Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

MATTHEW 17:19KJV
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Matthew 17:19 (KJV)

What does Matthew 17:19 mean?

Matthew 17:19 shows the disciples coming to Jesus privately and asking why they were unable to cast out a demon from a boy. The verse highlights the disciples’ confusion and desire to understand why their attempt at healing did not work.

In this scene, Jesus’ followers approach him away from the crowds, wanting an explanation for their failure. The question, “Why could not we cast him out?” reveals that the disciples expected to be able to help, likely based on earlier experiences where Jesus gave them authority to heal and cast out demons. This moment sets up Jesus’ teaching about faith and dependence on God, which comes in the following verses.

The Greek behind Matthew 17:19

  • "apart" (κατ᾽ ἰδίαν, kat’ idian): This phrase means “in private” or “by themselves.” It shows the disciples wanted to speak with Jesus away from others, suggesting their question was personal and possibly embarrassing.
  • "could" (δύναμαι, dynamai): This word means “to be able” or “to have power.” The disciples are asking about their lack of ability or power in this situation, not just their actions.
  • "cast out" (ἐκβάλλω, ekballō): This verb means “to drive out” or “expel.” The disciples are specifically asking about their inability to remove the demon, which was a clear sign of authority in Jesus’ ministry.

Why Matthew 17:19 matters

  • Matthew 17:19 clarifies that even Jesus’ closest followers sometimes struggled and did not always understand why things happened as they did, making their experience relatable.
  • The verse draws attention to the difference between having authority in theory and being able to exercise it in practice, which Jesus addresses in the next verses.
  • This question from the disciples sets the stage for Jesus’ teaching on faith and spiritual dependence, helping readers see the importance of trust in God rather than relying solely on their own strength.

Where else these words appear

“Why” Greek G1302 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 9:11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
  • Mark 11:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
  • John 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

“cast” 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 1:34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.
  • 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.

“came” Greek G4334 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Matthew 21:23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
  • Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

“apart” Greek G2398 · used in 109 verses

  • Matthew 9:1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
  • John 19:27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
  • Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.