Mark 9:28

28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, [How is it] that we could not cast it out?

Mark 9:28 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 9:28

And when he was come into the house
Perhaps into the man's house whose child he had healed, or into some other in these parts, for the sake both of retirement and refreshment:

his disciples asked him privately, why could not we cast him out?
The nine disciples, who were particularly concerned in this matter, fearing they had lost the power of casting out devils, conferred upon them, inquired of Jesus, when he was alone, why they could not cast the demon out of the child, when they had ejected unclean spirits out of many others; (See Gill on Matthew 17:19).

Mark 9:28 In-Context

26 And having cried out, and torn him much, he came out: and [the boy] became as one dead; insomuch that the more part said, He is dead.

27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and raised him up; and he arose.

28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, [How is it] that we could not cast it out?

29 And he said unto them, This kind can come out by nothing, save by prayer.

30 And they went forth from thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.