New International VersionHowever, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
New Living TranslationBut don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”
English Standard VersionNevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Berean Standard BibleNevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Berean Literal BibleYet do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subjected to you; but rejoice that your names are written in the heavens."
King James BibleNotwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
New King James VersionNevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
New American Standard BibleNevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”
NASB 1995“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”
NASB 1977“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”
Legacy Standard BibleNevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”
Amplified BibleNevertheless do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”
Christian Standard BibleHowever, don’t rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleHowever, don’t rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
American Standard VersionNevertheless in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
Contemporary English VersionBut don't be happy because evil spirits obey you. Be happy that your names are written in heaven!
English Revised VersionHowbeit in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHowever, don't be happy that evil spirits obey you. Be happy that your names are written in heaven."
Good News TranslationBut don't be glad because the evil spirits obey you; rather be glad because your names are written in heaven."
International Standard VersionHowever, stop rejoicing because the spirits are submitting to you. Instead, rejoice because your names are written in heaven."
NET BibleNevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names stand written in heaven."
New Heart English BibleNevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Webster's Bible TranslationNotwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject to you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Weymouth New TestamentNevertheless rejoice not at this, that the spirits submit to you; but rejoice that your names are registered in Heaven." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
World English BibleNevertheless, don’t rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbut do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subjected to you, but rejoice rather that your names were written in the heavens.”
Berean Literal BibleYet do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subjected to you; but rejoice that your names are written in the heavens."
Young's Literal Translation but, in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subjected to you, but rejoice rather that your names were written in the heavens.'
Smith's Literal TranslationBut in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject to you; but rather rejoice, that your names were written in the heavens. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut yet rejoice not in this, that spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice in this, that your names are written in heaven.
Catholic Public Domain VersionYet truly, do not choose to rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
New American BibleNevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
New Revised Standard VersionNevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut do not rejoice in this that the demons submit to you; but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“However, you should not rejoice in this, that the demons are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in Heaven.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentHowever, rejoice not in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
Godbey New Testament
Moreover do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice that your names are written in the heavens.
Haweis New Testament
Nevertheless, in this rejoice not, that the spirits are made subject to you; but rejoice rather, that your names are inscribed in the heavens.
Mace New Testament
however, let not this be the matter of your rejoicing, that the spirits are subject to you: but rejoice, that you have a title to the joys of heaven.
Weymouth New Testament
Nevertheless rejoice not at this, that the spirits submit to you; but rejoice that your names are registered in Heaven."
Worrell New Testament
Notwithstanding, rejoice not in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice, because your names have been written in Heaven."
Worsley New Testament
However rejoice not in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rather rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Joyful Return… 19Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you. 20Nevertheless,do notrejoicethatthespiritssubmitto you,butrejoicethatyournamesare writteninheaven.”21At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.…
Cross References Revelation 20:12-15And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And books were opened, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. / The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds. / Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. ...
Philippians 4:3Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
Daniel 12:1“At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up. There will be a time of distress, the likes of which will not have occurred from the beginning of nations until that time. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.
Revelation 3:5Like them, he who overcomes will be dressed in white. And I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and His angels.
Exodus 32:32-33Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.” / The LORD replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot out of My book.
Isaiah 4:3Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem will be called holy—all in Jerusalem who are recorded among the living—
Hebrews 12:23in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
Malachi 3:16-17At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name. / “They will be Mine,” says the LORD of Hosts, “on the day when I prepare My treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.
Psalm 69:28May they be blotted out of the Book of Life and not listed with the righteous.
Revelation 21:27But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
John 15:11I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
1 Peter 1:8Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,
Matthew 5:12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.
1 John 1:4We write these things so that our joy may be complete.
Isaiah 65:18-19But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for I will create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight. / I will rejoice in Jerusalem and take delight in My people. The sounds of weeping and crying will no longer be heard in her.
