Luke 9:49
What does Luke 9:49 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 9:49 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 9:49 means
John reports they saw someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name and forbade him because he was not following with them. John’s reaction reveals a protective attitude toward the group’s authority and a desire to control who acts in Jesus’ name. It indicates concern for proper order but also narrowness; he equates legitimacy with company membership. The incident raises questions about inclusivity in ministry and whether outsiders empowered by Jesus’ name should be rebuked. Jesus will correct this exclusivity, teaching a broader embrace of those who serve in his name.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And John, answering, said, Master, we saw a man driving out evil spirits in your name, and we did not let him do it, because he was not one of us.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And John answering said, `Master, we saw a certain one in thy name casting forth the demons, and we forbade him, because he doth not follow with us;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And John, answering, said: Master, we saw a certain man casting out devils in thy name: and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And John answering said, Master, we saw some one casting out demons in thy name, and we forbad him, because he follows not with us.
Context
This verse follows the teaching about receiving the least (v.48) and introduces a practical test case: a man operating in Jesus’ name but not part of the company. John’s response shows how easily the disciples’ desire for status leads to exclusion. Luke sets this up to show Jesus’ corrective principle—openness to others who do good in Jesus’ name (v.50)—and to underscore the chapter’s ongoing theme of kingdom values versus human ambition.
v.48and said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this little child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same is great.
v.49This passage
v.50But Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against you is for you.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 10:13
And they were bringing unto him little children, that he should touch them: and the disciples rebuked them.
- Numbers 11:27
And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.
- Mark 9:38
John said unto him, Teacher, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followed not us.
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