesus
Jesus demonstrates His divine authority over evil, reminding us of His power in our spiritual battles.

Faith and Prayer
The disciples' inability to cast out the spirit highlights the importance of faith and prayer in overcoming spiritual challenges.

Perseverance in Trials
The boy's apparent death before his healing teaches us to trust in God's timing and not lose hope in difficult situations.

Spiritual Warfare
This passage reminds us of the reality of spiritual warfare and the need to be spiritually prepared.

Community Support
The presence of the crowd and disciples shows the importance of community in witnessing and supporting God's work.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Mark 9:26?

2. How does Mark 9:26 demonstrate Jesus' authority over evil spirits in our lives?

3. What can we learn from the boy's deliverance about faith and prayer?

4. How does Mark 9:26 connect with Ephesians 6:12 on spiritual warfare?

5. How can we apply Jesus' power over demons to our daily spiritual battles?

6. What role does faith play in overcoming spiritual challenges, as seen in Mark 9:26?

7. What does Mark 9:26 reveal about Jesus' authority over evil spirits?

8. How does Mark 9:26 challenge our understanding of spiritual warfare?

9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Mark 9:26?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 9?

11. What does 'the worm does not die' mean?

12. What events marked Jesus' third year of ministry?

13. Mark 9:14–29 – What proof exists that this exorcism was not merely a medical or psychological case misunderstood by ancient people?

14. What is deliverance ministry?
What Does Mark 9:26 Mean
After shrieking

• The unclean spirit’s last scream underscores its terror at Christ’s command (cf. Mark 1:26; Luke 4:35).

• Demons recognize Jesus’ divine authority and react in fear—“Even the demons believe—and shudder” (James 2:19).

• The shriek signals the coming defeat of darkness, reminding us that evil is noisy but ultimately powerless before the Son of God (1 John 3:8).


And convulsing him violently

• The violent spasms reveal the spirit’s destructive intent (Luke 9:39) and highlight the boy’s utter helplessness.

• Like a final burst of fury, the convulsion displays Satan’s nature: steal, kill, destroy (John 10:10).

• Christ allows this brief display so witnesses grasp the seriousness of bondage and the greatness of deliverance (Ephesians 2:1–5).


The spirit came out

• At Jesus’ word, liberation is immediate—no struggle of equals, only sovereign command (Mark 9:25; Matthew 17:18).

• “With authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out” (Luke 4:36).

• This moment previews the cross, where Jesus “disarmed the rulers and authorities” (Colossians 2:15).


The boy became like a corpse

• Physical collapse follows intense spiritual conflict; drained, motionless, he appears lifeless (cf. Acts 9:40 where Dorcas lies still before revival).

• Deliverance can leave visible weakness before restoration, echoing Elijah’s ministry with the widow’s son (1 Kings 17:17–24).

• God often brings a sinner to the end of self-strength so new life is clearly His work (2 Corinthians 1:9).


So that many said, “He is dead.”

• The crowd’s conclusion heightens the miracle’s impact; what looks final to man invites divine reversal (Luke 8:52–55; John 11:39–44).

• Misreading the scene, they prepare for mourning, but Jesus moves them from despair to awe.

• Our perceptions stop at death; Christ’s power begins there (Romans 4:17).


summary

Mark 9:26 shows the total, observable triumph of Jesus over demonic power. A terrifying shriek, violent convulsions, apparent death—each stage magnifies the authority of the Savior who commands, frees, and restores. What people judged hopeless, Jesus turned into a testimony of living grace, reminding us that no bondage or apparent defeat is beyond His decisive word.

(26) Rent him sore.--The verb is the same as the "tare him" of Mark 9:20, and implies a spasm, as of horror, convulsing the whole frame. The corpse-like falling as one dead, and the cry of many (better, "the many"--i.e., "the greater part, most of them") that he was dead, and our Lord's taking the boy by the hand, and the question of the disciples, are all peculiar to St, Mark.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
After shrieking
κράξας (kraxas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2896: To cry aloud, shriek. A primary verb; properly, to 'croak' or scream, i.e. to call aloud.

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

convulsing him violently,
σπαράξας (sparaxas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4682: To convulse, throw into spasms. Prolongation from spairo; to mangle, i.e. Convluse with epilepsy.

[the spirit] came out.
ἐξῆλθεν (exēlthen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1831: To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.

[The boy] became
ἐγένετο (egeneto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person 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.

like
ὡσεὶ (hōsei)
Adverb
Strong's 5616: As if, as it were, like; with numbers: about. From hos and ei; as if.

a corpse,
νεκρὸς (nekros)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3498: (a) adj: dead, lifeless, subject to death, mortal, (b) noun: a dead body, a corpse. From an apparently primary nekus; dead.

so that
ὥστε (hōste)
Conjunction
Strong's 5620: So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.

many
πολλοὺς (pollous)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

said,
λέγειν (legein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“He is dead.”
ἀπέθανεν (apethanen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 599: To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off.


Links
Mark 9:26 NIV
Mark 9:26 NLT
Mark 9:26 ESV
Mark 9:26 NASB
Mark 9:26 KJV

Mark 9:26 BibleApps.com
Mark 9:26 Biblia Paralela
Mark 9:26 Chinese Bible
Mark 9:26 French Bible
Mark 9:26 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Mark 9:26 Having cried out and convulsed greatly it (Mar Mk Mr)
Mark 9:25
Top of Page
Top of Page