And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

LUKE 9:49KJV
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Luke 9:49 (KJV)

What does Luke 9:49 mean?

Luke 9:49 describes John telling Jesus that he and the other disciples saw someone casting out demons using Jesus’ name, and they tried to stop him because that person was not part of their group. The verse shows the disciples’ concern about someone acting in Jesus’ name without being one of his close followers.

John is speaking directly to Jesus, calling him “Master,” and reporting an incident where an outsider was successfully driving out evil spirits. The disciples’ reaction—trying to forbid the man—highlights their sense of group identity and perhaps a misunderstanding about who can act in Jesus’ name. This sets up a moment for Jesus to clarify his view on others doing good works in his name, even if they are not part of the immediate circle.

The Greek behind Luke 9:49

  • “devils” (δαιμόνια, daimonia): This word refers to evil spirits or demons. The use of this term shows that the outsider was performing significant spiritual acts, not just minor deeds.
  • “in thy name” (ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί σου, epi tō onomati sou): This phrase means acting with Jesus’ authority or invoking his reputation. It suggests that the outsider recognized Jesus’ power, even if he was not a formal disciple.
  • “forbad” (ἐκωλύσαμεν, ekōlysamen): This verb means to hinder or prevent. The disciples took active steps to stop the man, not just questioning him, which shows their strong feelings about group boundaries.

Why Luke 9:49 matters

  • Luke 9:49 helps clarify that Jesus’ power and authority are not limited to a small, exclusive group; others can act in his name with real effect.
  • The verse reveals the disciples’ early struggles with jealousy or protectiveness over Jesus’ ministry, which is a theme Jesus addresses in the following verses.
  • This moment connects to the broader message in Luke about openness, humility, and the surprising ways God’s work can happen outside expected circles.

Where else these words appear

“Master” Greek G1988 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 5:5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
  • Luke 8:24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.
  • Luke 9:33 And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

“forbad” Greek G2967 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 18:16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
  • Acts 27:43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:

“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 11:15 But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.

“out” Greek G1544 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
  • Mark 1:12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.
  • 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.