Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 9:31

"For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered up into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he shall rise again." — Mark 9:31 (ASV)

Jesus was now focusing his teaching ministry on the Twelve, and he sought seclusion to do this, so that the disciples could concentrate on what Jesus was saying to them. Jesus continued to teach them about his coming passion because they by no means had understood his first prediction. This second prediction included the new element of betrayal.

By translating the Greek verb used here as “betrayed” (GK 4140), NIV opts for Judas as the implied subject of the action. The word literally means “to be delivered up” or “to be handed over.” As early as Origen, it was interpreted to mean “delivered up by God,” which is a better understanding of this verse. God took the initiative in providing salvation for the human race. His delivering up of Jesus was part of his plan for the world’s redemption (cf. Romans 4:25; 8:32).