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.

MARK 9:38KJV
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Mark 9:38 (KJV)

What does Mark 9:38 mean?

Mark 9:38 describes John telling Jesus that he and the other disciples saw someone casting out demons using Jesus’ name, but they tried to stop him because he 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, one of Jesus’ disciples, is speaking directly to Jesus (called "Master" here), reporting an incident where someone outside their circle was performing exorcisms in Jesus’ name. The situation highlights the disciples’ sense of group identity and their uncertainty about others acting with Jesus’ authority. This sets up a teaching moment from Jesus in the following verses about who truly belongs to him.

The Greek behind Mark 9:38

  • The word "devils" is from the Greek δαιμόνια (daimonia), which refers to evil spirits or demons, not the devil himself. This clarifies that the person was casting out spirits, not confronting Satan directly.
  • The phrase "in thy name" uses the Greek ὀνόματι (onomati), meaning "by your authority or power." This shows the outsider was relying on Jesus’ reputation and authority, not his own.
  • The verb "followeth" is from the Greek ἀκολουθεῖ (akolouthei), meaning "to accompany or go along with." The disciples’ concern was that this person was not physically part of their traveling group, not just that he disagreed with them.

Why Mark 9:38 matters

  • Mark 9:38 helps clear up the idea that only Jesus’ immediate followers could act in his name, showing that others could also recognize and use Jesus’ authority.
  • The verse sets up a contrast between the disciples’ exclusiveness and Jesus’ broader view of who can serve him, which becomes clearer in the next verses.
  • This moment reveals the disciples’ developing understanding of Jesus’ mission and the boundaries of his community, a theme that runs throughout the Gospel.

Where else these words appear

“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 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
  • Luke 11:15 But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.

“Master” Greek G1320 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 8:19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
  • Mark 12:19 Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
  • Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

“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.