New International Version“Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”
New Living TranslationJohn said to Jesus, “Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn’t in our group.”
English Standard VersionJohn answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.”
Berean Standard Bible“Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”
Berean Literal BibleAnd John answering said, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we were forbidding him, because he does not follow with us."
King James BibleAnd John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.
New King James VersionNow John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.”
New American Standard BibleJohn answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him, because he does not follow along with us.”
NASB 1995John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us.”
NASB 1977And John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to hinder him because he does not follow along with us.”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to hinder him because he does not follow along with us.”
Amplified BibleJohn replied, “Master, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name; and we tried to stop him because he does not follow along with us.”
Christian Standard BibleJohn responded, “Master, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he does not follow us.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleJohn responded, “Master, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him because he does not follow us.”
American Standard VersionAnd John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us.
Contemporary English VersionJohn said, "Master, we saw a man using your name to force demons out of people. But we told him to stop, because he isn't one of us."
English Revised VersionAnd John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationJohn replied, "Master, we saw someone forcing demons out of a person by using the power and authority of your name. We tried to stop him because he was not one of us."
Good News TranslationJohn spoke up, "Master, we saw a man driving out demons in your name, and we told him to stop, because he doesn't belong to our group."
International Standard VersionJohn said, "Master, we saw someone driving out demons in your name. We tried to stop him, because he wasn't a follower like us."
NET BibleJohn answered, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he is not a disciple along with us."
New Heart English BibleJohn answered, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he does not follow with us."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.
Weymouth New Testament"Rabbi," replied John, "we have seen a man making use of your name to expel demons; and we forbad him, because he does not come with us." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”
World English BibleJohn answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he doesn’t follow with us.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd John answering said, “Master, we saw a certain one casting forth the demons in Your Name, and we forbade him, because he does not follow with us”;
Berean Literal BibleAnd John answering said, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we were forbidding him, because he does not follow with us."
Young's Literal Translation And 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;'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd John having answered said, Ruler, we saw a certain one casting out demons in thy name; and we hindered him, because he follows not with us. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd 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.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd responding, John said: “Teacher, we saw a certain one casting out demons in your name. And we prohibited him, for he does not follow with us.”
New American BibleThen John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.”
New Revised Standard VersionJohn answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd John answered and said, Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in your name; and we forbad him, because he did not come with us, as your follower.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd Yohannan answered and said, “Our master, we saw a man who cast out a demon in your name and we forbade him, for he does not come after you with us.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd John answered and said: Master, we saw a certain one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he does not follow with us.
Godbey New TestamentAnd John responding said, Master, we saw one casting out the demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he does not follow with us.
Haweis New TestamentThen John addressing him said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and we forbad him, because he followed not with us.
Mace New TestamentThen said John to Jesus, master, we saw one casting out demons in your name, and we oppos'd it, because he does not follow you with us.
Weymouth New Testament"Rabbi," replied John, "we have seen a man making use of your name to expel demons; and we forbad him, because he does not come with us."
Worrell New TestamentAnd John, answering, said, "Master, we saw one casting out demons in Thy name; and we forbade him, because he follows not with us."
Worsley New TestamentAnd John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name, and we forbad him, because he followeth not thee with us.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Greatest in the Kingdom… 48And He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For whoever is the least among all of you, he is the greatest.” 49“Master,”saidJohn,“we sawsomeonedriving outdemonsinYourname,andwe tried to stophim,becausehe does not accompanyus.”50“Do not stop him,” Jesus replied, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”…
Cross References Mark 9:38-40John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone else driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.” / “Do not stop him,” Jesus replied. “For no one who performs a miracle in My name can turn around and speak evil of Me. / For whoever is not against us is for us.
Matthew 12:30He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.
1 Corinthians 12:3Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
Acts 19:13-17Now there were some itinerant Jewish exorcists who tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those with evil spirits. They would say, “I command you by Jesus, whom Paul proclaims.” / Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. / But one day the evil spirit responded, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” ...
