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Mark 9 · a question people ask

Jesus said that "there are some standing here who will in no way taste death until they see God’s Kingdom come with power" (9:1). What did he mean?

In the text

Mark gives the saying and doesn't explain it. Jesus said, "Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death until they see God’s Kingdom come with power" (9:1). Matthew and Luke tell the saying too, each in its own words (Matthew 16:28; Luke 9:27). Christians read it in more than one way. Mark doesn't say what it refers to, and neither do these notes.

The verses

“He said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death until they see God’s Kingdom come with power.””
Mark 9:1 · World English Bible
“Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.””
Matthew 16:28 · World English Bible
“But I tell you the truth: There are some of those who stand here who will in no way taste of death until they see God’s Kingdom.””
Luke 9:27 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Mark 9

Mark 9: Listen to him

On the mountain the voice said, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him" (9:7). Below, a father cried, "I believe. Help my unbelief!" (9:24). And in 9:41 Mark gives the word "Christ" from Jesus himself for the first time: whoever gives you a cup of water "because you are Christ’s" will "in no way lose his reward".

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions