But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

MARK 9:39KJV
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Mark 9:39 (KJV)

What does Mark 9:39 mean?

Mark 9:39 records Jesus telling his disciples not to stop someone who is performing miracles in his name, because anyone who does such powerful works by invoking Jesus’ name is unlikely to quickly turn around and speak badly of him. Jesus is teaching that genuine acts done in his name show a real connection to him, even if the person is not part of the disciples’ immediate group.

In this scene, Jesus is responding to his disciple John, who had seen someone casting out demons using Jesus’ name and had tried to stop him because he was not following them directly. Jesus corrects this attitude, explaining that the power of his name is not limited to just his closest followers. The verse highlights Jesus’ openness to those acting sincerely in his name, even if they are outsiders to the disciples’ circle.

The Greek behind Mark 9:39

  • δύναται (dýnamai, “can”): This word means “to be able” or “to have power.” Here, it emphasizes that someone who has just performed a miracle in Jesus’ name cannot easily or quickly speak evil of him, showing a real connection between the act and the person’s attitude toward Jesus.
  • ταχέως (tacheōs, “lightly” in KJV): The Greek word means “quickly” or “soon.” This suggests that it would be inconsistent or unlikely for someone to turn against Jesus right after acting in his name, rather than simply “lightly” or “easily.”
  • δύναμιν (dynamin, “miracle”): This word is often translated as “power” or “mighty work.” It points to a supernatural act that shows God’s power, not just any good deed.

Why Mark 9:39 matters

  • Mark 9:39 corrects the idea that only Jesus’ closest followers can act in his name, showing that God’s work is not limited to one group or circle.
  • The verse emphasizes that actions done sincerely in Jesus’ name reveal a real relationship to him, even if the person is not part of the inner group of disciples.
  • This teaching helps prevent an exclusive or possessive attitude among believers, reminding them that God can work through many people in unexpected ways.

Where else these words appear

“evil” Greek G2551 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
  • Mark 7:10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
  • Acts 19:9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

“lightly” Greek G5035 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • John 11:29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.
  • Revelation 11:14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

“Forbid” 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:

“miracle” Greek G1411 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
  • Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?