Devine Scripture

Luke 10:18

What does Luke 10:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 10:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 10:18 means

Jesus tells them he saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. This imagery captures the decisive reversal of Satan’s power as the kingdom advances through Christ and his messengers. It may mean that through the authority exercised, demonic strongholds are being shattered and Satan’s rule is being decisively defeated. The vision expresses cosmic implications of the disciples’ ministry: their work participates in the overthrow of evil, signaling the inbreaking of God’s reign and the unraveling of the enemy’s authority.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan fallen as lightning from heaven.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan fallen as lightning from heaven.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said, I was watching for Satan, falling from heaven like a star.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he said to them, `I was beholding the Adversary, as lightning from the heaven having fallen;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to them: I saw Satan like lightning falling from heaven.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, I beheld Satan as lightning falling out of heaven.

Context

This response interprets the disciples’ report about demons obeying them. It frames their local victories within cosmic spiritual warfare: the fall of Satan signals kingdom progress. Jesus then gives them further assurance of authority over the forces of evil and cautions about what should be their primary joy, leading into verses about authority and eternal assurance.

v.17And the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject unto us in thy name.

v.18This passage

v.19Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 16:11

    of judgment, because the prince of this world hath been judged.

  • Matthew 4:10

    Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

  • Hebrews 2:14

    Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

  • Revelation 20:2

    And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,

  • Revelation 12:7

    And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angelsgoing forthto war with the dragon; and the dragon warred and his angels;

  • Isaiah 14:12

    How art thou fallen from heaven, O day-star, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, that didst lay low the nations!

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