Treasury of Scripture Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject to you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. in this. Matthew 7:22,23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? … Matthew 10:1 And when he had called untohim his twelve disciples, he gave them poweragainst unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Matthew 26:24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. your. Exodus 32:32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. Psalm 69:28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous. Isaiah 4:3 And it shall come to pass,that he that is left in Zion, andhe that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy,even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: Jump to Previous GladHeavenHeavensHoweverNamesNeverthelessNotwithstandingPowerRatherRecordedRegisteredRejoiceSpiritsSubjectSubjectedSubmitWrittenJump to Next GladHeavenHeavensHoweverNamesNeverthelessNotwithstandingPowerRatherRecordedRegisteredRejoiceSpiritsSubjectSubjectedSubmitWrittenLuke 10 1.Jesus sends out at once seventy disciples to work miracles, and to preach;13.pronounces a woe against certain cities.17.The seventy return with joy;18.he shows them wherein to rejoice,21.and thanks his Father for his grace;23.magnifies the happy estate of his church;25.teaches the lawyer how to attain eternal life,30.and tells the parable of the good Samaritan;38.reprimands Martha, and commends Mary her sister.Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to youIn this phrase, Jesus addresses the seventy-two disciples who returned with joy, reporting that even demons submitted to them in His name. This highlights the authority given to them by Jesus, reflecting His power over the spiritual realm. The submission of spirits is a testament to the authority of Christ, as seen in other scriptures like Mark 16:17 and Acts 16:18. However, Jesus redirects their focus from the miraculous to the eternal, emphasizing that spiritual victories should not be the primary source of their joy. This serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly accomplishments compared to eternal truths. but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
This phrase shifts the focus from earthly achievements to eternal security. The concept of names being written in heaven is a metaphor for salvation and eternal life, found in other biblical passages such asExodus 32:32-33,Psalm 69:28, andRevelation 3:5. It signifies being part of God's kingdom and having a secure place in eternity. The imagery of a heavenly book or register was familiar in Jewish culture, symbolizing divine acknowledgment and acceptance. This assurance of salvation is the true source of joy for believers, as it reflects a relationship with God that transcends earthly experiences and accomplishments. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, providing instruction and perspective to His disciples. 2. The DisciplesFollowers of Jesus who were sent out to preach and perform miracles, including casting out demons. 3. The SpiritsRefers to demonic entities that the disciples had authority over through Jesus' name. 4. HeavenThe spiritual realm where God resides, and where the names of the redeemed are recorded. 5. The Mission of the Seventy-TwoThe broader context of this passage, where Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples to prepare the way for His ministry. Teaching Points True Source of JoyOur ultimate joy should not be in the power or authority we have, but in the assurance of our salvation and eternal life with God. Eternal PerspectiveFocus on the eternal significance of our relationship with God rather than temporary successes or spiritual victories. Identity in ChristOur identity and worth are found in being known by God and having our names written in heaven, not in our accomplishments. Humility in ServiceRecognize that any authority or power we have is given by God and should be exercised with humility and gratitude. Assurance of SalvationRejoice in the security and assurance that comes from knowing our names are recorded in heaven, which is the ultimate confirmation of our faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 10:20?
2.How does Luke 10:20 encourage prioritizing spiritual over earthly achievements in life?
3.What does "names are written in heaven" imply about eternal security?
4.How can we find joy in salvation despite life's challenges, according to Luke 10:20?
5.How does Luke 10:20 connect with Philippians 4:3 about the Book of Life?
6.In what ways can we daily rejoice in our heavenly citizenship?
7.What does Luke 10:20 mean by "rejoice that your names are written in heaven"?
8.How does Luke 10:20 challenge the value placed on spiritual achievements?
9.Why does Jesus emphasize heavenly citizenship over earthly accomplishments in Luke 10:20?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 10?
11.Can a Christian's name be removed from the Book of Life?
12.What is Ministry Idolatry?
13.How can Revelation 3:5’s promise of not erasing names from the Book of Life align with the concept of free will or potential apostasy in other scriptures?
