Luke 10:19
What does Luke 10:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 10:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 10:19 means
Jesus assures them he’s given authority to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the enemy’s power, promising nothing will harm them. This symbolic language guarantees victory over spiritual dangers and demonic forces. Treading on serpents and scorpions evokes Israelite images of triumph over enemies. The promise does not mean absence of all suffering but affirms protective authority in mission: the enemy’s power is limited before God’s messengers, and their service proceeds under divine protection and authority.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Behold, 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Behold, 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949See, I have given you power to put your feet on snakes and evil beasts, and over all the strength of him who is against you: and nothing will do you damage.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862lo, I give to you the authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and on all the power of the enemy, and nothing by any means shall hurt you;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Behold, I have given you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and upon all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall hurt you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Behold, I give you the power of treading upon serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall in anywise injure you.
Context
Following the picture of Satan falling, Jesus explains the scope of authority conferred upon the disciples. This encouragement contextualizes their miraculous experiences and reinforces their role in confronting spiritual opposition. He then redirects their joy from power over demons to a deeper joy about salvation — that their names are written in heaven — in the next verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 8:31
What then shall we say to these things? If Godisfor us, whoisagainst us?
- Ezekiel 2:6
And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.
- Revelation 11:5
And if any man desireth to hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth and devoureth their enemies; and if any man shall desire to hurt them, in this manner must he be killed.
- Hebrews 13:5
Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee.
- Acts 28:5
Howbeit he shook off the creature into the fire, and took no harm.
- Mark 16:18
they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
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