Numbers 11:26-29Two men, however, had remained in the camp—one named Eldad and the other Medad—and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those listed, but they had not gone out to the tent, and they prophesied in the camp. / A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” / Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!” ...
John 3:27John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.
Philippians 1:15-18It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. / The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. / The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains. ...
1 John 4:1-3Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. / By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, / and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this time.
1 Corinthians 3:5-9What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role. / I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. / So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. ...
Romans 14:4Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
1 Samuel 10:10-13When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. Then the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied along with them. / When all those who had formerly known Saul saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” / Then a man who lived there replied, “And who is their father?” So the saying became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?” ...
1 Kings 22:24-28Then Zedekiah son of Chenaanah went up, struck Micaiah in the face, and demanded, “Which way did the Spirit of the LORD go when He departed from me to speak with you?” / Micaiah replied, “You will soon see, on that day when you go and hide in an inner room.” / And the king of Israel declared, “Take Micaiah and return him to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king’s son, ...
Acts 4:30as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”
Acts 5:38-39So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone. Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail. / But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”
2 Kings 2:15-18When the sons of the prophets who were watching him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him. / “Look now,” they said to Elisha, “we your servants have fifty valiant men. Please let them go and search for your master. Perhaps the Spirit of the LORD has taken him up and put him on one of the mountains or in one of the valleys.” “Do not send them,” Elisha replied. / But when they pressed him to the point of embarrassment, he said, “Send them.” And they sent fifty men, who searched for three days but did not find Elijah. ...
Treasury of Scripture And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name; and we forbade him, because he follows not with us. we saw. Numbers 11:27-29 And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp… Mark 9:38-40 And 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… Mark 10:13,14 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: andhis disciples rebuked those that broughtthem… Jump to Previous CastingDemonsDevilsDrivingEvilExpelFollowFollowethFollowsForbadForbadeForthJohnMakingMasterPreventRabbiSomeoneSpiritsTriedUseJump to Next CastingDemonsDevilsDrivingEvilExpelFollowFollowethFollowsForbadForbadeForthJohnMakingMasterPreventRabbiSomeoneSpiritsTriedUseLuke 9 1.Jesus sends his apostles to work miracles, and to preach.7.Herod desires to see Jesus.10.The apostles return.12.Jesus feeds five thousand;18.inquires what opinion the world had of him; foretells his passion;23.proposes to all the pattern of his patience.28.The transfiguration.37.He heals the lunatic;43.again forewarns his disciples of his passion;46.commends humility;51.bids them to show mildness toward all, without desire of revenge.57.Many would follow him, but upon conditions.“Master,” said John,John, one of the twelve apostles, often appears in the Gospels as part of Jesus' inner circle, along with Peter and James. His use of "Master" indicates respect and recognition of Jesus' authority. This term reflects the rabbinic tradition where disciples would address their teacher with honor. John's approach to Jesus shows his concern for maintaining the integrity of their group and the teachings they have received. “we saw someone driving out demons in Your name,
The act of driving out demons was a sign of divine authority and power. In the Jewish context, exorcism was not uncommon, but doing so in Jesus' name implies recognition of His power and authority. This phrase suggests that Jesus' influence extended beyond the immediate circle of His disciples. The use of "in Your name" indicates that the person performing the exorcism acknowledged Jesus' authority, even if he was not part of the twelve. and we tried to stop him,
The disciples' attempt to stop the man reflects a concern for exclusivity and control over the ministry associated with Jesus. This reaction can be seen as a misunderstanding of the broader mission of Jesus, which was to spread the Kingdom of God beyond a select group. It highlights a common human tendency to restrict divine work to familiar or sanctioned channels. because he does not accompany us.”
