Luke 10:17

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

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}.

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

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

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

This verse records the joyful return of the seventy disciples whom Jesus had sent out on a specific mission. They express astonishment and joy that even evil spirits were subject to them through the authority of Jesus' name.

Context

Immediately prior to this verse, Jesus had sent out seventy disciples two by two into the towns He planned to visit. Their mission included healing the sick and proclaiming that the kingdom of God was near. This verse marks their return, filled with excitement over the power they had experienced in their ministry.

Key Themes

  • Authority Over Evil: The disciples were amazed that "even the devils are subject unto us." This highlights the superior power of God, working through His servants, over the forces of darkness.
  • The Power of Jesus' Name: The crucial phrase is "through thy name." The disciples understood that the authority and power did not originate with them, but resided entirely in Jesus Christ and was exercised through calling upon His name.
  • Joy in Ministry: The overriding emotion of the returning seventy was "joy." This joy stemmed from witnessing God's power at work and seeing the forces of evil defeated.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "devils" here is daimonia (δαιμόνια) in the Greek, referring to demons or evil spirits, not the devil himself (diabolos). The phrase "through thy name" (ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου - en tō onomati sou) signifies acting by Jesus' authority, representing Him, and relying on His power and character. It's not a magical formula, but a declaration of dependence on Christ's person and power.

Reflection and Application

This verse reminds believers today that the authority to stand against spiritual forces of wickedness comes solely through Jesus Christ. Our power in ministry, prayer, and resisting temptation is not our own, but is found through His mighty name. Like the seventy, we can find great joy in seeing God work through us and in knowing that His power is greater than any opposition we face. While the specific commission to the seventy was unique, the principle that Christ's authority is the source of spiritual victory remains central to the Christian life.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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