Definition: And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Mark 9:24. It's a really powerful and dramatic moment in Jesus’ ministry. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Story: Jesus is talking to a man who has just accused his son of being an evil person – essentially, he’s accusing him of something terrible. The man is distraught and pleading with Jesus for help. He's struggling with doubt and fear. What Happens Next: “And straightway the father of the child cried out…” : This immediately shows that there's a lot of emotion involved – pain, worry, and perhaps even anger. “…and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” : This is the crucial part. The father is begging for Jesus to help him overcome his own doubt and fear. He's admitting he’s struggling with something he doesn’t understand or believe in. Putting it Together - What It Means: The verse essentially says: “I’m struggling with my own doubts and fears. I don’t know if I can believe what this man is saying, but I want to believe.” Why it's significant: Facing Doubt: This is a classic example of Jesus challenging someone’s belief system – a common struggle in faith. The Power of Faith: It highlights the importance of faith and trust. Jesus isn't just giving him a solution ; he's inviting him to face his doubt. Authenticity: It speaks to the idea that true faith comes from a place of genuine belief, not just intellectual assent. In short, this verse is about a person wrestling with their own doubts and seeking Jesus’ help to overcome them. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible passage? Provide context for this verse within the larger story of Matthew 12:34-37 (Jesus' exorcism)?