The phrase "does not accompany us" indicates a concern for group identity and loyalty. The disciples were likely worried about maintaining the purity and unity of their group. This reflects a cultural context where group identity was significant, and there was a strong emphasis on community and belonging. The disciples' reaction can be compared to other instances in Scripture where God's work is not limited to a specific group, such as inNumbers 11:26-29, where Moses responds to a similar situation with a broader vision of God's work. Persons / Places / Events 1. JohnOne of the twelve apostles, known for his close relationship with Jesus. He is often depicted as zealous and passionate, which is evident in this passage. 2. JesusThe central figure of the New Testament, whose teachings and actions are the foundation of Christian faith. In this passage, He is addressed by John as "Master." 3. Unnamed ExorcistA person not part of the immediate group of disciples, yet performing miracles in Jesus' name, indicating the spread of Jesus' influence beyond the twelve. 4. DemonsSpiritual beings opposed to God, often causing harm to humans. The act of driving them out is a sign of divine authority and power. 5. The DisciplesThe group of Jesus' closest followers, who are learning from Him and often struggle with understanding His broader mission. Teaching Points Inclusivity in MinistryJesus' mission is broader than our immediate circle. We should be open to others who work in His name, even if they are not part of our group. Authority in Jesus' NameThe power to drive out demons comes from Jesus' authority, not from our affiliation. This reminds us to focus on the source of our power and mission. Guarding Against ExclusivityLike John, we may be tempted to exclude others who do not belong to our group. Jesus teaches us to recognize and celebrate the work of God in others. Unity in DiversityThe body of Christ is diverse, with different people contributing in various ways. We should appreciate and support the different gifts and callings within the Church. Discernment in MinistryWhile inclusivity is important, discernment is also necessary. We must ensure that actions done in Jesus' name align with His teachings and character. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 9:49?
2.How does Luke 9:49 teach us about accepting others who serve Jesus differently?
3.What does "not one of us" reveal about the disciples' mindset in Luke 9:49?
4.How can we apply the lesson of unity from Luke 9:49 today?
5.How does Luke 9:49 connect with Jesus' teachings on love and acceptance?
6.In what ways can Luke 9:49 challenge our views on Christian fellowship?
7.Why did John try to stop someone casting out demons in Luke 9:49?
8.What does Luke 9:49 teach about exclusivity in ministry?
9.How does Luke 9:49 challenge denominational boundaries?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 9?
11.What miracles did Jesus perform according to the Bible?
12.Who was Mary Magdalene in the Bible?
13.Did Herod think that Jesus was John the Baptist? Yes (Matthew 14:2; Mark 6:16) No (Luke 9:9)
14.What was Jesus' purpose on Earth?What Does Luke 9:49 Mean Master• John addresses Jesus as “Master” (Luke 9:49), recognizing His supreme authority, just as Peter did earlier: “Master, we have toiled all night” (Luke 5:5). • The title highlights submission; compare the centurion who called Jesus “Lord” while acknowledging His command over sickness (Matthew 8:8–9). • By using this honorific, John models the posture believers should take—placing Christ’s directives above personal opinions (Colossians 1:18).
said John• John, often seen as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23), speaks for the group, revealing their collective mindset. • His willingness to bring the issue to Jesus mirrors Moses bringing Israel’s disputes before the Lord (Exodus 18:13–16). • The moment shows discipleship in action: bringing questions and concerns directly to the Master rather than acting independently (James 1:5).
we saw someone driving out demons in Your name• The unidentified man casts out demons by invoking Jesus’ authority, confirming that “even the demons submit to us in Your name” (Luke 10:17). • This act demonstrates that spiritual power rests in Christ’s name, not in official titles or proximity to the Twelve (Acts 3:6;Philippians 2:10). • It also fulfills Jesus’ broader mission to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8), showing His authority already extending beyond the immediate circle.
and we tried to stop him• The disciples react protectively, mirroring Joshua’s earlier impulse to silence Eldad and Medad when they prophesied outside Moses’ tent (Numbers 11:26–29). • Their action reveals a tendency toward exclusivity—guarding ministry boundaries rather than celebrating God’s work (Mark 9:38 gives the same report). • Such zeal, though sincere, can hinder the spread of the gospel when it prioritizes group identity over kingdom advance (Romans 14:4).
