Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 9:1

"And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There are some here of them that stand [by], who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God come with power." — Mark 9:1 (ASV)

This verse is probably an independent saying Mark has placed here, used in order to make a transition between the Transfiguration (9:2–8), a momentary manifestation of the glory and power of the kingdom, and the Parousia (8:38), the full manifestation of it. On this understanding the Transfiguration anticipates and guarantees the Parousia. To “taste death,” refers to experiencing death for the sake of Jesus. Before that happens to some of them, they will (temporarily) see God’s kingdom come in power.