But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

LUKE 11:20KJV
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Luke 11:20 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:20 mean?

Luke 11:20 describes Jesus telling his listeners that if he is casting out demons by the power of God, then God’s kingdom has already arrived among them. Jesus is making the point that his authority over evil spirits is clear evidence of God’s active presence and rule.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, including some who accuse him of using evil power to cast out demons. He responds by saying that his ability to drive out demons comes from “the finger of God,” a phrase that points to God’s direct action. Jesus is challenging his critics to recognize that what they are witnessing is a sign that God’s reign is breaking into their world right then and there.

The Greek behind Luke 11:20

  • “finger” (δάκτυλος, daktulos): This phrase, “the finger of God,” echoes Old Testament language for God’s direct intervention, especially in Exodus. It emphasizes that Jesus’ power is not from himself or any other source, but from God’s own authority.
  • “kingdom” (βασιλεία, basileia): The Greek word means “reign” or “rule” as much as “kingdom.” Here, it signals that God’s sovereign power is not just a future hope but is already present and active through Jesus.
  • “come” (φθάνω, phthanō): This word often means “to arrive” or “to reach.” Jesus is saying the kingdom of God has already arrived upon his listeners, not just that it is near or coming soon.

Why Luke 11:20 matters

  • Luke 11:20 clears up the misunderstanding that Jesus’ miracles could be from any power other than God, directly linking his authority to God’s action.
  • The verse emphasizes that the kingdom of God is not only a future event but is already present wherever God’s power is at work, especially through Jesus.
  • This statement challenges listeners to recognize and respond to God’s activity in their midst, rather than dismissing or misinterpreting it.

Where else these words appear

“come” Greek G5348 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

“finger” Greek G1147 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
  • Luke 11:46 And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.
  • John 8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

“doubt” Greek G686 · used in 51 verses

  • Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
  • Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

“devils” Greek G1140 · used in 52 verses

  • Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  • Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
  • Luke 11:14 And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.