Mark 9 · a question people ask

In 9:12-13 Jesus speaks twice of what is written: "How is it written about the Son of Man" (9:12) and "even as it is written about him" (9:13). Where?

In the text

Mark doesn't say. They ask him, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" (9:11). He answers, "Elijah indeed comes first, and restores all things. How is it written about the Son of Man, that he should suffer many things and be despised?" (9:12) (tap restores), and "But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they have also done to him whatever they wanted to, even as it is written about him" (9:13). Mark names no book and quotes no words, so these notes name none. Mark doesn't say whom Jesus meant by "Elijah has come" either. Matthew's telling ends, "Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptizer" (Matthew 17:13). Favor's chapter on 2 Kings 1 asks whether John was Elijah, with Malachi 4:5 and Matthew 17:12-13, and gives the main readings there; this chapter doesn't ask it again.

The verses

“They asked him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said to them, “Elijah indeed comes first, and restores all things. How is it written about the Son of Man, that he should suffer many things and be despised? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they have also done to him whatever they wanted to, even as it is written about him.””
Mark 9:11-13 · World English Bible
“Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptizer.”
Matthew 17:13 · World English Bible
“but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they didn’t recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted to. Even so the Son of Man will also suffer by them.””
Matthew 17:12 · World English Bible
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the LORD comes.”
Malachi 4:5 · 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".

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Mark 9

All questions about Mark →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

The best way to study the Bible.

Your small group or your church can use Favor for Bible study, or you can read by yourself.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Last reviewed October 1, 2026. 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