Luke 10:20 kjv
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Luke 10:20 nkjv
Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven."
Luke 10:20 niv
However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Luke 10:20 esv
Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Luke 10:20 nlt
But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven."
Luke 10 20 Cross References
Verse | Text | Reference |
---|---|---|
Rev 3:5 | He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name... | Names in Book of Life |
Phil 4:3 | ...whose names are in the Book of Life. | Fellow workers names in Book of Life |
Heb 12:23 | ...to the church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven... | Church members registered in heaven |
Dan 12:1 | ...and at that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book. | Salvation through names written in book |
Isa 4:3 | And it shall come to pass that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy—everyone who is recorded for life in Jerusalem. | Recorded for life |
Ps 69:28 | Let them be blotted out of the Book of the Living; Let them not be written with the righteous. | Names removed from book if not righteous |
Rev 13:8 | All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb... | Book of Life for the saved |
Rev 17:8 | ...whose names were not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world... | Book of Life pre-existence |
Rev 20:12 | And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged... | Book of Life used in judgment |
Rev 20:15 | And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. | Necessity of name in Book for salvation |
Rev 21:27 | But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. | Entry to New Jerusalem by names in book |
Eph 2:6 | and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. | Present heavenly position in Christ |
Col 3:1 | If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is... | Focus on heavenly things |
Matt 7:22-23 | Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord... and cast out demons in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you...’ | Warning against spiritual power without relationship |
Rom 14:17 | for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. | True kingdom joy is spiritual, not external |
Phil 3:20 | For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior... | Heavenly citizenship |
Gal 5:22 | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering... | Joy as a fruit of the Spirit |
1 Pet 1:8 | whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory... | Joy in believing, not outward power |
Jn 16:22 | Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. | Indestructible spiritual joy from Christ |
Lk 12:32 | Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. | Assurance of heavenly inheritance |
1 Cor 13:2 | And though I have the gift of prophecy... and have all faith... but have not love, I am nothing. | Superiority of love over spiritual gifts |
Lk 10:17 | Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” | Immediate context: disciples' joy in power |
Luke 10 verses
Luke 10 20 Meaning
Luke 10:20 redirects the disciples' joy from their miraculous power over demonic spirits to the far greater, eternal truth of their salvation and divine election. It highlights that the ultimate source of spiritual joy and security is not temporal authority or spiritual gifts, but rather one's personal relationship with God, evidenced by their names being recorded in His heavenly registry, signifying their citizenship in His eternal Kingdom.
Luke 10 20 Context
Luke chapter 10 recounts Jesus sending out the seventy (or seventy-two) disciples in pairs, giving them authority over unclean spirits and diseases. Their mission was to precede Him into every town and place He intended to visit, proclaiming that the kingdom of God was at hand. They returned with great joy, exhilarated by the success of their spiritual power, specifically exclaiming, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!" (Luke 10:17). Jesus affirms their power and even speaks of Satan falling like lightning (Luke 10:18), confirming the spiritual victory inherent in their mission. However, immediately after this affirmation, Jesus introduces a critical re-prioritization of their focus and source of joy in verse 20. He distinguishes between two kinds of joy, one temporary and related to ministerial power, and the other eternal and rooted in divine election. Historically and culturally, Jewish tradition understood the concept of a "Book of Life" where the righteous were inscribed, connecting it with divine record-keeping and ultimate destiny. Jesus refines this concept, grounding ultimate security and joy not in temporary displays of power, which can be thrilling but ultimately pass, but in their fixed and secure identity as God’s children whose names are irrevocably inscribed in heaven. This subtly contrasts with a focus on earthly power or renown.
Luke 10 20 Word analysis
- Nevertheless (Plēn, Πλήν): This Greek word serves as a strong adversative, introducing a contrasting or restrictive clause. It signals a shift in focus, indicating that while the previous statement (power over demons) is true, something more important is about to be said. It means "yet," "but," or "except that."
- Do not rejoice (Mē chairate, Μὴ χαίρετε): "Chairō" (χαίρω) means to be glad, to be well, to rejoice. The negative particle "mē" (μὴ) indicates a prohibition or dissuasion. Jesus isn't forbidding joy in their ministry's success entirely, but redirecting the primary source of their joy away from their achievements. It's a re-calibration of priorities for their ultimate gladness.
- That (hoti, ὅτι): Connects the reason for their joy.
