34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.

Webster's Bible Translation But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. Weymouth New Testament But they remained silent; for on the way they had debated with one another who was the chief of them.

34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 36 He took a little child whom he placed among them.

What does Mark 9:34 mean? The disciples are displaying the same prideful assumptions as the Pharisees in Luke 14:7–11. Jesus tells the Pharisees a story about a guest at a wedding feast who faces a choice to take an honorable seat commensurate to his position or …

The Apostles’ conscience-stricken confession of their breach of the law {Mark 9:38 - Mark 9:40}. Peter is not spokesman this time, but John, whose conscience was more quickly pricked.

Jesus sat down and called the twelve, and said to them, “If any man wants to be first, he must be last and servant of all.” But they were silent; for on the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.

Jesus teaches that true greatness in His Kingdom is marked by humility and service to others. The disciples' silence when confronted by Jesus suggests an opportunity for self-reflection. In our own lives, moments of silence can be powerful for introspection and spiritual growth. Following Jesus involves a journey of transformation.

Mark 9:34 Context. 31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day. 32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.

34 The silence was deafening - they had been arguing with one another over who among them was greatest. American Standard Version (ASV) 34 But they held their peace: for they had disputed one with another on the way, who [was] the greatest.

Mark 9:34 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, "But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest." This verse is one in a series of exchanges between Jesus and his disciples as they journeyed towards Capernaum.