Luke 10:17

KJV

¶ And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the seventy {G1440} returned again {G5290} with {G3326} joy {G5479}, saying {G3004}, Lord {G2962}, even {G2532} the devils {G1140} are subject {G5293} unto us {G2254} through {G1722} thy {G4675} name {G3686}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The seventy came back jubilant. “Lord,” they said, “with your power, even the demons submit to us!”

Berean Standard Bible

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.”

American Standard Version

And the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject unto us in thy name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 10:17 records the triumphant return of the seventy disciples whom Jesus had commissioned for a specific evangelistic and healing mission. Filled with profound joy, they report to Jesus their astonishment and delight that, even the demonic forces, had submitted to their authority, acknowledging that this power was exercised solely "through thy name," recognizing Jesus as the ultimate source of their miraculous capabilities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culmination of the mission of the seventy disciples, detailed at the beginning of [Luke 10](/luke/10 "Luke 10 - The Mission of the Seventy"). Jesus had sent them out "two by two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come" ([Luke 10:1](/luke/10-1 "Luke 10:1 - Jesus Sends Out the Seventy")). Their instructions were precise: to heal the sick, proclaim the nearness of the kingdom of God, and pronounce peace or judgment upon households. The narrative immediately preceding this verse describes their commissioning and the warnings Jesus gave them about potential rejection, emphasizing that their authority was derived from Him. Their joyful return in [Luke 10:17](/luke/10-17 "Luke 10:17 - The Return of the Seventy") directly follows these instructions, providing the first report of their experiences and the surprising extent of the power they wielded.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of spiritual warfare and the reality of demonic influence were well-established. Exorcism was practiced, though often with limited or inconsistent success by Jewish exorcists, as seen in [Acts 19:13-16](/acts/19-13-16 "Acts 19:13-16 - The Sons of Sceva"). The authority to cast out demons was a significant sign of divine power and the inauguration of God's kingdom. Furthermore, the sending out of emissaries (apostles or disciples) was a common practice, where the representative acted with the full authority of the one who sent them. The phrase "in the name of" (or "through thy name") was not a magical incantation but denoted acting by the authority, character, and power of the person named. For the disciples to experience such immediate and widespread submission of "devils" was a profound validation of Jesus' unique authority and their delegated power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **supremacy of Jesus' authority** over all creation, including spiritual forces of evil. The disciples' astonishment highlights that this was not their inherent power but a delegated authority from Christ. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of the **inbreaking of the Kingdom of God**. The subjugation of demons was a clear sign that God's reign was actively confronting and overcoming the dominion of darkness, fulfilling prophecies of a new era. Thirdly, the "joy" expressed by the disciples emphasizes the **delight and affirmation found in participating in God's mission**. Their experience validates the effectiveness of faithful obedience and the tangible reality of divine power at work through ordinary people. This joy is a recurring motif in Luke, often associated with the presence and work of the Holy Spirit, as seen in [Luke 1:14](/luke/1-14 "Luke 1:14 - Joy at John's Birth") and [Luke 2:10](/luke/2-10 "Luke 2:10 - Good News of Great Joy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **seventy (Greek, _hebdomḗkonta'_):** This word refers to the specific number of disciples Jesus sent out. The number seventy holds symbolic significance in various biblical contexts, often representing the nations of the world (e.g., the table of nations in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations")) or the elders of Israel (e.g., [Exodus 24:1](/exodus/24-1 "Exodus 24:1 - Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and Seventy Elders")). While not explicitly stated as such, the sending of seventy may subtly foreshadow the universal scope of the gospel message beyond Israel.
* **devils (Greek, _daimónion'_):** This term specifically denotes demonic beings or evil spirits, distinct from "the Devil" (Greek, _diabolos_). The disciples' report emphasizes that these malevolent spiritual entities, which cause affliction and oppose God's will, were subject to them. This highlights the real and active presence of spiritual evil in the world and the direct confrontation of Jesus' kingdom with these forces.
* **name (Greek, _ónoma'_):** In ancient thought, a "name" encompassed the person's character, authority, reputation, and very essence. To act "through thy name" means to act by Jesus' authority, representing Him, relying on His power, and invoking His very person. It signifies that the power did not reside in the disciples themselves but was entirely derived from and dependent on Jesus Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the seventy returned again with joy":** This clause describes the disciples' successful completion of their mission and their emotional state upon returning to Jesus. Their "joy" (Greek, _chará_) is a profound, overflowing delight, stemming from witnessing God's power at work through them. This joy is not merely happiness but a deep spiritual gladness that often accompanies the experience of God's kingdom.
* **"saying, Lord":** This phrase indicates their address to Jesus, acknowledging His authority and position as "Lord" (Greek, _kýrios_). Their report is directed to Him, recognizing Him as the one who sent them and the ultimate source of their power. This address underscores their continued submission and reverence for Him.
* **"even the devils are subject unto us through thy name":** This is the core of their report, expressing their astonishment and the remarkable outcome of their mission. The phrase "even the devils" (Greek, _kai ta daimónia_) highlights the unexpected and overwhelming nature of their authority over such formidable spiritual adversaries. The term "subject" (Greek, _hypotássō_) implies a military-like submission, indicating that the demons were compelled to obey their commands. Crucially, the phrase "through thy name" (Greek, _en tō onomati sou_) clarifies the source of this power. It was not their inherent ability or spiritual prowess, but the authority, character, and power of Jesus Himself, which they wielded as His representatives.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Emphasis** is placed on the disciples' "joy," which sets the emotional tone for their report and highlights the positive outcome of their mission. The phrase "even the devils" uses **Hyperbole** or at least strong emphasis to convey their astonishment; while they were given authority to heal and preach, the direct subjugation of demons was perhaps beyond their initial expectations, making their experience particularly remarkable. The central device is **Symbolism**, particularly in the phrase "through thy name." The "name" of Jesus is not merely a label but a powerful symbol representing His divine authority, character, and power. This phrase encapsulates the theological truth that all spiritual authority and victory over evil derive from Christ alone.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 10:17 provides a profound theological insight into the nature of spiritual authority and the ongoing conflict between God's kingdom and the forces of darkness. It unequivocally establishes Jesus Christ as the supreme authority over all creation, including the spiritual realm. The disciples' experience demonstrates that this authority can be delegated to His followers, enabling them to participate in His mission of confronting and overcoming evil. This passage foreshadows the broader victory of Christ over sin, death, and the devil, asserting that the powers of darkness are ultimately subservient to Him. It underscores that true spiritual power is not self-generated but flows from a complete reliance on and identification with Jesus.