- The spirits (ta pneumata, τὰ πνεύματα): Refers specifically to evil, demonic spirits that oppose God. In context, these were the spirits the disciples had successfully cast out.
- Are subject (hypotassetaι, ὑποτάσσεται): From "hypotassō" (ὑποτάσσω), meaning to put in order under, to subject, to subordinate. It denotes being under the authority or control of another. The disciples rejoiced because supernatural evil entities bowed to their command in Jesus' name.
- But rejoice rather (alla chairate mallon, ἀλλὰ χαίρετε μᾶλλον): "Alla" (ἀλλά) emphasizes the strong contrast, while "mallon" (μᾶλλον) means "rather," "more," or "more truly." It's a clear directive for where their greater joy should lie.
- Because (hoti, ὅτι): Again, introducing the reason.
- Your names (ta onomata hymōn, τὰ ὀνόματα ὑμῶν): In ancient cultures, a "name" (ὄνομα, onoma) was not merely an identifier but often signified character, reputation, or identity. Here, it signifies the individual identity and eternal standing of each disciple.
- Are written (gegraphtai, γέγραπται): From "graphō" (γράφω), meaning to write. The perfect passive tense signifies a completed action with an abiding result. It means "it stands written" or "it has been written and remains written." This implies a firm, secure, and established fact.
- In heaven (en tois ouranois, ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς): Literally "in the heavens," referring to God's dwelling place and the realm of divine authority and eternity. It contrasts with earthly realms where demonic power operates. The "Book of Life" concept (also implied here) is consistently located in heaven or before God's throne in biblical thought, signifying divine registry and secure election.
Words-group analysis
- "Nevertheless do not rejoice that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice rather...": This phrase serves as a pivot, re-centering the disciples' perspective. It is not an outright condemnation of joy in spiritual victory, which is legitimate. However, Jesus establishes a hierarchy of joys. Joy derived from ministerial power, though valid, is temporary and susceptible to spiritual pride. True and lasting joy comes from something deeper and more profound. It corrects any potential misdirection of spiritual emphasis, ensuring disciples prioritize eternal identity over temporal power.
- "because your names are written in heaven.": This is the crux of Jesus' re-prioritization. "Names written in heaven" directly references the concept of the Book of Life, found in various forms throughout both the Old and New Testaments. This signifies divine election, membership in God's eternal kingdom, and the security of salvation. Unlike transient power over demons, which even false prophets might possess (Mt 7:22-23), having one's name recorded in heaven is a sure and eternal mark of divine favor and ultimate belonging. This joy is not dependent on circumstances or success but on God's unwavering faithfulness and predestination.
Luke 10 20 Bonus section
The concept of names written in heaven or in a book is present in Jewish apocalyptic literature and even earlier in the Tanakh, signifying those who are set apart for salvation and a place in God's kingdom. Moses' plea in Exod 32:32, "Blot me out of Your book which You have written," clearly indicates the serious spiritual implications of one's name being on (or off) this divine register. Jesus' statement reinforces this deep theological idea within the new covenant, placing the ultimate security not in one's personal spiritual ability or miraculous acts, but in God's prior work and recognition. This verse also implicitly reminds believers that while God grants spiritual gifts and authority for the sake of the Kingdom, these are tools, not the ultimate prize. The true prize is Christ Himself and the eternal life and relationship He offers. The greatest miracle is not casting out a demon, but a lost soul being brought into God's eternal family and their name being written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
Luke 10 20 Commentary
Luke 10:20 provides a foundational principle for Christian discipleship, redirecting focus from external, demonstrable power to internal, secure spiritual standing. The disciples were rightfully thrilled by their success in exercising authority over evil, a profound testament to God's power working through them. However, Jesus understood the human tendency to draw significance and joy from impressive deeds rather than from identity in Christ. His corrective word here is a vital lesson against spiritual pride and misplaced priorities. True joy, authentic and everlasting, stems from knowing that one's ultimate destiny and citizenship are divinely secured. The fact that their names are "written in heaven" speaks to God's sovereign knowledge, election, and faithfulness. This reality of being eternally chosen and registered with God transcends all earthly achievements, spiritual gifts, or signs. It shifts the emphasis from what one does for God to what God has already irrevocably done for them in Christ, solidifying their inheritance in the kingdom of God. This joy cannot be taken away and serves as a bedrock for navigating both successes and challenges in ministry and life.