Definition: For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Mark 9:6: “For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.” Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This passage describes Jesus encountering a group of people who are incredibly frightened and confused. He doesn’t have anything to say, and that’s exactly why they’re so scared. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “He wist not what to say…” – "Wist" means to be preoccupied with something, or to think about it a lot. In this context, Jesus is thinking about what he needs to do. He’s not saying anything specific, and that's unsettling for the people. It suggests he’s aware of a situation that requires action, but he doesn’t feel comfortable or equipped to speak. “for they were sore afraid.” – This is the key part. “Sore” means very, intensely. The people are terrified and gripped with fear. The word "sore" emphasizes how strong their fear was. So, what’s happening? Jesus notices this intense fear and doesn't feel comfortable or confident enough to address it directly. He's simply observing the situation without offering any explanation or reassurance. It suggests he recognizes a powerful force at play – something frightening that requires his attention. What does this tell us about Jesus? This verse is often interpreted as: Jesus’ humility: He doesn't need to be the one to solve the problem; he needs to remain calm and observe. His power: He possesses a presence that can influence people, even when he isn’t speaking. A call to action: While not explicitly stated, it suggests that Jesus is aware of something that requires him to intervene – perhaps to protect the group or guide them. In short, this verse shows Jesus being aware of a situation and doesn't feel comfortable taking charge. It’s a moment of quiet observation and potential concern. --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible passage? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail?