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.