because he does not accompany us• The rationale exposes a “us vs. them” mindset: ministry legitimacy tied to physical association rather than faith in Christ (Galatians 2:9–10 contrasts true fellowship). • Jesus later teaches, “Whoever is not against you is for you” (Luke 9:50), directly challenging this narrow view. • Scripture repeatedly shows God using unexpected people—Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1), the unnamed exorcist here, even reluctant Jonah—to accomplish His purposes (Isaiah 55:8–9).
summaryJohn’s report reveals sincere but misguided loyalty. Calling Jesus “Master” acknowledges His authority, yet attempting to halt an outsider’s ministry displays a limiting, clique-ish spirit.Luke 9:49 teaches that spiritual power flows from Jesus’ name, not organizational membership. God’s kingdom is larger than our circles, and believers are urged to welcome every genuine work done under Christ’s authority, judging by fruit rather than affiliation (Matthew 7:16). (49) And John answered and said.--See Notes on Mark 9:38-41, the narrative being common to these two Gospels only. Master.--The same word as inLuke 5:5;Luke 8:24. Verses 49, 50. - A question put by John. Ver. 49. - And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy Name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. The character of John is a strangely interesting one. With the exception of his forming one of the chosen three who were in a peculiar manner received into their Master's confidence, John seldom appears, during the public ministry of Christ, to have played a prominent part. Many years had to elapse before he attained that unique position of influence in the early Church which no one seems to have disputed. In the mean time, his character was slowly forming. Fiery and impetuous, although reserved and retiring, it seemed in these first days scarcely probable that such a nature would ever deepen or ripen into that John who became the world-teacher of his Master's love. St. Luke here records two circumstances which suggested some of the Master's important teaching, in both of which John plays the prominent part. The question of John was evidently suggested by Jesus' words spoken in connection with his teaching respecting little ones. "Whosoever," said the Master, "shall receive this child in my Name." But John and others had just been sternly rebuking some one not of their company, who had been using, to some effect evidently, that same Master's Name, which possessed, as John saw, wondrous power. Had he and his friends been doing right in rebuking the comparative stranger for using a Name which Jesus, in his words just spoken, seemed to regard as the common property of kindly devout men? Meyer remarks here " that outside the company of disciples of Jesus there were, even then, men in whose hearts, his teaching and acts had evoked a higher and even a supernatural power. Certain sparks which had fallen here and there beyond the little circle of his own, kindled flames occasionally away from the central fire." Those who were ever close to the Master seemed to dread lest, if these were allowed unchecked to teach and to work in the Name, grave error might be disseminated. Some natural jealousy of these outsiders no doubt influenced men like John in their wish to confine the work in the limits of their own circle.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek “Master,”Ἐπιστάτα(Epistata)Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1988:Master, teacher, chief, commander. From epi and a presumed derivative of histemi; an appointee over, i.e. Commander.saidἈποκριθεὶς(Apokritheis)Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 611:From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.John,Ἰωάννης(Iōannēs)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491:Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.“we sawεἴδομέν(eidomen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 3708:Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.someoneτινα(tina)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100:Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.driving outἐκβάλλοντα(ekballonta)Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1544:To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.demonsδαιμόνια(daimonia)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1140:An evil-spirit, demon; a heathen deity. Neuter of a derivative of daimon; a d?Monic being; by extension a deity.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.Yourσου(sou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.name,ὀνόματί(onomati)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686:Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.we tried to stopἐκωλύομεν(ekōlyomen)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2967:To prevent, debar, hinder; with infin: from doing so and so. From the base of kolazo; to estop, i.e. Prevent.him,αὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.becauseὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.he does not accompanyἀκολουθεῖ(akolouthei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 190:To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.us.”ἡμῶν(hēmōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.
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NT Gospels: Luke 9:49 John answered Master we saw someone casting (Luke Lu Lk) |
