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.