Mark 9:38
New International Version
“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”

New Living Translation
John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.”

English Standard Version
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.”

Berean Standard Bible
John 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.”

Berean Literal Bible
John answered Him, "Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we were forbidding him, because he was not following us."

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.”

New American Standard Bible
John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.”

NASB 1995
John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.”

NASB 1977
John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to hinder him because he was not following us.”

Legacy Standard Bible
John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to hinder him because he was not following us.”

Amplified Bible
John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him because he was not accompanying us [as Your disciple].”

Christian Standard Bible
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.”

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

Contemporary English Version
John said, "Teacher, we saw a man using your name to force demons out of people. But he wasn't one of us, and we told him to stop."

English Revised Version
John said unto him, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name: and we forbade him, because he followed not us.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
John said to Jesus, "Teacher, 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 Translation
John said to him, "Teacher, we saw a man who was driving out demons in your name, and we told him to stop, because he doesn't belong to our group."

International Standard Version
John told Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name. We tried to stop him, because he wasn't a follower like us."

Majority Standard Bible
John said to Him, ?Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow you driving out demons in Your name, and we forbade him, because he does not accompany us.?

NET Bible
John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he was not following us."

New Heart English Bible
John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name; and we forbade him, because he was not following us."

Webster's Bible Translation
And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name, and he followeth not us; and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

Weymouth New Testament
"Rabbi," said John to Him, "we saw a man making use of your name to expel demons, and we tried to hinder him, on the ground that he did not follow us."

World English Bible
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone who doesn’t follow us casting out demons in your name; and we forbade him, because he doesn’t follow us.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw a certain one casting out demons in Your Name, who does not follow us, and we forbade him, because he does not follow us.”

Berean Literal Bible
John answered Him, "Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we were forbidding him, because he was not following us."

Young's Literal Translation
And 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.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And John answered him, saying, Teacher, we saw a certain one casting out demons in thy name, who follows not us: and we checked him, for he follows not us.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
John answered him, saying: Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, who followeth not us, and we forbade him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
John responded to him by saying, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name; he does not follow us, and so we prohibited him.”

New American Bible
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.”

New Revised Standard Version
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
John said to him, Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in your name; and we forbade him, because he did not follow us.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Yohannan said to him, “Rabbi, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him because he did not go out with us.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And John answered him and said: Teacher, we saw one casting out demons in thy name, and he does not follow us: and we forbade him, because he does not follow us.

Godbey New Testament
And John responded to Him saying, Teacher, we saw one casting out demons in Thy name, who does not follow us; and we forbade him, because he does not follow us.

Haweis New Testament
Then John addressed him, saying, Master, we saw a person in thy name casting out devils, who followeth us not: and we forbad him, because he did not follow us.

Mace New Testament
Upon this occasion John address'd himself to Jesus, saying, master, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, tho' he did not belong to us, for which reason we opposed him.

Weymouth New Testament
"Rabbi," said John to Him, "we saw a man making use of your name to expel demons, and we tried to hinder him, on the ground that he did not follow us."

Worrell New Testament
John said to Him, "Teacher, we saw one casting out demons in Thy name; and we forbade him, because he was not following us."

Worsley New Testament
But John answered Him and said, Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name, who doth not follow us; and we forbade him, because he followeth not us.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Miracles in Jesus' Name
37“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes not only Me, but the One who sent Me.” 38 John 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.” 39“Do not stop him,” Jesus replied. “For no one who performs a miracle in My name can turn around and speak evil of Me.…

Cross References
Luke 9:49-50
“Master,” said John, “we saw someone 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 whoever is not against you is for you.”

Matthew 7:22-23
Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’

Numbers 11:26-29
Two 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!” ...

1 Corinthians 12:3
Therefore 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 19:13-16
Now 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?” ...

Philippians 1:15-18
It 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 4:1-3
Beloved, 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.

John 3:27
John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.

1 Corinthians 3:5-9
What 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 14:4
Who 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 Corinthians 12:4-6
There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. / There are different ministries, but the same Lord. / There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people.

Matthew 12:30
He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.

John 10:12-13
The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep.

Acts 4:30
as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”

1 Samuel 10:10-13
When 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?” ...


Treasury of Scripture

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name, and he follows not us: and we forbade him, because he follows not us.

Master.

Numbers 11:26-29
But there remained two of the 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 went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp…

Luke 9:49,50
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…

Luke 11:19
And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.

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Mark 9
1. Jesus is transfigured.
11. He instructs his disciples concerning the coming of Elijah;
14. casts forth a deaf and mute spirit;
30. foretells his death and resurrection;
33. exhorts his disciples to humility;
38. bidding them not to prohibit such as are not against them,
42. nor to give offense to any of the faithful.














John said to Him
The mention of "John" here refers to John the Apostle, one of Jesus' closest disciples. The Greek name "Ἰωάννης" (Iōannēs) is derived from the Hebrew "Yohanan," meaning "Yahweh is gracious." This introduction sets the stage for a personal and direct interaction with Jesus, highlighting the close relationship and the trust John had in approaching Jesus with concerns. Historically, John is known for his deep spiritual insights and his role in the early church, which adds weight to his observations and questions.

Teacher
The term "Teacher" is translated from the Greek "Διδάσκαλε" (Didaskale), a title of respect and recognition of authority. In the Jewish context, a teacher or rabbi was someone who imparted wisdom and understanding of the Scriptures. By addressing Jesus as "Teacher," John acknowledges His authority and the respect the disciples have for His teachings. This reflects the disciples' recognition of Jesus' role as a spiritual leader and guide.

we saw someone else
The phrase "we saw someone else" indicates an observation made by the disciples. The Greek word for "saw" is "εἴδομεν" (eidomen), which implies a careful observation or witnessing. This suggests that the disciples were attentive to the activities around them, particularly those related to the ministry of Jesus. The mention of "someone else" highlights the exclusivity the disciples felt regarding their group and their mission.

driving out demons
The act of "driving out demons" is significant in the context of Jesus' ministry. The Greek word "ἐκβάλλοντα" (ekballonta) means to cast out or expel. This was a powerful sign of divine authority and was a central aspect of Jesus' work, demonstrating the breaking of Satan's hold over individuals. The ability to cast out demons in Jesus' name was a testament to the power and authority of Jesus, even when performed by those outside the immediate circle of disciples.

in Your name
The phrase "in Your name" signifies the authority and power associated with Jesus. In the ancient world, a name was more than just a label; it represented the essence and authority of a person. The Greek "ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου" (en tō onomati sou) indicates that the person was invoking Jesus' authority to perform the exorcism. This underscores the belief in the power of Jesus' name and the recognition of His divine authority.

and we tried to stop him
The disciples' reaction, "we tried to stop him," reveals their initial misunderstanding of the inclusivity of Jesus' mission. The Greek "ἐκωλύομεν" (ekolyomen) means to hinder or prevent. This reflects a human tendency to control or limit the work of God to familiar or sanctioned channels. The disciples' attempt to stop the man shows their struggle with understanding the broader scope of Jesus' mission beyond their immediate group.

because he does not accompany us
The reason given, "because he does not accompany us," highlights the disciples' sense of exclusivity and ownership over the ministry of Jesus. The Greek "οὐκ ἀκολουθεῖ ἡμῖν" (ouk akolouthei hēmin) suggests a lack of physical following or association. This reflects a common human inclination to form in-groups and out-groups, often leading to division. The disciples' concern was rooted in a misunderstanding of the inclusive nature of Jesus' mission, which transcends human boundaries and affiliations.

(38) And John answered him.--The incident that follows, omitted by St. Matthew, is recorded by St. Luke in the same connection. It indicates something of the same zeal as that which desired that fire might come from heaven to consume the Samaritans who refused to receive our Lord (Luke 9:52). The words were so far an "answer" to what our Lord had said, that they were suggested by it. The disciple desired to show, as in self-vindication, that he not only "received" his Master, but that he was unwilling to "receive" any who did not openly follow Him as a disciple. The fact of which he speaks is significant historically as indicating that one of the effects of our Lord's work had been to stir up and quicken the spiritual powers of men outside the range of the company of disciples that gathered round Him. They believed in Him, or they would not have used His Name. They were fellow-workers with Him, for they were seeking to rescue the souls of men from frenzy and despair. Their faith was effective, for, as the narrative implies, they not only claimed the power to cast out demons, but did cast them out. The case stood, it is obvious, on an entirely different footing from that of the sons of Sceva, in Acts 19:13-14, which at first sight seems to resemble it.

Verse 38. - This verse, according to the best authorities, should begin simply, John said unto him - although in St. Luke (Luke 9:49) they stand, "And John answered and said" - Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name: and we forbade him, because he followed not us. The casting out of evil spirits was one of the foremost signs of apostleship; and what surprised St. John was that one who followed not Christ should have been able to work this miracle - a miracle in which, it will be remembered, the disciples had recently failed. It thus appears that our Lord's teaching had been so influential, that some, not reckoned amongst his disciples, had shown this proof of a strong and overpowering faith. We know that there were those in our Savior's time, of Jewish race, who cast out devils (Matthew 12:27). And Justin Martyr, in his 'Dialogue with Trypho the Jew,' states that while exorcism, as practiced by the Jews, often failed when it was attempted to be exercised "by the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," was eminently successful when administered "by the name of the Son of God, who was born of a virgin and crucified under Pontius Pilate" (c. 85). That spirit has power over spirit in many mysterious ways is one of those truths which science has not yet been able to explain (see Dr. Morison on St. Mark, in loc.). To return, however, to the instance here alluded to by St. John, it should be observed that they who acted thus had faith in Christ; and that by thus acting with him and for him, though not amongst his recognized followers, they contributed towards his honor who, by means of these imperfect instruments, carried out the great purpose of his manifestation, namely," to destroy the works of the devil." Then further, the disciples forbade them not out of envy or hatred, but out of zeal for Christ, as though they were thus serving his cause and upholding his honor. But this was" a zeal, not according to knowledge." They had forbidden them, without having first taken counsel of their Master.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
John
Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491: Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.

said
Ἔφη (Ephē)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5346: To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say.

to Him,
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 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.

“Teacher,
Διδάσκαλε (Didaskale)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1320: A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.

we saw
εἴδομέν (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.

someone
τινα (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.

else
ὃς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

driving out
ἐκβάλλοντα (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.

demons
δαιμόνια (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.

in
ἐν (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.

Your
σου (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'.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

we tried to stop
ἐκωλύομεν (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,
αὐτόν (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.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

he does not accompany
ἠκολούθει (ēkolouthei)
Verb - Imperfect 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.”
ἡμῖν (hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 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: Mark 9:38 John said to him Teacher we saw (Mar Mk Mr)
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