Definition: And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 9:17. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here’s an explanation in simple terms: What it says: “And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;” What’s happening: “One of the multitude” : This refers to a group of people gathered around Jesus. “Answered” : They spoke and expressed their thoughts. “Master” : This is Jesus, who was known for his love and compassion. “I have brought unto thee my son” : This is the key part. Jesus says he has brought his son, which is often interpreted as his firstborn son, born of the Virgin Mary. What’s the "dumb spirit" meaning? This is where it gets a bit more complex and debated. The word “dumb” isn't just about him being silent. It suggests a deeper problem: He was unresponsive to his father’s commands: The man, likely a disciple, had brought Jesus up to the temple to be examined. He was hoping to get some kind of reaction or confirmation that he wasn’t a disappointment. A hidden sadness or despair: The word "dumb" can also suggest a deep sadness, perhaps because of his own struggles with grief or a sense of hopelessness. It implies he wasn't expressing joy or comfort like a healthy person would. The Significance & Interpretation: This story is often seen as a sign of Jesus’ growing power and awareness of human suffering. It suggests: Jesus was feeling overwhelmed by the pain of others. He was absorbing the sadness and despair around him, and it was affecting him personally. He might have been struggling with his own emotions. It's possible he wasn’t fully expressing his love or concern for the disciple. Overall: The verse doesn't simply say Jesus was upset. It suggests a moment of quiet suffering and perhaps even a touch of sadness, which is a very human response to a difficult situation. --- Important Note: There are different interpretations of this story throughout history. Some scholars believe it’s a metaphor for Jesus’ own feelings of overwhelm or the burden of his divine role. Others see it as a reminder of the suffering that exists within humanity. Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Bible verse? Discuss a particular interpretation of this story?