14.What is Ministry Idolatry?What Does Luke 10:20 Mean Nevertheless– The seventy-two had just returned amazed that “even the demons submit to us in Your name” (Luke 10:17). – Jesus affirms their experience but instantly pivots. “Nevertheless” signals a redirection—from thrilling results to the deeper reality behind them (cf.John 15:5;1 Corinthians 13:1-3). – He lovingly guards them against pride, the very sin that toppled Satan (Isaiah 14:12-15;1 Timothy 3:6).
do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you– Casting out demons is genuine evidence of Jesus’ authority delegated to His followers (Mark 16:17;Acts 16:18). – Yet miracles can be imitated or misunderstood (Matthew 7:22-23;Exodus 7:11-12). – Focusing on power: • breeds comparison (“Who drove out more demons?”) • tempts us to see ourselves as indispensable • shifts attention from the Master to the servant (Acts 3:12-13). – Spiritual victories matter, but they are not the ultimate foundation of our joy.
but rejoice– Joy itself is not forbidden; it is redirected. – The Lord commands joy in the right object, showing that delight in eternal certainties safeguards the heart (Philippians 4:4;1 Thessalonians 5:16).
that your names are written in heaven– Scripture presents a heavenly registry—the “book of life” (Exodus 32:32-33;Psalm 69:28;Revelation 20:12, 15). – Being recorded there means: • God has personally acknowledged and adopted you (Isaiah 43:1;Galatians 4:7). • Your salvation is secure, guarded by His power, not your performance (John 10:28-29;1 Peter 1:4-5). • Your eternal home is settled; citizenship in heaven supersedes every earthly status (Philippians 3:20;Hebrews 12:23). – This identity endures when ministries change, health fades, or visible success wanes (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
summaryJesus redirects our hearts from the exhilaration of visible triumphs to the unshakable joy of belonging to Him forever. Spiritual authority is a gift, but salvation is the greater treasure. Rejoice first and foremost that your name is permanently penned in heaven’s book; everything else flows from that glorious assurance. (20) Notwithstanding in this rejoice not.--Above all exercise of power was the consciousness of the divine life, the feeling that they had a Father in heaven who had, to speak after the manner of men, registered their names as citizens of His kingdom. That was the great blessing for them, and for all believing souls after them. The words leave open the question whether that registration conferred a title which they could not forfeit, and the current language of the Old Testament--the prayer of Moses, "Blot me out of Thy book" ( Exodus 32:32), the warnings of Exodus 32:33, Deuteronomy 9:14; Deuteronomy 29:20Revelation 3:5 as the reward of obedience, and therefore conditioned by it, no less than the general tenor of the teaching of the Epistles ( 1Corinthians 9:27; Galatians 2:21; 2Peter 1:10), confirms this interpretation. It may be noted (1) that the better MSS. omit the word "rather," and introduce the second clause abruptly--"Rejoice that your names are written . . .;" and (2), as implied above, that the root-thought of the image is that of a king taking the census of those who are citizens of his kingdom, as distinguished from aliens and foreigners. In Psalm 87:4-5, we have a memorable instance at once of the literal fact and of its spiritual application. . . . Verse 20. - But rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. "After all," went on the wise and loving Master, "though you have made the glad discovery of the power you possess, if, as my servants, you use aright my Name, after all, your real reason for joy is, not the possession of a new, mighty power, but the fact of your name having been written in the book of life as one of my servants commissioned to do my work." Many commentators here cautiously point out that even this legitimate joy should be tempered with fear and trembling, for even this true title to honour might be blotted nut of that golden book of heaven (see Exodus 32:33; Jeremiah 17:13; Psalm 69:28; Revelation 22:19). In this deep legitimate joy men and women of all callings, who try to follow the Master, in every age, may share.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Nevertheless,πλὴν(plēn)Conjunction
Strong's 4133:However, nevertheless, but, except that, yet. From pleion; moreover, i.e. Albeit, save that, rather, yet.{do] notμὴ(mē)Adverb
Strong's 3361:Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.rejoiceχαίρετε(chairete)Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5463:A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.thatὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.theτὰ(ta)Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.spiritsπνεύματα(pneumata)Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4151:Wind, breath, spirit.submitὑποτάσσεται(hypotassetai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5293:From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey.to you,ὑμῖν(hymin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.rejoiceχαίρετε(chairete)Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5463:A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.thatὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.yourὑμῶν(hymōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.namesὀνόματα(onomata)Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3686:Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.are writtenἐνγέγραπται(engegraptai)Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1449:To write, inscribe. From en and grapho; to 'engrave', i.e. Inscribe.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.heaven.”οὐρανοῖς(ouranois)Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3772:Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.
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NT Gospels: Luke 10:20 Nevertheless don't rejoice in this that (Luke Lu Lk) |