* [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Exaltation of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The joyful return of the seventy disciples serves as a powerful reminder for believers today that our authority in spiritual matters is not self-derived but is entirely dependent on Jesus Christ. Like them, we are called to participate in God's mission, whether it's sharing the Gospel, serving others, or standing against spiritual opposition. When we encounter challenges or witness God's power at work, our response should mirror the disciples' "joy," recognizing that it is God, not us, who accomplishes the impossible. This verse encourages us to boldly exercise the authority given to us in Christ, remembering that even the most formidable spiritual adversaries are subject to His name. It also calls us to humility, ensuring that our focus remains on Jesus as the source of all power and not on our own abilities or accomplishments. Our joy should be rooted in His victory, not merely in our experiences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the disciples' "joy" teach us about our own emotional responses to God's work in and through us?**
* **How does understanding that authority comes "through thy name" impact your approach to spiritual warfare, prayer, and evangelism?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to more fully rely on Christ's authority to overcome spiritual opposition or personal struggles?**

### FAQ
**Who were "the seventy" and what was their significance?**

Answer: "The seventy" (or seventy-two in some manuscripts) were a larger group of disciples, distinct from the twelve apostles, whom Jesus specifically commissioned and sent out ahead of Him to prepare the way for His arrival in various towns and villages ([Luke 10:1](/luke/10-1 "Luke 10:1 - Jesus Sends Out the Seventy")). Their significance lies in demonstrating that Jesus' mission was not limited to the inner circle of the twelve, but extended to a broader group of followers, foreshadowing the universal reach of the gospel. Their mission also showcased the delegated authority Jesus bestowed upon His disciples to preach, heal, and cast out demons, confirming the inbreaking of the Kingdom of God.

**What does it mean for "devils" to be "subject unto us through thy name"?**

Answer: This phrase means that demonic forces were compelled to obey the commands of the disciples, not because of any inherent power in the disciples themselves, but solely through the authority and power of Jesus Christ. "Through thy name" signifies acting by Jesus' delegated authority, representing His character, and relying on His divine power. It underscores that the victory over evil is Christ's alone, and believers participate in that victory by His commission and empowerment. This concept is foundational to understanding spiritual authority in the New Testament, where believers are called to stand firm against evil, knowing that Christ has already triumphed ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 10:17 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the absolute and unchallenged sovereignty of Jesus over all powers and principalities. The disciples' delegated authority to cast out demons, and their joyful report of the devils' submission, serves as a powerful foretaste of Christ's complete triumph over the forces of darkness through His death, resurrection, and ascension. While the seventy experienced a temporary, localized victory, Jesus' work on the cross decisively "disarmed the powers and authorities" and "made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-25 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). His resurrection confirms His victory over death and the one who holds the power of death, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Defeat of the Devil")). The joy of the seventy anticipates the greater joy of the Church, which, empowered by the Holy Spirit, continues to proclaim the gospel and witness the defeat of evil, all "in the name of Jesus" ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). This verse ultimately points to Jesus as the conquering King, whose kingdom is actively dismantling the dominion of darkness, and whose followers are privileged to participate in His ongoing mission, relying entirely on His supreme and eternal authority.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 16:20

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.

Mark 16:17

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Luke 9:1

¶ Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

Luke 10:1

¶ After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

Luke 10:9

And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.