9:47a

According to Mark 9:33–34, the disciples argued on the way to Capernaum. Jesus talked to them about it after they arrived in Capernaum and were in a house.

But: This verse begins with a Greek conjunction that is often translated as “and.” Some English versions, such as the King James Version, translate it that way. The Berean Standard Bible translates it as But, as do some other versions (English Standard Version, NET Bible, New Living Translation (2004)), in order to show that it introduces a contrast. Other versions, such as the Contemporary English Version, God’s Word, and New International Version, do not translate this conjunction. Connect 9:47a to 9:46a-b in a way that is natural in your language.

Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as knowing the thoughts of their hearts means that Jesus realized what the disciples were thinking. It is not clear whether Jesus was close enough to hear what they said (see Mark 9:33–34). But he knew what they were thinking and why they were arguing. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Jesus knew what they were thinking (New Century Version)
-or-
Jesus, who knew what was going on in their minds (Revised English Bible)

9:47b

had a little child: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as had is literally “took hold of” or “grasped.” In this context it probably indicates that Jesus took a child by the hand or shoulder in order to position the child next to himself.

According to Mark 9:33, Jesus and his disciples were inside a house at this time. The child probably lived in that house. Your translation should not imply that Jesus went somewhere else to find a child.

a little child: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as a little child refers to a young child who was probably less than ten years old. Try to use a general term that can refer to either a young boy or a young girl. If you must choose between a boy or girl, you should probably use a word that refers to a young boy. The Greek text does not have a separate word meaning little. Consider if it is necessary to translate this word explicitly in your language.

had…stand beside Him: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as had…stand beside Him is literally “set/put him by his side.” It means that Jesus led or gently pulled the child to his side. For example:

stood him by his side (Good News Translation)

General Comment on 9:47b

In some languages, it may be natural to combine the ideas in the phrase “had a little child” and the phrase “stand beside him,” as the Berean Standard Bible does. For example:

he had a child stand there beside him (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
he brought a little child to his side (New Living Translation (2004))

In other languages, it may be more natural to present these ideas separately. For example:

Jesus…took a little child and had him stand beside him (New International Version)

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