Mark 9:12
New International Version
Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?

New Living Translation
Jesus responded, “Elijah is indeed coming first to get everything ready. Yet why do the Scriptures say that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be treated with utter contempt?

English Standard Version
And he said to them, “Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt?

Berean Standard Bible
He replied, “Elijah does indeed come first, and he restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected?

Berean Literal Bible
And He was saying to them, "Elijah indeed, having come first, restores all things; and how has it been written of the Son of Man, that He should suffer many things and be set at naught?

King James Bible
And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.

New King James Version
Then He answered and told them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt?

New American Standard Bible
And He said to them, “Elijah does come first and he restores all things. And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt?

NASB 1995
And He said to them, “Elijah does first come and restore all things. And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt?

NASB 1977
And He said to them, “Elijah does first come and restore all things. And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He should suffer many things and be treated with contempt?

Legacy Standard Bible
And He said to them, “Elijah does first come and restore all things. And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt?

Amplified Bible
He answered them, “Elijah does come first and restores and reestablishes all things. And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things [grief and physical distress] and be treated with contempt [utterly despised and rejected]?

Christian Standard Bible
“Elijah does come first and restores all things,” he replied. “Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be treated with contempt?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Elijah does come first and restores everything,” He replied. “How then is it written about the Son of Man that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt?

American Standard Version
And he said unto them, Elijah indeed cometh first, and restoreth all things: and how is it written of the Son of man, that he should suffer many things and be set at nought?

Contemporary English Version
Jesus answered: Elijah certainly will come to get everything ready. But don't the Scriptures also say that the Son of Man must suffer terribly and be rejected?

English Revised Version
And he said unto them, Elijah indeed cometh first, and restoreth all things: and how is it written of the Son of man, that he should suffer many things and be set at nought?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus said to them, "Elijah is coming first and will put everything in order again. But in what sense was it written that the Son of Man must suffer a lot and be treated shamefully?

Good News Translation
His answer was, "Elijah is indeed coming first in order to get everything ready. Yet why do the Scriptures say that the Son of Man will suffer much and be rejected?

International Standard Version
He told them, "Elijah is indeed coming first and will restore all things. Why, then, is it written that the Son of Man must suffer a great deal and be treated shamefully?

Majority Standard Bible
He replied, “Elijah does indeed come first, and he restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected?

NET Bible
He said to them, "Elijah does indeed come first, and restores all things. And why is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be despised?

New Heart English Bible
And he said to them, "Elijah indeed comes first, and restores all things. And why is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be rejected?

Webster's Bible Translation
And he answered and told them, Elijah verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written concerning the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at naught.

Weymouth New Testament
"Elijah," He replied, "does indeed come first and reforms everything; but how is it that it is written of the Son of Man that He will endure much suffering and be held in contempt?

World English Bible
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?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And He answering said to them, “Elijah indeed, having come first, restores all things; and how has it been written concerning the Son of Man, that He may suffer many things, and be set at nothing?

Berean Literal Bible
And He was saying to them, "Elijah indeed, having come first, restores all things; and how has it been written of the Son of Man, that He should suffer many things and be set at naught?

Young's Literal Translation
And he answering said to them, 'Elijah indeed, having come first, doth restore all things; and how hath it been written concerning the Son of Man, that many things he may suffer, and be set at nought?

Smith's Literal Translation
And he having answered, said to them, Elias truly having first come, restores all things; and how it has been written of the Son of man, that he suffer many things; and be set at nought.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who answering, said to them: Elias, when he shall come first, shall restore all things; and as it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things and be despised.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And in response, he said to them: “Elijah, when he will arrive first, shall restore all things. And in the manner that it has been written about the Son of man, so must he suffer many things and be condemned.

New American Bible
He told them, “Elijah will indeed come first and restore all things, yet how is it written regarding the Son of Man that he must suffer greatly and be treated with contempt?

New Revised Standard Version
He said to them, “Elijah is indeed coming first to restore all things. How then is it written about the Son of Man, that he is to go through many sufferings and be treated with contempt?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He said to them, Elijah does come first, to prepare everything; and as it is written concerning the Son of man, that he will suffer much and be rejected.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
He said to them, “Elijah does come first, so that he may prepare all things, and just as it is written about The Son of Man, he will suffer much and be rejected.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he answered and said to them: Elijah comes first, and restores all things, and, as it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be despised, so Elijah is to suffer.

Godbey New Testament
He responding said to them, Elijah indeed having first come, restores all things: and how has it been written in reference to the Son of man, that he should suffer many things, and be set at naught?

Haweis New Testament
Then he answering said unto them, Elias indeed cometh first, and will reform all things; and how speaks the scripture of the Son of man? That he must suffer many things, and be treated with contempt.

Mace New Testament
it is true, said he, that Elias must come beforehand to establish every thing, and that it was predicted of him, as well as of the son of man, that he should suffer very much, and be treated with contempt.

Weymouth New Testament
"Elijah," He replied, "does indeed come first and reforms everything; but how is it that it is written of the Son of Man that He will endure much suffering and be held in contempt?

