Mark 9:38
What does Mark 9:38 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 9:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 9:38 means
John interjects, informing Jesus that he and the other disciples had forbidden someone from casting out demons in Jesus' name because that person was not part of their immediate follower group. This reveals the disciples' exclusive mindset and their tendency to define God's work within narrow, approved boundaries. They believed that only those formally aligned with them had the right to exercise spiritual power under Jesus' authority.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000John said unto him, Teacher, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followed not us.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901John said unto him, Teacher, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followed not us.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949John said to him, Master, we saw one driving out evil spirits in your name: and we said that he might not, because he is not one of us.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And John did answer him, saying, `Teacher, we saw a certain one in thy name casting out demons, who doth not follow us, and we forbade him, because he doth not follow us.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But Jesus said: Do not forbid him. For there is no man that doth a miracle in my name and can soon speak ill of me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And John answered him saying, Teacher, we saw some one casting out demons in thy name, who does not follow us, and we forbad him, because he does not follow us.
Context
This verse represents John's interjection immediately following Jesus' teaching on receiving children and, by extension, receiving God. John's comment reveals a narrow, exclusive understanding of ministry, contrasting with Jesus' broader inclusive message. This sets the stage for Jesus' correction, where He affirms that good done in His name, even by those outside their immediate circle, should not be forbidden, further clarifying the nature of kingdom work.
v.37Whosoever shall receive one of such little children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
v.38This passage
v.39But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man who shall do a mighty work in my name, and be able quickly to speak evil of me.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 9:49
And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us.
- Numbers 11:26
But there remained two men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the Spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but had not gone out unto the Tent; and they prophesied in the camp.
- Luke 11:19
And if I by Beelzebub cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.
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