Devine Scripture

Luke 9:40

What does Luke 9:40 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 9:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 9:40 means

The father says he had asked Jesus’ disciples to cast out the spirit, but they could not. This confession exposes a failure in the disciples’ ministry—despite earlier authority (v.1) and successful healings (v.6), they were unable to free the boy. Their inability might stem from weak faith, misunderstanding, or insufficient dependence on God. The admission contrasts human inadequacy with Jesus’ forthcoming power. It sets up a teachable moment: the disciples will see firsthand that true deliverance requires more than technique; it needs faith rooted in Christ and reliance on God’s enabling presence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And I besought thy disciples to cast it out; and they could not.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And I besought thy disciples to cast it out; and they could not.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And I made a request to your disciples to send it out of him, but they were not able to do it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I besought thy disciples that they might cast it out, and they were not able.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I desired thy disciples to cast him out: and they could not.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And I besought thy disciples that they might cast him out, and they could not.

Context

This verse follows the description of the boy’s affliction (v.39) and brings the disciples’ impotence into the narrative. The failure contrasts sharply with their earlier successful ministry (v.6) and the transfiguration’s revelation of glory (vv.28–36). It prepares for Jesus’ strong rebuke of spiritual unfaithfulness (v.41) and his restorative action (v.42), which will both rebuke and instruct the disciples about the nature of power and faith.

v.39and behold, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth, and it hardly departeth from him, bruising him sorely.

v.40This passage

v.41And Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and bear with you? bring hither thy son.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Kings 4:31

    And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he returned to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked.

  • Luke 10:17

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

  • Acts 19:13

    But certain also of the strolling Jews, exorcists, took upon them to name over them that had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

  • Luke 9:1

    And he called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.

  • Matthew 17:20

    And he saith unto them, Because of your little faith: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 9

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 9.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 9:40.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary