Luke 10 19

Luke 10:19 kjv

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Luke 10:19 nkjv

Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Luke 10:19 niv

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

Luke 10:19 esv

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.

Luke 10:19 nlt

Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.

Luke 10 verses

Luke 10 19 Meaning

Luke 10:19 proclaims that Jesus bestows upon His followers delegated divine authority to conquer and dominate over all the malevolent spiritual forces of the adversary. This profound authority is comprehensive, extending over symbolic "serpents and scorpions" which represent harmful demonic influences and destructive spiritual attacks, as well as over "all the power of the enemy" which signifies the complete might and raw ability of Satan and his dominion. Crucially, the verse guarantees absolute divine protection, assuring that no scheme or direct assault from the enemy will be able to cause lasting or spiritual harm to those operating within this Christ-given authority in His mission.

Luke 10 19 Context

Luke chapter 10 recounts Jesus sending out seventy-two (some manuscripts say seventy) disciples, two by two, into every town and place He was about to visit. Their mission was to proclaim the Kingdom of God, heal the sick, and cast out demons (vv. 1, 9). This dispatch was not merely a physical journey but a direct confrontation with the spiritual forces that held people captive. The verse immediately preceding Luke 10:19 (v. 18) records Jesus' profound statement upon the disciples' return: "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." Their joyous report that "even the demons are subject to us in Your name" (v. 17) prompted this response, indicating that their successful expulsion of demons was a direct manifestation of God's power breaking the devil's dominion. Thus, Luke 10:19 serves as an affirmation and clarification of the source and extent of the authority Jesus grants, linking their triumphs directly to His overarching victory over Satan and assuring their spiritual immunity in the ongoing spiritual battle as they continue His mission.

Luke 10 19 Word analysis

• Behold (ἰδοὺ - idou): An interjection used to draw attention to something remarkable, significant, or new. It emphasizes the importance and divine origin of the following declaration.
• I give you (δέδωκα ὑμῖν - dedoka hymin): The verb is in the perfect active indicative, implying a completed action in the past with continuing results into the present. Jesus personally, irrevocably, and perpetually bestows this authority upon them.
• authority (ἐξουσίαν - exousian): This is not raw strength (dynamis), but a delegated right, warrant, or legitimate power. It is power to act with rightful authorization. It stems from Christ's supreme authority (Mt 28:18). This authority is divine in origin and therefore transcends human capabilities.
• to trample (πατεῖν - patein): Literally, to tread down, to crush underfoot. Metaphorically, it signifies subjugation, mastery, and complete victory over an enemy or a hostile force. This imagery recalls ancient victory customs where conquerors literally stepped on their defeated foes.
• on serpents (ὄφεις - opheis): While referring to literal venomous snakes, in biblical symbology, serpents often represent evil, deception (Gen 3), and demonic powers (Rev 12:9). This points to the cunning and destructive nature of spiritual opposition.
• and scorpions (σκορπίους - skorpious): Also literal venomous creatures, scorpions symbolize painful, sudden, and dangerous affliction. In Revelation 9:3, 5, 10, they are explicitly linked with torment and destructive spiritual power. This highlights the capacity of evil forces to inflict harm.
• and over all (ἐπὶ πᾶσαν - epi pasan): Indicates a comprehensive, encompassing dominion. This authority extends broadly.
• the power (δύναμιν - dynamin): Here, dynamis refers to the inherent strength, raw might, or force wielded by the adversary. The contrast with exousia is key: believers are given authority (rightful power) over the raw power (might) of the enemy.
• of the enemy (τοῦ ἐχθροῦ - tou echthrou): The definite article "the" points to a specific adversary. In the immediate context of Satan's fall (Lk 10:18) and the disciples' previous success over demons (Lk 10:17), this unequivocally refers to Satan, the devil, and his demonic forces.
• and nothing (οὐδὲν - ouden): An emphatic negative, meaning absolutely no thing, no attack, no scheme.
• shall by any means hurt you (οὐ μὴ ἀδικήσῃ ὑμᾶς - ou mē adikēsē hymas): A strong double negative in Greek, forming a virtually unbreakable prohibition. Adikeō means to harm, injure, wrong, or cause damage. This guarantees absolute immunity from spiritual harm or permanent defeat by the enemy within the scope of their divine commission. This is a promise of spiritual and effectual preservation, not necessarily physical invulnerability to all of life's challenges.

Words-group analysis

• "I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions": This phrase details the specific domains of the delegated authority. "Trample" signifies absolute victory and mastery, showing that believers are not merely to resist but to conquer and subdue demonic forces and their manifestations. The "serpents and scorpions" symbolize all forms of spiritual danger, including the deceptive and tormenting aspects of evil. This represents direct power over malicious entities.
• "and over all the power of the enemy": This expands the scope beyond specific manifestations to the entire strength and might of the adversary, Satan himself, and his entire kingdom of darkness. It indicates comprehensive dominance not just over individual attacks, but over the very operational capability and might of evil. This broad authority confirms that no aspect of the enemy's strength is outside the Christ-given power of the believer.
• "and nothing shall by any means hurt you": This serves as a divine guarantee of invincibility against the enemy's destructive intent. The strong double negative ("nothing shall by no means...") ensures that the enemy cannot inflict lasting or spiritual damage, or thwart the ultimate divine purpose of the believer's ministry. This protection applies specifically to spiritual warfare and the carrying out of God's will, ensuring that their work will not be fundamentally undone or their spiritual lives compromised by the foe. It signifies effective protection from the spiritual counterattacks that might arise from such powerful opposition.

Luke 10 19 Bonus section

This grant of authority is not an inherent right of human beings, but a privilege rooted in Christ's atonement and victory. It is crucial to understand that this authority is not for personal manipulation, self-aggrandizement, or impulsive exhibition, but is specifically granted within the context of fulfilling the Kingdom mission – proclaiming the Gospel, healing, and demonstrating the power of God. The protection promised is especially against the counter-attacks from the defeated enemy arising from engagement in spiritual warfare. Historically, in a world rife with fears of spirits, sorcery, and curses, this statement offered immense reassurance and empowerment to early Christians, contrasting dramatically with contemporary pagan beliefs about unpredictable spiritual forces by establishing a clear hierarchy where Christ and His followers were supreme. The "trampling" imagery aligns with the concept of crushing evil underfoot, a theme consistently present from Gen 3:15 to Rom 16:20. It's a testament to the believer's active role in extending Christ's kingdom through shared triumph.

Luke 10 19 Commentary

Luke 10:19 is a cornerstone declaration of Christ-delegated authority for His followers, extending beyond the initial 72 disciples to all who believe and engage in His mission. It articulates the believer's right to dominate over the spiritual realm, particularly Satan's influence and demonic forces. This authority is not self-generated but is derived from Jesus Himself, who has already defeated Satan (Luke 10:18). "Serpents and scorpions" represent the insidious and painful aspects of evil, symbolizing both specific demonic entities and broader spiritual attacks. "All the power of the enemy" indicates a comprehensive victory over the adversary's entire operational strength.

The promise that "nothing shall by any means hurt you" reassures believers of divine protection, ensuring that the enemy cannot spiritually defeat them or thwart God's ultimate purpose in their lives and ministries. This promise of invulnerability refers to the effectiveness and safety within spiritual warfare, not necessarily a blanket immunity from physical suffering or worldly troubles (as exemplified by the sufferings of apostles). It underscores that while the enemy may attempt to afflict or obstruct, their efforts will ultimately be rendered harmless and unable to fundamentally derail those serving Christ in His delegated power. The core message is confidence in Christ's victory and the subsequent empowerment of His disciples for victorious living and ministry in a world opposed by spiritual darkness.

Examples for practical usage:

• Praying against spiritual oppression or addiction, exercising authority over the forces behind them.
• Facing opposition in sharing the Gospel, knowing the enemy cannot truly stop God's work.
• Experiencing spiritual attacks in dreams or thoughts, standing firm in Christ's protection.