Definition: And [the spirit] cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Mark 9:26. It's a really powerful and dramatic scene in the Bible! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: Jesus was speaking to a man who had been experiencing frightening visions – he was seeing angels and demons. Suddenly, this man (who is identified as Satan – or the Devil) starts to thrash around wildly, yelling and struggling. He's essentially in a state of intense panic and distress. What happened next: “And [the spirit] cried…” : This tells us that the spirit was actively agitated and distressed. It wasn’t just passively existing; it was crying . “…and rent him sore…” : This is a strong way of saying he was severely injured or tormented. It implies intense pain and suffering. “And came out of him:…” : The spirit was physically leaving the man's body. “He was as one dead…” : This is the key part. The onlookers said, "He is dead!" – meaning he was completely lifeless. So, what does it mean in a nutshell? This passage describes a terrifying experience where a powerful spirit (often interpreted as Satan) violently attacked and expelled from a person. It’s a moment of intense spiritual conflict. Important Context & Significance: The Battle Between Good and Evil: This story is often seen as a preview of the larger battle between God and Satan in the Bible. Satan is depicted as trying to harm Jesus. Jesus' Power: It emphasizes Jesus’ power over evil spirits. His ability to vanquish them shows his authority and victory over darkness. It's important to note that this isn’t just about physical pain. The word "rent him sore" can also be interpreted as a symbolic representation of spiritual torment, or even a complete loss of life. Do you want me to: Explain the symbolism behind this passage? Give you a little more context about the story in Mark?