Worrell New Testament
And He said to them, "Elijah, indeed, comes first, and restores all things; and how it has been written concerning the Son of Man, that He should suffer many things, and be set at naught;

Worsley New Testament
And He answered and told them, Elias doth indeed come first, and settle all things: He told them likewise how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things and be used contemptuously.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Transfiguration
11And they asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 12 He replied, “Elijah does indeed come first, and he restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected? 13But I tell you that Elijah has indeed come, and they have done to him whatever they wished, just as it is written about him.”…

Cross References
Malachi 4:5-6
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD. / And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.”

Matthew 17:11-13
Jesus replied, “Elijah does indeed come, and he will restore all things. / But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.” / Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist.

Isaiah 53:3-5
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Luke 1:17
And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

Matthew 11:14
And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

Isaiah 40:3
A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.

Matthew 16:21
From that time on Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

Luke 9:22
“The Son of Man must suffer many things,” He said. “He must be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”

Matthew 26:24
The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed. It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

Acts 3:18
But in this way God has fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets, saying that His Christ would suffer.

Matthew 27:12
And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer.

John 1:21
“Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.”

Matthew 3:3
This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”

Luke 24:26
Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then to enter His glory?”

John 12:38-41
This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” / For this reason they were unable to believe. For again, Isaiah says: / “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

And he answered and told them, Elias truly comes first, and restores all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nothing.

restoreth.

Mark 1:2-8
As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee…

Isaiah 40:3-5
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God…

Malachi 4:6
And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. THE END OF THE PROPHETS.

he must.

Psalm 22:1-31
To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? …

Psalm 69:1
To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, A Psalm of David. Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.

Isaiah 53:1-12
Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? …

set.

Psalm 22:6,7
But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people…

Psalm 69:12
They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards.

Psalm 74:22
Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily.

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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.














Elijah does come first
This phrase refers to the prophecy found in Malachi 4:5, where it is foretold that Elijah will return before the "great and dreadful day of the LORD." In the context of Mark 9:12, Jesus is affirming the Jewish expectation that Elijah's return is a precursor to the coming of the Messiah. The Greek word for "first" (πρῶτον, prōton) emphasizes the sequence in God's redemptive plan. Historically, Elijah is a significant prophetic figure, known for his powerful ministry and miraculous works, and his return symbolizes a call to repentance and preparation for the coming of the Lord.

and he restores all things
The phrase "restores all things" speaks to the role of Elijah in bringing about spiritual renewal and reformation. The Greek word for "restores" (ἀποκαθιστάνει, apokathistanei) implies a return to an original state or condition. This restoration is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, pointing to a renewal of hearts and a turning back to God. In the broader biblical narrative, this restoration is part of God's plan to reconcile humanity to Himself, preparing the way for the Messiah's redemptive work.

Why then is it written
Here, Jesus is prompting His disciples to consider the scriptural basis for the events they are witnessing. The phrase "is it written" (γέγραπται, gegraptai) is a common biblical expression that underscores the authority and reliability of Scripture. It invites believers to delve into the Word of God to understand His purposes and plans. This rhetorical question encourages a deeper exploration of the prophecies concerning the Messiah and the role of Elijah, urging the disciples to see the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus.

that the Son of Man must suffer many things
The title "Son of Man" (ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ho huios tou anthrōpou) is a messianic title that Jesus frequently uses for Himself, drawing from Daniel 7:13-14. It emphasizes both His humanity and His divine authority. The phrase "must suffer many things" (πολλὰ πάσχειν, polla paschein) highlights the necessity of Jesus' suffering as part of God's redemptive plan. This suffering is not incidental but essential, fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah 53 and other Old Testament passages that speak of the suffering servant. It underscores the sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission, which is central to the Christian understanding of salvation.

and be rejected
The word "rejected" (ἀποδοκιμασθῆναι, apodokimasthēnai) conveys the idea of being disapproved or cast aside. This rejection is a fulfillment of Psalm 118:22, where the stone the builders rejected becomes the cornerstone. Jesus' rejection by the religious leaders and His own people is a pivotal aspect of His earthly ministry, illustrating the cost of true discipleship and the reality of opposition to God's work. It serves as a reminder that following Christ may involve facing rejection and persecution, yet it is through this rejection that God's purposes are ultimately fulfilled.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
He replied,
ἔφη (ephē)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5346: To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say.

“Elijah
Ἠλίας (Ēlias)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2243: Elijah, the prophet. Of Hebrew origin; Helias, an Israelite.

{does} indeed
μὲν (men)
Particle
Strong's 3303: A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de.

come
ἐλθὼν (elthōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

first,
πρῶτον (prōton)
Adverb - Superlative
Strong's 4412: First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.

[and] he restores
ἀποκαθιστάνει (apokathistanei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 600: From apo and kathistemi; to reconstitute.

all things.
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

Why
πῶς (pōs)
Adverb
Strong's 4459: Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!

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

is it written
γέγραπται (gegraptai)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Son
Υἱὸν (Huion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.

of Man
ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

must suffer
πάθῃ (pathē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3958: I am acted upon in a certain way, either good or bad; I experience ill treatment, suffer.

many things
πολλὰ (polla)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

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

be rejected?
ἐξουδενηθῇ (exoudenēthē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1847: To set at naught, ignore, despise. From ek and a derivative of the neuter of oudeis; to make utterly nothing of, i.e. Despise.


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NT Gospels: Mark 9:12 He said to them Elijah indeed comes (Mar Mk Mr)
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