Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

LUKE 10:20KJV
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Luke 10:20 (KJV)

What does Luke 10:20 mean?

Luke 10:20 teaches that Jesus’ followers should not focus on the power they have over spirits, but should find their real joy in knowing that their names are written in heaven. The verse shifts attention from outward spiritual success to the deeper assurance of belonging to God.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to seventy of his followers who have just returned from a mission where they experienced authority over evil spirits. Jesus acknowledges their success but tells them not to make that their main source of happiness. Instead, he points them to the lasting significance of being known and accepted by God, which is described as having their names “written in heaven.”

The Greek behind Luke 10:20

  • “Rejoice” (χαίρω, chairō): This word means to be glad or to celebrate. Jesus repeats it twice, first telling them what not to rejoice in, then what to rejoice in, emphasizing the right focus for their joy.
  • “Names” (ὄνομα, onoma): In the ancient world, having one’s name written somewhere signified identity, belonging, and security. Here, it suggests being personally known and accepted by God.
  • “Written” (γράφω, graphō): This word means to inscribe or record. The idea is that their names are permanently recorded in heaven, highlighting a secure and lasting relationship with God.

Why Luke 10:20 matters

  • Luke 10:20 clarifies that spiritual power or dramatic experiences are not the foundation of a believer’s worth or joy; instead, it is the relationship with God that matters most.
  • The verse helps prevent pride or misplaced confidence in spiritual achievements, redirecting attention to God’s grace and acceptance.
  • This teaching connects to the wider passage by showing that Jesus values humility and the unseen realities of faith over visible success or authority.

Where else these words appear

“Notwithstanding” Greek G4133 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 11:22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
  • Luke 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
  • Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

“subject” Greek G5293 · used in 32 verses

  • Luke 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
  • Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

“rejoice” Greek G5463 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

“rather” Greek G3123 · used in 81 verses

  • Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
  • Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.