22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
22 "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."
22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."
22 Many times it pitches him into fire or the river to do away with him. If you can do anything, do it. Have a heart and help us!"
22 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."
22 The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 9:22
Commentary on Mark 9:14-29
(Read Mark 9:14-29)
The father of the suffering youth reflected on the want of power in the disciples; but Christ will have him reckon the disappointment to the want of faith. Very much is promised to our believing. If thou canst believe, it is possible that thy hard heart may be softened, thy spiritual diseases may be cured; and, weak as thou art, thou mayest be able to hold out to the end. Those that complain of unbelief, must look up to Christ for grace to help them against it, and his grace will be sufficient for them. Whom Christ cures, he cures effectually. But Satan is unwilling to be driven from those that have been long his slaves, and, when he cannot deceive or destroy the sinner, he will cause him all the terror that he can. The disciples must not think to do their work always with the same ease; some services call for more than ordinary pains.