Devine Scripture

Mark 9:39

What does Mark 9:39 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 9:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 9:39 means

Jesus promptly tells John and the disciples not to forbid the person casting out demons. His reasoning is that anyone performing a powerful work in His name will not quickly speak evil of Him. This indicates that genuine spiritual power exercised in His name naturally aligns with Him, even if the person isn't formally part of their group. It highlights that true identification with Christ is shown through actions and allegiance, not just group affiliation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Jesus said, Say not so: for there is no man who will do a great work in my name, and be able at the same time to say evil of me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus said, `Forbid him not, for there is no one who shall do a mighty work in my name, and shall be able readily to speak evil of me:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For he that is not against you is for you.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus said, Forbid him not; for there is no one who shall do a miracle in my name, and be able soon [after] to speak ill of me;

Context

This verse is Jesus' direct counter-command to John's exclusive mindset, immediately following John's report about forbidding an outsider. Jesus' statement broadens the understanding of who can work in His name, emphasizing the evidence of genuine good work over strict group affiliation. This principle leads into the larger teaching about unity and supporting those who contribute to God's work, challenging the disciples' narrow view.

v.38John said unto him, Teacher, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followed not us.

v.39This passage

v.40For he that is not against us is for us.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 9:27

    but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.

  • Philippians 1:18

    What then? only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and therein I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

  • Matthew 7:22

    Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works?

  • 1 Corinthians 12:3

    Wherefore I make known unto you, that no man speaking in the Spirit of God saith, Jesus is anathema; and no man can say, Jesus is Lord, but in the Holy Spirit.

  • Matthew 13:28

    And he said unto them, An enemy hath done this. And the servants say unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

  • 1 Corinthians 13:1

    If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.

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